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Catastrophic Fermi surface reconstruction in the shape-memory alloy AuZn
P A Goddard1, J Singleton, R D McDonald
1National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS-E536, Los Alamos, NM 87544, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|May 21, 2005
Summary
Gold-zinc (AuZn) exhibits a shape-memory transition at 67 K, causing a Fermi surface reconstruction. This suggests intrinsic phase separation and reveals microstructural influences on the shape-memory effect.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- The gold-zinc (AuZn) alloy is known to exhibit shape-memory properties.
- Understanding the electronic structure changes during phase transitions is crucial for materials design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electronic structure of AuZn during its shape-memory transition.
- To elucidate the relationship between Fermi surface topology, phase separation, and microstructure.
Main Methods:
- De Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effect measurements up to 100 K.
- Quantum oscillation spectrum analysis.
- Dingle analysis to probe scattering mechanisms.
Main Results:
- A shape-memory transition was observed in AuZn at 67 K.
- The de Haas-van Alphen effect persisted above the transition, revealing a Fermi surface reconstruction.
- Evidence for intrinsic phase separation and a change in scattering mechanisms linked to microstructure was found.
Conclusions:
- The shape-memory transition in AuZn is accompanied by a significant Fermi surface reconstruction.
- Intrinsic phase separation and microstructural effects play a key role in the observed phenomena.
- The study provides insights into the interplay between electronic structure and macroscopic properties in shape-memory alloys.