Schottky anomaly

The Schottky anomaly is an observed effect in solid state physics where the specific heat capacity of a solid at low temperature makes a "bump". It is called anomalous because the heat capacity usually increases with temperature, or stays constant. It occurs in systems with a limited number of energy levels so that E(T) is bounded. Cv =(dE/dt), hence bump.

This anomaly is usually seen in paramagnetic salts at low temperature.

It was named after Walter H. Schottky.