Irreversible magnetovolume effect in Nd7Rh3 single crystal

Abstract Magnetovolume effect in Nd 7 Rh 3 single crystal has been studied by measuring the magnetostriction as a function of external magnetic field at 4.2 K. An irreversible magnetovolume effect having a negative remanent volume magnetostriction was observed when the external magnetic field was applied along the b -axis. The irreversible magnetostrictive effect takes place in the longitudinal magnetostriction along the b -axis. The remanent magnetostriction along the b -axis relaxes after removing external magnetic field for several hours and equilibrium state is stabilized.