Magnetostriction of superconductors (a review)

The results of magnetostriction studies of different superconducting compou nds made during the last several years are presented. Special attention is paid to giant magnetostriction and "superconducting background'' against wh ich it emerges. The results are compared with the traditional magnetostrict ion components in magnetic materials. Possibilities of using magnetostricti on measurements for analysis of the mixed state in hard superconductors and practical applications of the results of such measurements are considered. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-777X(99)00104-8].