Non-Divergent Gr\"{u}neisen Parameter in Quantum Critical Quasicrystal Yb$_{15}$Al$_{34}$Au$_{51}$: Reflection of Robustness of Quantum Criticality under Pressure

TL;DR

This paper explains why the Grüneisen parameter does not diverge in a quantum critical quasicrystal, attributing it to the robustness of quantum criticality under pressure and providing a theoretical framework consistent with experimental data.

Contribution

The authors develop a formalism for calculating thermodynamic quantities near quantum criticality in quasicrystals, explaining the non-diverging Grüneisen parameter observed experimentally.

Findings

Calculated specific heat, thermal expansion, and Grüneisen parameter match measurements.

Non-divergence of Grüneisen parameter linked to robustness of quantum criticality.

Differences in Grüneisen behavior reflect variations in energy scales like Kondo temperature.

Abstract

The mechanism of not diverging Gr\"{u}neisen parameter in the quantum critical heavy-fermion quasicrystal (QC) Yb$_{15}$Al$_{34}$Au$_{51}$ is analyzed. We construct the formalism for calculating the specific heat $C_V(T)$, the thermal-expansion coefficient $\alpha(T)$, and the Gr\"{u}neisen parameter $\Gamma(T)$ near the quantum critical point of the Yb valence transition. By applying the framework to the QC, we calculate $C_V(T)$, $\alpha(T)$, and $\Gamma(T)$, which explains the measurements. Not diverging $\Gamma(T)$ is attributed to the robustness of the quantum criticality in the QC under pressure. The difference in $\Gamma(T)$ at the lowest temperature between the QC and approximant crystal is shown to reflect the difference in the volume derivative of characteristic energy scales of the critical Yb-valence fluctuation and the Kondo temperature. Possible implications of our theory to future experiments are also discussed.