Examples of First-Order *Electronic* Phase Transitions?

In summary, a first-order electronic phase transition is a sudden change in a material's electrical properties accompanied by a change in its crystal structure or electronic configuration. Common examples include transitions from insulating to metallic behavior and from superconducting to normal state. These transitions differ from second-order transitions in terms of discontinuity and involvement of crystal structure changes. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and external fields can influence their occurrence, and they are important in materials science for their potential applications and insights into material behavior.
  • #1
maverick_starstrider
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Hi, I'm wondering if people could help me compile a list of ELECTRONIC phase transitions, that are FIRST-ORDER, that occur at room temperature and can be driven by things like doping, strain, magnetic fields, etc. rather than temperature. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Also, would anyone happen to know any references to the enthalpies of such transitions?
 
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  • #2
Maybe formation of a Wigner crystal when reducing the electronic density.
 

What is a first-order electronic phase transition?

A first-order electronic phase transition is a phenomenon in which a material undergoes a sudden change in its electrical properties, such as conductivity or resistivity, at a specific temperature or pressure. This is accompanied by a significant change in the material's crystal structure or electronic configuration.

What are some common examples of first-order electronic phase transitions?

Some common examples of first-order electronic phase transitions include the transition from insulating to metallic behavior in materials like vanadium dioxide, the transition from superconducting to normal state in superconductors, and the transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism in magnetic materials.

How do first-order electronic phase transitions differ from second-order transitions?

In first-order electronic phase transitions, there is a discontinuous change in the material's properties, while in second-order transitions, the change is continuous. First-order transitions also involve a change in the material's crystal structure, whereas second-order transitions do not.

What factors can influence the occurrence of a first-order electronic phase transition?

The occurrence of a first-order electronic phase transition can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and external magnetic or electric fields. The composition and structure of the material can also play a role in determining whether a first-order transition will occur.

Why are first-order electronic phase transitions important in materials science?

First-order electronic phase transitions are important in materials science because they can lead to significant changes in a material's properties, which can be useful for various applications. They also provide insights into the fundamental behavior of materials and can help in the development of new materials with desired properties.

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