Discontinuous Hall coefficient at the quantum critical point in YbRh2Si2

TL;DR

This study investigates the Hall effect in YbRh2Si2, revealing a finite discontinuity at the quantum critical point that supports the Fermi surface collapse theory, contrasting with smooth transitions in other systems.

Contribution

It provides high-resolution measurements demonstrating a finite Hall coefficient jump at the quantum critical point, confirming Fermi surface collapse in YbRh2Si2.

Findings

Discontinuous Hall coefficient at the quantum critical point.

Finite jump in Hall coefficient persists at zero temperature.

Contrast with smooth Hall evolution in Chromium.

Abstract

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.