Abstract
Magnetization measurements and magnetotransmission spectroscopy of the solid oxygen α phase were performed in ultrahigh magnetic fields of up to 193 T. An abrupt increase in magnetization with large hysteresis was observed when pulsed magnetic fields greater than 120 T were applied. Moreover, the transmission of light significantly increased in the visible range. These experimental findings indicate that a first-order phase transition occurs in solid oxygen in ultrahigh magnetic fields, and that it is not just a magnetic transition. Considering the molecular rearrangement mechanism found in the O2-O2 dimer system, we conclude that the observed field-induced transition is caused by the antiferromagnetic phase collapsing and a change in the crystal structure.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 247201 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 112 |
Issue number | 24 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 16 2014 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)