Novel phase transitional properties on specific heat of diluted magnetic semiconductor

Three types of phase transitions in diluted magnetic semiconductor, first-order, second-order and mixed-order, are found in theory. Especially the mixed-type transition shows two-steps transition and novel specific heat property. Specific heat properties disclose a possible meta ferromagnetic phase confirmed by the experimental qualitative result.

► We investigate the phase transition and specific heat of GaMnAs theoretically. ► The system shows three types of phase transitions. ► The experimental result confirms the two-step phase transition qualitatively. ► The specific heat shows strong dependence on Mn and hole concentration.