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Title: Magnetic-field-tuned quantum criticality of the heavy-fermion system YbPtBi

Journal Article · · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics

In this paper, we present systematic measurements of the temperature and magnetic field dependencies of the thermodynamic and transport properties of the Yb-based heavy fermion YbPtBi for temperatures down to 0.02 K with magnetic fields up to 140 kOe to address the possible existence of a field-tuned quantum critical point. Measurements of magnetic-field- and temperature-dependent resistivity, specific heat, thermal expansion, Hall effect, and thermoelectric power indicate that the AFM order can be suppressed by an applied magnetic field of Hc~4 kOe. In the H-T phase diagram of YbPtBi, three regimes of its low-temperature states emerge: (I) AFM state, characterized by a spin density wave-like feature, which can be suppressed to T=0 by the relatively small magnetic field of Hc~4 kOe; (II) field-induced anomalous state in which the electrical resistivity follows Δρ(T)∝T1.5 between Hc and ~8 kOe; and (III) Fermi liquid (FL) state in which Δρ(T)∝T2 for H≥8 kOe. Regions I and II are separated at T=0 by what appears to be a quantum critical point. Whereas region III appears to be a FL associated with the hybridized 4f states of Yb, region II may be a manifestation of a spin liquid state.

Research Organization:
Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-07CH11358
OSTI ID:
1080176
Report Number(s):
IS-J 7940
Journal Information:
Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 87, Issue 7; ISSN 1098-0121
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English