Direct visualization of coexisting channels of interaction in CeSb

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Quantum materials science
• Correlated electron systems

Background:

• Heavy fermion compounds exhibit complex interactions, leading to exotic properties like magnetism and superconductivity.
• The Kondo semimetal CeSb is a key example where multiple interaction channels coexist, causing long-standing debate on its microscopic physics.
• Understanding the interplay between localized f-electron moments and itinerant electrons is crucial for these materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the microscopic picture of coexisting interaction channels in the Kondo semimetal CeSb.
• To investigate how different interaction modes are reconciled within a single correlated system.
• To identify the roles of different electron carriers in mediating these interactions.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to probe electronic structure.
• Employing resonant enhancement of Cerium (Ce) f-electron signals across magnetic transitions.
• Analyzing momentum-resolved spectral features to distinguish carrier types and interactions.

Main Results:

• Two distinct modes of electron interaction were identified as simultaneously active in CeSb.
• These interaction modes were found to operate on different types of electronic carriers.
• Evidence suggests a separation of interaction actions in momentum space, enabling coexistence.

Conclusions:

• Correlated systems can accommodate diverse interaction modes by spatially segregating them in momentum space.
• This momentum-space separation allows for the coexistence of different physical phenomena in real space.
• The findings provide a new framework for understanding complex phenomena in heavy fermion materials.