Possible Kondo resonance in PrFe4P12 studied by bulk-sensitive photoemission

TL;DR

This study investigates the Pr 4f electronic states in PrFe4P12 using bulk-sensitive photoemission, revealing a potential Kondo resonance linked to hybridization between Pr 4f electrons and conduction electrons, especially at lower temperatures.

Contribution

It provides the first bulk-sensitive evidence of a possible Kondo resonance in PrFe4P12, highlighting the role of 4f-conduction electron hybridization.

Findings

Strong spectral intensity below Fermi level in PrFe4P12

Intensity increases at lower temperatures

Suggests Kondo resonance due to hybridization

Abstract

Pr 4f electronic states in Pr-based filled skutterudites PrT4X12(T=Fe and Ru; X=P and Sb) have been studied by high-resolution bulk-sensitive Pr 3d-4f resonance photoemission. A very strong spectral intensity is observed just below the Fermi level in the heavy-fermion system PrFe4P12. The increase of its intensity at lower temperatures is observed. We speculate that this is the Kondo resonance of Pr, the origin of which is attributed to the strong hybridization between the Pr 4f and the conduction electrons.