Remarks on quantum critical behavior in heavy fermions

TL;DR

This paper uses scaling relations and renormalization group theory to analyze phase diagrams and critical behavior in heavy fermion systems near magnetic quantum critical points, considering effects of pressure and magnetic field.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework for understanding quantum criticality in heavy fermions using generalized scaling and renormalization group results.

Findings

Ehrenfest equation relates pressure derivative of critical temperature to thermal expansion and specific heat.

Different phase diagrams of antiferromagnetic heavy fermions are analyzed under magnetic fields.

Implications of renormalization group results for predicting behavior near quantum critical points.

Abstract

Generalized scaling relations and renormalization group results are used to discuss the phase diagrams of heavy fermion systems. We consider the cases where these materials are driven to a magnetic quantum critical point either by applying external pressure or a magnetic field. The Ehrenfest equation relating the pressure derivative of the critical temperature to the ratio of thermal expansion and specific heat close to a magnetic quantum critical point (QCP) is analyzed from the scaling point of view. We consider different phase diagrams of antiferromagnetic heavy fermions in an external uniform magnetic field and the implication of renormalization group results for predicting their behavior.