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Kondo Breakdown and Quantum Oscillations in SmB_{6}
Onur Erten1, Pouyan Ghaemi2, Piers Coleman1,3
1Center for Materials Theory, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|February 13, 2016
Summary
Quantum oscillations in Samarium Hexaboride (SmB_{6}) suggest a 3D bulk Fermi surface, yet it remains insulating. Topological surface states explain this paradox, linking quantum oscillations to surface Kondo breakdown.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Materials
- Topological States of Matter
Background:
- Samarium Hexaboride (SmB_{6}) exhibits puzzling quantum oscillation data, suggesting a 3D bulk Fermi surface despite its insulating nature.
- A low-temperature upturn in oscillation amplitude hints at potential quantum criticality, requiring further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconcile the paradoxical experimental observations in SmB_{6} between bulk transport properties and quantum oscillation measurements.
- To propose and evaluate theoretical mechanisms, specifically contrasting bulk and surface scenarios, that can explain the observed phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of quantum oscillation frequencies and their angular dependence.
- Theoretical modeling to interpret low-temperature amplitude upturn and high-frequency oscillations.
- Comparison of proposed mechanisms with existing bulk transport and spectroscopy data.
Main Results:
- Topological surface states provide a consistent explanation for the observed quantum oscillations and insulating behavior of SmB_{6}.
- The low-temperature oscillation amplitude upturn is attributed to surface Kondo breakdown.
- High-frequency oscillations are interpreted as topologically protected orbits around the X point.
Conclusions:
- Topological surface states are crucial for understanding the electronic properties of SmB_{6}, resolving the apparent paradox.
- The proposed surface Kondo breakdown mechanism offers a viable explanation for quantum criticality signatures.
- Specific experimental predictions are presented to validate the role of topological surface states in SmB_{6}.
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