Transport properties of moderately disordered UCu$_4$Pd

TL;DR

This study investigates the transport properties of UCu4Pd, revealing sample-dependent resistivity, a consistent metallic carrier density, and transport behavior influenced by nonmagnetic scattering, with implications for quantum criticality and localization.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the transport behavior of UCu4Pd, highlighting the role of nonmagnetic scattering and sample dependence, and challenges existing predictions about Hall effect behavior.

Findings

Resistivity shows strong sample dependence in as-cast samples.

Hall constant's temperature dependence contradicts Skew scattering predictions.

Magnetoresistance is minimal, indicating spin disorder scattering dominates.

Abstract

We present a detailed study on the (magneto)transport properties of as-cast and heat treated material UCu$_4$Pd. We find a pronounced sample dependence of the resistivity $\rho$ of as-cast samples, and reproduce the annealing dependence of $\rho$. In our study of the Hall effect we determine a metallic carrier density for all samples, and a temperature dependence of the Hall constant which is inconsistent with the Skew scattering prediction. The magnetoresistive response is very small and characteristic for spin disorder scattering, suggesting that overall the resistivity is controlled mostly by nonmagnetic scattering processes. We discuss possible sources for the temperature and field dependence of the transport properties, in particular with respect to quantum criticality and electronic localization effects.