Exploring metastability via third harmonic measurements in single crystals of 2H-NbSe₂ showing an anomalous peak effect

Abstract

We explore the metastability effects across the order-disorder transition pertaining to the peak effect phenomenonon in critical current density (J_c) via the first and the third harmonic ac susceptibility measurements in the weakly pinned single crystals of 2H-NbSe₂. An analysis of our data suggests that an imprint of the limiting (spinodal) temperature above which J_c is path independent can be conveniently located in the third harmonic data (x_3ω').