Heavy-fermion systems studied by {mu}SR technique
- Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen PSI (Switzerland)
The author attempts to give a comprehensive discussion of studies performed with the positive-muon spin rotation and relaxation technique (also known as the {mu}SR technique) on heavy-fermion compounds. The subtle competition between the demagnetizing Kondo interaction and the intersite Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida exchange interaction is believed to be the primary ingredient for the wealth of different ground states observed for this class of rare-earth{endash} and actinide-containing intermetallic compounds. Due to its microscopic character, its sensitivity to extremely small internal fields, and its capacity to detect spatially inhomogeneous magnetic features, the {mu}SR technique has been extensively utilized to investigate the peculiar magnetic properties of these ground states and improve our knowledge of heavy-fermion phenomena. In addition to providing a short introduction to {mu}SR, where the intrinsic difficulties of the method are clearly stated, this article reviews the main results obtained by this technique on the best-known heavy-fermion compounds (superconductors, band magnets, local-moment magnets, non-Fermi-liquid systems, and Kondo insulators). Special emphasis is placed on the particular information obtainable by monitoring the implanted muon. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
- OSTI ID:
- 545083
- Journal Information:
- Reviews of Modern Physics, Vol. 69, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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