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Study of coexistence of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in single-crystal ErRh/sub 4/B/sub 4/

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6481435

Neutron diffraction and resistivity measurements on single crystals of ErRh/sub 4/B/sub 4/ have revealed that both superconductivity and ferromagnetic order coexist in this material between 0.71 and 1.2/sup 0/K. In this intermediate phase, a linear polarized modulated structure with a wavelength of approximately 100 A is observed. The modulated moment increases faster than the ferromagnetic moment down to 0.71 K and then disappears suddenly, with loss of superconductivity and a transition to a normal ferromagnetic state. This transition is accompanied by temperature hysteresis of about 60 mK. The same hysteresis, in the inverse sense, is exhibited by the ferromagnetic component. We interpret the intermediate phase as being one of coexisting normal ferromagnetic domains and superconducting sinusoidally ordered domains. Evidence of a small percentage of small ferromagnetic regions of size approx. 100 A is also seen in both the intermediate and ferromagnetic phases. 3 figures.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA); Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6481435
Report Number(s):
CONF-810809-32; ON: DE83008507
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English