arXiv subjects

Qimiao Si

Publications and source records attributed to Qimiao Si.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Kondo destruction and valence fluctuations in an Anderson model

Unconventional quantum criticality in heavy-fermion systems has been extensively analyzed in terms of a critical destruction of the Kondo effect. Motivated by a recent demonstration of quantum criticality in a mixed-valent heavy-fermion system, β-YbAlB4, we study a particle-hole-asymmetric Anderson impurity model with a pseudogapped density of states. We demonstrate Kondo destruction at a mixed-valent quantum critical point, where a collapsing Kondo energy scale is accompanied by a singular charge-fluctuation spectrum. Both spin and charge responses scale with energy over temperature (ω/T) and magnetic field over temperature (H/T). Implications for unconventional quantum criticality in mixed-valence heavy fermions are discussed.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2012

U(1) Slave-spin theory and its application to Mott transition in a multi-orbital model for iron pnictides

A U(1) slave-spin representation is introduced for multi-orbital Hubbard models. As with the $Z_2$ form of L. de'Medici et al. (Phys. Rev. B 72, 205124 (2005)), this approach represents a physical electron operator as the product of a slave spin and an auxiliary fermion operator. For non-degenerate multi-orbital models, our U(1) approach is advantageous in that it captures the non-interacting limit at the mean-field level. For systems with either a single orbital or degenerate multiple orbitals, the U(1) and $Z_2$ slave-spin approachs yield the same results in the slave-spin-condensed phase. In general, the U(1) slave-spin approach contains a U(1) gauge redundancy, and properly describes a Mott insulating phase. We apply the U(1) slave-spin approach to study the metal-to-insulator transition in a five-orbital model for parent iron pnictides. We demonstrate a Mott transition as a function of the interactions in this model. The nature of the Mott insulating state is influenced by the interplay between the Hund's rule coupling and crystal field splittings. In the metallic phase, when the Hund's rule coupling is beyond a threshold, there is a crossover from a weakly correlated metal to a strongly correlated one, through which the quasiparticle speactral weight rapidly drops. The existence of such a strongly correlated metallic phase supports the incipient Mott picture of the parent iron pnictides. In the parameter regime for this phase and in the vicinity of the Mott transition, we find that an orbital selective Mott state has nearly as competitive a ground state energy.

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arXiv2012

Superconductivity in Ce- and U-based "122" heavy-fermion compounds

This review discusses the heavy-fermion superconductivity in Ce- and U-based compounds crystallizing in the body-centered tetragonal ThCr2Si2 structure. Special attention will be paid to the theoretical background of these systems which are located close to a magnetic instability.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Quantum criticality of the sub-ohmic spin-boson model

We revisit the critical behavior of the sub-ohmic spin-boson model. Analysis of both the leading and subleading terms in the temperature dependence of the inverse static local spin susceptibility at the quantum critical point, calculated using a numerical renormalization-group method, provides evidence that the quantum critical point is interacting in cases where the quantum-to-classical mapping would predict mean-field behavior. The subleading term is shown to be consistent with an w/T scaling of the local dynamical susceptibility, as is the leading term. The frequency and temperature dependences of the local spin susceptibility in the strong-coupling (delocalized) regime are also presented. We attribute the violation of the quantum-to-classical mapping to a Berry-phase term in a continuum path-integral representation of the model. This effect connects the behavior discussed here with its counterparts in models with continuous spin symmetry.

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arXiv2011

Spin Dynamics of a $J_1-J_2$ Antiferromagnet and its Implications for Iron Pnictides

Motivated by the recent observation of antiferromagnetic correlations in the paramagnetic phase of iron pnictides, we study the finite-temperature spin dynamics of a two-dimensional $J_1-J_2$ antiferromagnet. We consider the paramagnetic phase in the $J_2>J_1$ regime of a $(π,0)$ collinear ground state, using the modified spin wave theory. Below the mean-field Ising transition temperature, we identify short-range anisotropic antiferromagnetic correlations. We show that the dynamical structure factor $\mathcal{S}(\mathbf{q},ω)$ contains elliptic features in the momentum space, and determine its variation with temperature and energy. Implications for the spin-dynamical experiments in the iron pnictides are discussed.

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arXiv2011

Mott Transition in Multi-Orbital Models for Iron Pnictides

The bad-metal behavior of the iron pnictides has motivated a theoretical description in terms of a proximity to Mott localization. Since the parent compounds of the iron pnictides contain an even number of 3d-electrons per Fe, it is important to determine whether a Mott transition robustly exists and the nature of the possible Mott insulating phases. We address these issues in a minimal two-orbital model and a more realistic four-orbital model for the parent iron pnictides using a slave-spin approach. In the two-orbital model with two electrons per Fe, we identify a transition from metal to Mott insulator. The critical coupling, $U_c$, is greatly reduced by the Hund's coupling. Depending on the ratio between the inter- and intra-orbital Coulomb repulsions, the insulating state can be either a spin-Mott insulator or an orbital-Mott insulator. In the four-orbital model with four electrons per Fe, we find an orbitally selective metal-to-insulator transition in the case of zero Hund's coupling; the transition to a Mott insulator in the $xz$ and $yz$ orbitals takes place at the same critical coupling as the transition to a band insulator in the $xy$ and $x^2-y^2$ orbitals. In the presence of a finite Hund's coupling, however, the localization transition is into a spin-Mott state.

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arXiv2011

Critical Kondo destruction in a pseudogap Anderson model: scaling and relaxational dynamics

We study the pseudogap Anderson model as a prototype system for critical Kondo destruction. We obtain finite-temperature (T) scaling functions near its quantum critical point, using a continuous-time quantum Monte Carlo method and also considering a dynamical large-N limit. We are able to determine the behavior of the scaling functions in the typically-difficult-to-access quantum-relaxational regime (hbar w < k_B T), and conclude that the relaxation rates for both the spin and single-particle excitations are linear in temperature. We discuss the implications of these results for the quantum critical phenomena in heavy fermion metals.

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arXiv2011

Effects of Berry phase and instantons in one dimensional Kondo-Heisenberg model

Motivated by the global phase diagram of antiferromagnetic heavy-fermion metals, we study the Kondo effect from the perspective of a nonlinear sigma model in the one dimensional Kondo-Heisenberg model. We focus on the effects of the instanton configurations of the sigma-model field and the associated Berry phase. Guided by the results derived using bosonization methods, we demonstrate that the Kondo singlet formation is accompanied by an emergent Berry phase. This Berry phase also captures the competition between the Kondo-singlet formation and spin Peierls correlations. Related effects are likely to be realized in Kondo lattice systems in higher dimensions.

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arXiv2011

The magnetic phase diagram of an extended J1-J2 model on a modulated square lattice and its implications for the antiferromagnetic phase of KyFexSe2

Motivated by the experimentally observed $\sqrt{5} \times \sqrt{5}$ iron vacancy order and a block spin antiferromagnetic phase with large magnetic moment in $\mathrm{K}_{0.8}\mathrm{Fe}_{1.6}\mathrm{Se}_2$, we study the magnetic phase diagram of an extended $J_1-J_2$ model on a 1/5-depleted square lattice with $\sqrt{5} \times \sqrt{5}$ vacancy order, using a classical Monte Carlo analysis. The magnetic phase diagram involves various antiferromagnetically ordered phases, and most of them have higher order commensuration. We find that the experimentally relevant block-spin state occupies a significant portion of the phase diagram, and we discuss the spin dynamics of this phase using a linear spin-wave analysis. Based on our spin wave calculations in different parameter regimes corresponding to the block spin antiferromagnetic phase, we show how spin-wave degeneracy along the high symmetry directions of the magnetic Brillouin zone can provide information regarding the underlying exchange couplings. We have also analyzed the magnetic phase diagram of a $J_1-J_2$ model on two different modulated square lattices relevant for $\mathrm{K}_y\mathrm{Fe}_{1.5}\mathrm{Se}_2$, which respectively exhibit 1/4-depleted $2\times2$ and $4\times2$ vacancy ordering.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Local Electronic Structure around a Single Impurity as a Test of Pairing Symmetry in (K,Tl)Fe$_{x}$Se$_{\rm 2}$ Superconductors

We have studied the effect of a single nonmagnetic impurity in the recently discovered (K,Tl)Fe$_x$Se$_2$ superconductors, within both a toy two-band model and a more realistic five-band model. We have found that, out of five types of pairing symmetry under consideration, only the $d_{x^2-y^2}$-wave pairing gives rise to impurity resonance states. The intra-gap states have energies far away from the Fermi energy. The existence of these intra-gap states is robust against the presence or absence of inter-band scattering. However, the inter-band scattering does tune the relative distribution of local density of states at the resonance states. All these features can readily be accessed by STM experiments, and are proposed as a means to test pairing symmetry of the new superconductors.

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arXiv2011

Mott transition in Modulated Lattices and Parent Insulator of (K,Tl)yFexSe2 Superconductors

The degree of electron correlations remains a central issue in the iron-based superconductors. The parent iron pnictides are antiferromagnetic, and their bad-metal behavior has been interpreted in terms of proximity to a Mott transition. We study such a transition in multi-orbital models on modulated lattices containing an ordered pattern of iron vacancies, using a slave-rotor method. We show that the ordered vacancies lead to a band-narrowing, which pushes the system to the Mott insulator side. This effect is proposed to underlie the insulating behavior observed in the parent compounds of the newly discovered (K,Tl)yFexSe2 superconductors.

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arXiv2011

Continuous-Time Monte Carlo study of the pseudogap Bose-Fermi Kondo model

We study the pseudogap Bose-Fermi Anderson model with a continuous-time quantum Monte Carlo (CT-QMC) method. We discuss some delicate aspects of the transformation from this model to the Bose-Fermi Kondo model. We show that the CT-QMC method can be used at sufficiently low temperatures to access the quantum critical properties of these models.

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arXiv2011

Heavy Fermions and Quantum Phase Transitions

Quantum phase transitions arise in many-body systems due to competing interactions that promote rivaling ground states. Recent years have seen the identification of continuous quantum phase transitions, or quantum critical points, in a host of antiferromagnetic heavy-fermion compounds. Studies of the interplay between the various effects have revealed new classes of quantum critical points, and are uncovering a plethora of new quantum phases. At the same time, quantum criticality has provided fresh insights into the electronic, magnetic, and superconducting properties of the heavy-fermion metals. We review these developments, discuss the open issues, and outline some directions for future research.

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arXiv2011

Quantum criticality in the iron pnictides and chalcogenides

Superconductivity in the iron pnictides and chalcogenides arises at the border of antiferromagnetism, which raises the question of the role of quantum criticality. In this topical review, we describe the theoretical work that led to the prediction for a magnetic quantum critical point arising out of a competition between electronic localization and itinerancy, and the proposal for accessing it by using isoelectronic P substitution for As in the undoped iron pnictides. We go on to compile the emerging experimental evidence in support of the existence of such a quantum critical point in isoelectronically-tuned iron pnictides. We close by discussing the implications of these results for the physics of the iron pnictides and chalcogenides.

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arXiv2010

Quantum Criticality and the Kondo Lattice

Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) arise as a result of competing interactions in a quantum many-body system. Kondo lattice models, containing a lattice of localized magnetic moments and a band of conduction electrons, naturally feature such competing interactions. A Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) exchange interaction among the local moments promotes magnetic ordering. However, a Kondo exchange interaction between the local moments and conduction electrons favors the Kondo-screened singlet ground state. This chapter summarizes the basic physics of QPTs in antiferromagnetic Kondo lattice systems. Two types of quantum critical points (QCPs) are considered. Spin-density-wave quantum criticality occurs at a conventional type of QCP, which invokes only the fluctuations of the antiferromagnetic order parameter. Local quantum criticality describes a new type of QCP, which goes beyond the Landau paradigm and involves a breakdown of the Kondo effect. This critical Kondo breakdown effect leads to non-Fermi liquid electronic excitations, which are part of the critical excitation spectrum and are in addition to the fluctuations of the magnetic order parameter. Across such a QCP, there is a sudden collapse of the Fermi surface from large to small. I close with a brief summary of relevant experiments, and outline a number of outstanding issues, including the global phase diagram.

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arXiv2010

Discontinuous Hall coefficient at the quantum critical point in YbRh2Si2

YbRh2Si2 is a model system for quantum criticality. Particularly, Hall effect measurements helped identify the unconventional nature of its quantum critical point. Here, we present a high-resolution study of the Hall effect and magnetoresistivity on samples of different quality. We find a robust crossover on top of a sample dependent linear background contribution. Our detailed analysis provides a complete characterization of the crossover in terms of its position, width, and height. Importantly, we find in the extrapolation to zero temperature a discontinuity of the Hall coefficient occurring at the quantum critical point for all samples. Particularly, the height of the jump in the Hall coefficient remains finite in the limit of zero temperature. Hence, our data solidify the conclusion of a collapsing Fermi surface. Finally, we contrast our results to the smooth Hall-effect evolution seen in Chromium, the prototype system for a spin-density-wave quantum critical point.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2010

Metallic Ferromagnetism in the Kondo Lattice

Metallic magnetism is both ancient and modern, occurring in such familiar settings as the lodestone in compass needles and the hard drive in computers. Surprisingly, a rigorous theoretical basis for metallic ferromagnetism is still largely missing. The Stoner approach perturbatively treates Coulomb interactions when the latter need to be large, while the Nagaoka approach incorporates thermodynamically negligible electrons into a half-filled band. Here, we show that the ferromagnetic order of the Kondo lattice is amenable to an asymptotically exact analysis over a range of interaction parameters. In this ferromagnetic phase, the conduction electrons and local moments are strongly coupled but the Fermi surface does not enclose the latter (i.e. it is small). Moreover, non-Fermi liquid behavior appears over a range of frequencies and temperatures. Our results provide the basis to understand some long-standing puzzles in the ferromagnetic heavy fermion metals, and raises the prospect for a new class of ferromagnetic quantum phase transitions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2010

Entropy accumulation near quantum critical points: effects beyond hyperscaling

Entropy accumulation near a quantum critical point was expected based on general scaling arguments, and has recently been explicitly observed. We explore this issue further in two canonical models for quantum criticality, with particular attention paid to the potential effects beyond hyperscaling. In the case of a one-dimensional transverse field Ising model, we derive the specific scaling form of the free energy. It follows from this scaling form that the singular temperature dependence at the critical field has a vanishing prefactor but the singular field dependence at zero temperature is realized. For the spin-density-wave model above its upper critical dimension, we show that the dangerously irrelevant quartic coupling comes into the free energy in a delicate way but in the end yields only subleading contributions beyond hyperscaling. We conclude that entropy accumulation near quantum critical point is a robust property of both models.

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