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Published on: March 24, 2019
Quantum critical fluctuations in layered YFe2Al10.
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794; and.
Quantum critical points in YFe2Al10 reveal unique ground states at absolute zero. Magnetic fields tune this material away from ferromagnetic order, restoring metallic properties.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials Science
Background:
- Quantum mechanical systems exhibit unique collective ground states at absolute zero (T=0) due to the absence of thermal fluctuations.
- Understanding these states is crucial for developing novel quantum technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantum critical behavior of the layered compound YFe2Al10.
- To determine if YFe2Al10 exists on the verge of ferromagnetic order at T=0 without external tuning.
Main Methods:
- High-precision measurements of magnetic susceptibility.
- Specific heat measurements.
- Electrical resistivity measurements.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated robust field-temperature scaling in YFe2Al10.
- Provided evidence that the system is naturally poised on the verge of ferromagnetic order at T=0.
- Observed that magnetic fields drive the system away from this quantum critical point.
Conclusions:
- YFe2Al10 exhibits quantum criticality at T=0, existing naturally on the edge of ferromagnetic order.
- Magnetic fields can tune the system away from this critical point, leading to a restoration of normal metallic behavior.
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