LiV$_2$O$_4$: frustration induced heavy fermion metal

TL;DR

This paper presents a two-stage spin quenching model explaining the heavy fermion behavior in LiV$_2$O$_4$, highlighting the roles of valence fluctuations and magnetic frustration in forming heavy quasiparticles.

Contribution

It introduces a novel two-stage spin quenching scenario that links valence fluctuations and magnetic frustration to heavy fermion formation in LiV$_2$O$_4$.

Findings

Explains anomalous resistivity and Hall effect sign change.

Predicts a unique symmetry for heavy quasiparticle bands.

Provides a testable model for experimental verification.

Abstract

We propose a two-stage spin quenching scenario for the unusual heavy fermion state realized in the mixed valent metal LiV$_2$O$_4$. In this theory, local valence fluctuations are responsible for the formation of partially quenched, spin 1/2 moments below room temperature. Frustration of the intersite spin couplings then drives the system to produce the heavy Fermi liquid seen at low temperatures. The anomalous resistivity and the sign change of the Hall constant can be understood naturally within this model, which also predicts a unique symmetry for the heavy quasiparticle bands that may be observed in de Haas-van Alphen experiments.