Abstract

We describe an alternating current method for the measurement of the longitudinal (Sxx) and transverse (Sxy, i.e., Nernst) thermopower of millimeter-size crystal samples at low temperatures (T<1 K) and high magnetic fields (B∼30 T). A low-frequency (33 mHz) heating method is used to increase the resolution and to determine the temperature gradient reliably in high magnetic fields. Samples are mounted between two thermal blocks which are heated by a sinusoidal frequency f0 with a π/2 phase difference. The phase difference between two heater currents gives a temperature gradient at 2f0. The corresponding thermopower and Nernst effect signals are extracted by using a digital signal processing method due to the low frequency of the measurement. An important component of the method involves a superconducting link, YBa2Cu3O7+δ, which is mounted in parallel with sample to remove the background magnetothermopower of the lead wires. The method is demonstrated for the quasi-two-dimensional organic conductor α-(BEDT–TTF)2KHg(SCN)4, which exhibits a complex, magnetic field dependent ground state above 22.5 T at low temperatures.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.