Magnetic Instability of Pr3Ru4Sn13

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic properties and quantum criticality of Pr3Ru4Sn13, revealing magnetic ordering, spin fluctuations, and proximity to an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point through various experimental techniques.

Contribution

The paper provides the first detailed experimental evidence of magnetic ordering and quantum critical behavior in Pr3Ru4Sn13, a new material synthesized for this purpose.

Findings

Magnetic ordering occurs at T_N = 7.5 K.

Muon spin rotation confirms magnetic order below T_N.

Material is near an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point.

Abstract

We report on the quantum criticality of Pr$_3$Ru$_4$Sn$_{13}$ revealed by our new material research. Pr$_3$Ru$_4$Sn$_{13}$ has been synthesized by flux growth and characterized by single X-ray, powder X-ray, and powder neutron diffraction measurements. The compound adopts a Yb$_3$Rh$_4$Sn$_{13}$-type structure with a cubic Pm$\bar{3}$n. From the magnetization at 1 T, the effective magnetic moment was estimated to be 3.58 $\mu _B$ per Pr$^{3+}$, suggesting that the magnetism is mainly contributed by Pr$^{3+}$ ions. The specific heat and magnetization show an anomaly at $T_{N} = 7.5$ ~ K owing to the phase transition. The muon spin rotation and relaxation ($\mu$SR) time spectra exhibit clear oscillations below $T_N$. This suggests that the phase is magnetically ordered. The volume fraction of the magnetic phase estimated from the initial asymmetry is around ten percent. In addition, spin fluctuations were observed at low temperatures. These results provide microscopic evidence that the material is closest to the antiferromagnetically quantum critical point with a partial order among Pr$_3$$T_4$Sn$_{13}$ ($T= $ Co, Ru, Rh).