Precise magnetization measurements of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_2$${\mathrm{Cu}}_3$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{-}\mathrm{\delta }}$ single crystals have found evidence for a bulk phase transition a few degrees below the superconducting critical temperature. The phase transition is indicated by a sudden drop of the lower critical field, ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{c}1}$(T), separating a full coherent state at low fields and temperatures, the Meissner state, from a region at higher temperatures where magnetic excitations are induced at H=0.

• Received 12 December 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.43.13610