Anisotropic thermal expansion and magnetostriction of YNi$_2$B$_2$C single crystals

TL;DR

This study investigates the anisotropic thermal expansion and magnetostriction of YNi₂B₂C single crystals, revealing quantum oscillations and irreversible magnetostriction effects, and evaluates uniaxial pressure dependencies of the superconducting transition temperature.

Contribution

It provides new experimental data on anisotropic thermal and magnetostrictive properties of YNi₂B₂C, including quantum oscillations and pressure effects, using high-quality single crystals.

Findings

Quantum oscillations of magnetostriction observed below 0.7 Hc2.

Large irreversible magnetostriction in the superconducting state.

Anisotropic uniaxial pressure dependencies of Tc determined.

Abstract

We present results of anisotropic thermal expansion and low temperature magnetostriction measurements on YNi$_2$B$_2$C single crystals grown by high temperature flux and floating zone techniques. Quantum oscillations of magnetostriction were observed at low temperatures for $H \| c$ starting at fields significantly below $H_{c2}$ ($H < 0.7 H_{c2}$). Large irreversible, longitudinal magnetostriction was seen in both, in-plane and along the c-axis, directions of the applied magnetic field in the intermediate superconducting state. Anisotropic uniaxial pressure dependencies of $T_c$ were evaluated using results of zero field, thermal expansion measurements.