Crossover from classical to random-field critical exponents in As-doped TbVO4

Abstract

Using birefringence techniques we have measured the critical exponents beta, gamma, and delta in As-doped TbVO4, a structural realization of the random-field Ising model where random strain fields are introduced by V-As size mismatch. For pure TbVO4 we observe the expected classical critical exponents, while for a mixed sample with 15% As concentration our results are beta=0.31 +/-0.03, gamma=1.22 +/-0.07, and delta=4.2 +/-0.7. These values are consistent with the critical exponents for the short range pure Ising model in three dimensions in agreement with a prediction by Toh. The susceptibility data showed a crossover with temperature from classical to random field critical behaviour.