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Low temperature measurement of TbVO4 with a closed cycle helium cryostat and a Stadi P
Phase transitions at low temperatures are of high interest for understanding material-property relationships. For example, superconductors have to be analyzed below their critical temperature. The closed cycle helium cryostat manufactured by Advanced Research Systems has been adapted to a STOE Stadi P. It allows analyzing samples down to 5.5 K in reflection mode with X-ray diffraction methods. The structural phase transition of TbVO4 at about 32 K has been known for quite some time and is used as reference in low temperature diffraction experiments. The lowtemperature phase is orthorhombic, the respective crystal structure is significantly different as clearly indicated by the splitting of different reflections in the powder pattern when cooling the tetragonal high-temperature form. A paste-like mixture of TbVO4 and silicone grease has been applied on the sample holder of the helium cryostat. The experiment has been performed after accurate evacuation of the shroud.
Temperature [K]
35 33 31 29 27 25

TbVO4: Low temperature experiment from 35 to 25 K

900.0

800.0 Absolute Intensity

700.0

reflection splitting starts at 31 K

600.0

500.0

400.0

300.0

48.0

50.0

52.0

54.0

56.0 2Theta []

58.0

60.0

62.0

64.0

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