The adiabatic elastic constants of $\beta$ tin have been measured in the temperature range 4.2 to 300°K using the ultrasonic pulse technique. An unusually large variation with temperature of the shear constant $\frac{1}{2}(c_{11}-c_{12})$ has been observed. From the elastic constants extrapolated to 0°K, the limiting value of the Debye temperature of tin has been calculated. Using this value, the low-temperature specific heat data on both normal and superconducting tin have been re-evaluated.

• Received 21 July 1960

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.120.1658