Abstract
Using a heat-pulse and a relaxation technique, we have performed an extensive calorimetric investigation on the reentrant superconductors Er1−xHoxRh4B4 (x=0.4 and 0.6) around their lower critical temperature. These experiments revealed a supercooling effect and thermal hysteresis, thus establishing the first-order nature of the transition. Based on the measurement of the latent heat, our thermodynamic analysis suggests that the onset of ferromagnetism is lowered by only 55 mK due to the competing superconducting phase. Results of magnetization and ac susceptibility experiments on these compounds are also included.
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This research was supported by the Fonds National Suisse de la Recherche Scientifique.
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Lachal, B., Ishikawa, M., Junod, A. et al. Direct evidence for the first-order phase transition at the lower critical temperature in Er1−x Ho x Rh4B4 . J Low Temp Phys 46, 467–477 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00683911
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00683911