Peak effect in the vortex state of V3Si: a study of history dependence

We present results of transport properties measurement on a single crystal of V3SI showing distinct signature of peak-effect (PE) in its vortex state. The field variation of the electrical resistance in the flux-line lattice prepared by different experimental path, namely zero field cooling and fiel d cooling, shows a distinct path dependence in the vicinity of the PE regim e. In the field cooled state, small cycling of magnetic field modifies the resistance drastically around the PE regime, highlighting the metastable na ture of that state in the concerned regime. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.