Observation of a Continuous Phase Transition in a Shape-Memory Alloy

摘要: Elastic neutron-scattering, inelastic x-ray scattering, specific-heat, and pressure-dependent electrical transport measurements have been made on single crystals of AuZn Au{sub 0.52}Zn{sub 0.48}. neutron scattering detects new commensurate Bragg peaks (modulation) appearing at Q=(1.33,0.67,0) temperatures corresponding to each sample's transition temperature (T{sub M}=64 45 K, respectively). Although the appear in a discontinuous manner 0.48} sample, they continuous AuZn. Surprising us, dependence peak intensity specific-heat jump near T{sub M} are favorable accord with transition. A fit pressure suggests presence critical end point phase diagram located M}*=2.7 K p*=3.1 GPa.