Irreversible magnetovolume effect in Nd7Rh3 single crystal

Abstract: Magnetovolume effect in Nd7Rh3 single crystal has been studied by measuring the magnetostriction as a function of external magnetic field at 4.2K. An irreversible magnetovolume effect having a negative remanent volume magnetostriction was observed when the external magnetic field was applied along the b-axis. The irreversible magnetostrictive effect takes place in the longitudinal magnetostriction along the b-axis. The remanent magnetostriction along the b-axis relaxes after removing external magnetic field for several hours and equilibrium state is stabilized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]