Magnetische und kalorische Eigenschaften von Alkali-Hyperoxid-Kristallen

The phase transitions of Alkali-Hyperoxide crystals (NaO₂, KO₂, RbO₂, and CsO₂) grown in liquid ammonia have been investigated by means of the following measurements:

1. magnetic susceptibility
2. differential magnetic susceptibility as magnetic field
3. magnetization curve in static and pulsed fields
4. specific heat.

The anomalies of the specific heat could be correlated with the magnetic properties and structural changes. Several new phase transitions were found. The magnetic behaviour of NaO₂ indicates magnetic order (of as yet unknown nature) at low temperatures. The magnetic and caloric behaviour of KO₂ at low temperatures is compatible with a Néel point at 7 K. A metamagnetic transition can be induced at temperatures below 12 K with fields of about 70 kOe. This transition is connected with structural changes. RbsO₂ and CO₂ are probably antiferromagnetic with Néel temperatures of 15 K and 9.6 K, respectively.