Specific heat of amorphous Ni80−xFexB16Si4 alloys

Abstract

The specific heat of amorphous Ni_80−xFe_xB₁₆Si₄ alloys has been measured in the temperature range of 1.5<T≤25 K with 0≤x≤19. Assuming a Gaussian distribution of Schottky terms the specific heat was described satisfactorily in the whole temperature and iron concentration range. Anomalous behavior of θ_D and N(E_F) was found near the critical concentration x_c, for the onset of ferromagnetic ordering. The entropy S_m determined from the Schottky‐like contribution of the specific heat shows a maximum at x_c.