We present the results of an experimental study of the nucleation of superconductivity at the surface of a single crystal YB$_6$ in a tilted dc magnetic field. A recently developed experimental technique allowed us to determine $H_{c3}$ at each side of the sample as a function of the angle between the dc magnetic field and the surface. Experiment shows that the ratio $H_{c3}/ H_{c2}approx 1.28 $ in the direction perpendicular to the surface dc field while according to the theory this ratio should be equal to 1. This sharp distinction cannot be ascribed to the surface roughness.
Download