Pressure induced variation of the ground state of CeAl3

TL;DR

This study investigates how applying pressure alters the ground state of CeAl3, revealing a transition from inhomogeneous magnetic states to a simple paramagnetic state with moderately enhanced electron masses.

Contribution

It demonstrates that external pressure can suppress magnetic inhomogeneities in CeAl3, inducing a transition to a paramagnetic ground state with specific electronic characteristics.

Findings

Magnetic and electronic inhomogeneities are removed above 1.2 kbar.

Pressure induces a simple paramagnetic state with moderately enhanced electron masses.

No magnetic order observed above 65 mK under pressure.

Abstract

Pressure-induced variations of $^{27}$Al NMR spectra of CeAl$_3$ indicate significant changes in the ground-state characteristics of this prototypical heavy-electron compound. Previously reported magnetic and electronic inhomogeneities at ambient pressure and very low temperatures are removed with external pressures exceeding 1.2 kbar. The spectra and results of corresponding measurements of the NMR spin-lattice relaxation rates indicate a pressure-induced emergence of a simple paramagnetic state involving electrons with moderately enhanced masses and no magnetic order above 65 mK.