We have used small-angle-neutron-scattering (SANS) and ac magnetic
susceptibility to investigate the global magnetic field H vs temperature T
phase diagram of a single crystal Nb in which a first-order transition of
Bragg-glass melting (disordering), a peak effect, and surface superconductivity
are all observable. It was found that the disappearance of the peak effect is
directly related to a multicritical behavior in the Bragg-glass transition.
Four characteristic phase boundary lines have been identified on the H-T plane:
a first-order line at high fields, a mean-field-like continuous transition line
at low fields, and two continuous transition line associated with the onset of
surface and bulk superconductivity. All four lines are found to meet at a
multicritical point.Comment: 4 figure