In low temperature studies of ultrapure erbium (and dysprosium) we have discovered unusual thermal effects at the first order magnetic transformation of erbium (19K). These include (1) superheating (i.e., the metal is colder after heat has been added to it than before the heat pulse), (2) supercooling, and (3) the existence of metastable intermediate phases during this phase transformation in erbium (four on heating and two on cooling). In comparison, dysprosium exhibits both superheating and supercooling, but no intermediate metastable phases are observed. Furthermore, none of these effects are observed in less pure metals.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Gschneidner et al. (1997) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: