Structural Phase Transitions and Specific Heat Anomalies

Abstract

Precise measurements of the excess specific heat associated with structural phase transitions lead to determinations of the temperature evolution of thermodynamic order parameters. Experimental results are discussed within the scope of Landau-Ginzburg theory. The limitations of this theory are described, together with a survey of possible experimental methods for verifying the scaling relations based on specific heat measurements. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of possible influence of defects and secondary order parameters on the phase transition.