Imaging the Fano Lattice to ‘Hidden Order’ Transition in URu2Si2
Within a Kondo lattice, the strong hybridization between electrons localized in real space (r-space) and those delocalized in momentum-space (k-space) generates exotic electronic states called 'heavy fermions'. In URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} these effects begin at temperatures around 55 K but they are suddenly altered by an unidentified electronic phase transition at T{sub o} = 17.5 K. Whether this is conventional ordering of the k-space states, or a change in the hybridization of the r-space states at each U atom, is unknown. Here we use spectroscopic imaging scanning tunnelling microscopy (SI-STM) to image the evolution of URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} electronic structure simultaneously in r-space and k-space. Above T{sub o}, the 'Fano lattice' electronic structure predicted for Kondo screening of a magnetic lattice is revealed. Below T{sub o}, a partial energy gap without any associated density-wave signatures emerges from this Fano lattice. Heavy-quasiparticle interference imaging within this gap reveals its cause as the rapid splitting below T{sub o} of a light k-space band into two new heavy fermion bands. Thus, the URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} 'hidden order' state emerges directly from the Fano lattice electronic structure and exhibits characteristics, not of a conventional density wave, but of sudden alterations in both the hybridization at each U atom and the associated heavy fermion states.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Doe - Office Of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 988791
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-93866-2010-JA; R&D Project: PM-007; KC0202020; TRN: US1006967
- Journal Information:
- Nature, Vol. 465, Issue 7298
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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