Finite size effect in the specific heat of YBa2Cu3O7-delta

TL;DR

This paper investigates the finite size effects in the specific heat measurements of YBa2Cu3O7-delta, demonstrating the importance of considering these effects for accurate critical property analysis and confirming 3D-XY critical behavior.

Contribution

The study provides high-precision calorimetric data analysis showing finite size effects are essential for interpreting phase transition properties in YBa2Cu3O7-delta.

Findings

Finite size effects significantly influence specific heat data.

No contradiction to second order phase transition is found.

Results are consistent with 3D-XY critical behavior.

Abstract

We analyze high precision, high resolution microcalorimetric specific heat data of detwinned YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) single crystals. It is shown that a finite size effect must be taken into account when attempting to extract critical properties. Contrary to previous claims, there is no contradiction to a regular second order phase transition. Consistency with 3D-XY critical behavior is demonstrated.