Low-Temperature Specific Heats of the beta and zeta Phases in Equiatomic AgZn

Abstract

Heat-capacity measurements between 1.3 and 4.2°K have been made on equiatomic AgZn in both the β′ and ζ0 phases. Significant differences were found in the Debye temperature and the electronic specific-heat coefficient, the latter data being discussed in terms of Fermi-surface-Brillouin-zone interactions. Furthermore, it is concluded that β′ is the stable phase at 0°K, and that in this particular alloy, vibrational properties are of major importance in controlling phase stability near 0°K.