Technique for anisotropic extension of organic crystals: application to temperature dependence of electrical resistance

Rev Sci Instrum. 2007 Aug;78(8):083906. doi: 10.1063/1.2777191.

Abstract

We have developed a technique for the anisotropic extension of fragile molecular crystals. The pressure medium and the instrument, which extends the pressure medium, are both made from epoxy resin. Since the thermal contraction of our instrument is identical to that of the pressure medium, the strain applied to the pressure medium has no temperature dependence down to 2 K. Therefore, the degree of extension applied to the single crystal at low temperatures is uniquely determined from the degree of extension in the pressure medium and thermal contractions of the epoxy resin and the single crystal at ambient pressure. Using this novel instrument, we have measured the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance of metallic, superconducting, and insulating materials. The experimental results are discussed from the viewpoint of the extension (compression) of the lattice constants along the parallel (perpendicular) direction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • Crystallography / instrumentation*
  • Crystallography / methods
  • Epoxy Resins / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Heating
  • Materials Testing / instrumentation*
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Physical Stimulation / instrumentation*
  • Physical Stimulation / methods
  • Pressure
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling / instrumentation*
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Epoxy Resins
  • Organic Chemicals