Influence of Quantum Critical Point of First Order Valence Transition on Ce- and Yb-Based Heavy Fermions

TL;DR

This paper explores how the quantum critical point of a first-order valence transition influences the unusual electronic behaviors in Ce- and Yb-based heavy fermion materials, highlighting the role of valence fluctuations.

Contribution

It demonstrates that proximity to the QCP of the FOVT explains various anomalies and field-induced phenomena in heavy fermion compounds, emphasizing the importance of valence fluctuations.

Findings

QCP of FOVT can be induced by magnetic field in intermediate-valence materials.

Proximity to QCP explains differences between materials like X=Ag and X=Cd.

Valence fluctuations are key to understanding non-Fermi-liquid behavior and other anomalies.

Abstract

Influence of quantum critical point (QCP) of first-order valence transition (FOVT) on Ce- and Yb-based heavy fermions is discussed as a key origin of anomalies such as non-Fermi liquid, metamagnetism, and unconventional superconductivity. Even in intermediate-valence materials, the QCP of the FOVT is shown to be induced by applying a magnetic field, which creates a new characteristic energy distinct from the Kondo temperature. It is stressed that the key concept is closeness to the QCP of the FOVT by pointing out that the proximity of the QCP explains sharp contrast between X=Ag and X=Cd in YbXCu4, field-induced valence crossover in X=Au, and field-induced first order transition as well as non-Fermi-liquid critical behaviours in CeIrIn5. The valence fluctuations can be a key origin of unresolved phenomena in this family of materials.