Ferromagnetic quantum critical point induced by dimer-breaking in SrCo{sub 2}(Ge{sub 1-x}P{sub x}){sub 2}.
- X-Ray Science Division
In contrast to classical phase transitions driven by temperature, a quantum critical point (QCP) defines a transition at zero temperature that is driven by non-thermal parameters. In the known quantum critical d-electron systems, tuning the electronic bandwidth by means of changing the applied pressure or unit-cell dimensions, or tuning the d-state population, is used to drive the criticality. Here we describe how a novel chemical parameter, the breaking of bonds in Ge-Ge dimers that occurs within the intermetallic framework in SrCo{sub 2}(Ge{sub 1-x}P{sub x}){sub 2}, results in the appearance of a ferromagnetic (FM) QCP. Although both SrCo{sub 2}P{sub 2} and SrCo{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} are paramagnetic, weak itinerant ferromagnetism unexpectedly develops during the course of the dimer breaking, and a QCP is observed at the onset of the FM phase. The use of chemical bond breaking as a tuning parameter to induce QCP opens an avenue for designing and studying novel magnetic materials.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 1010909
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/XSD/JA-69629; TRN: US201109%%175
- Journal Information:
- Nat. Phys., Vol. 7, Issue 2011; ISSN 1745-2473
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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