Measurement of the Curie temperature based on temperature dependent thermal properties

A temperature gradient evaluation method for swift determination of the Curie temperature T-C based on thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity as functions of temperature is presented. In an imposed one-dimensional temperature gradient, temperature profiles along the axis of a cylindrical sample are recorded in steady-state and transient states using a photon detector. Transient temperature profiles are evaluated by an inverse numerical method, yielding the temperature dependent thermal diffusivity with a distinct change in slope at T-C. The slope of the steady-state temperature profile adjusts according to the local thermal conductivity and changes abruptly at T-C. The high-resolution determination of the temperature dependent thermal properties allows the identification of T-C by two independent evaluations during a single experimental run, solely relying on data of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. The obtained T-C excellently agrees with literature values gained by conventional methods.

Automated summary

The method presents a rapid and accurate way to determine the Curie temperature T_C based on the variations in thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity, by measuring temperature profiles of samples under a temperature gradient.