Superconducting and magnetic properties of DyNi₂B₂C single crystals

We have investigated the superconducting and magnetic properties of DyNi₂B₂C single crystals for applied fields parallel and perpendicular to the c-axis. Magnetisation measurements show that this compound has highly anisotropic properties in both the normal and the superconducting state. The normal state susceptibility follows a Curie-Weiss temperature dependence for applied field perpendicular to the c-axis and a much weaker temperature dependence if the field is along the c-axis. For magnetic fields applied perpendicular to the c-axis, the magnetisation versus field curves show anomalies below T_N with clear discontinuities and eventual saturation for H > 30 kOe, while showing a normal paramagnetic behaviour when the field is applied along the c-axis.