Kondo Vortices, Zero Modes, and Magnetic Ordering in a Kondo Lattice Model

TL;DR

This paper explores how vortex configurations in the Kondo hybridization order parameter can lead to magnetic ordering in a honeycomb Kondo lattice, shedding light on quantum criticality in heavy fermion systems.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of Kondo vortices with zero modes and demonstrates their role in transitioning from Kondo screening to magnetic order.

Findings

Kondo vortices host zero modes.

Condensing vortices induces antiferromagnetic order.

Vortex proliferation destroys the Kondo phase.

Abstract

Motivated by the mysteries of the heavy fermion quantum critical point, we investigate the competition between Kondo screening and magnetic ordering in the honeycomb Kondo lattice at half filling. We examine the destruction of the Kondo phase by proliferating vortex configurations in the Kondo hybridization order parameter. We find that there are zero modes associated with Kondo vortices. Condensing these vortices can lead to the antiferromagnetic phase.