Irreversible dynamics of the phase boundary in U(Ru0.9)Rh0.04)2Si2 and implications for ordering

TL;DR

This study investigates the irreversible phase boundary dynamics in a doped uranium silicide compound, revealing a coupling between structural distortion, quadrupolar order, and valence change, with implications for understanding complex electronic phases.

Contribution

It introduces a bootstrap mechanism linking structural distortion and quadrupolar order to valence transitions in U(Ru0.96Rh0.04)2Si2, providing new insights into phase boundary behavior.

Findings

Similarities to YbInCu4 valence transition observed

Proposed coupling mechanism explains the phase boundary dynamics

Implications for understanding electronic ordering in f-electron systems

Abstract

We report measurements and analysis of the specific heat and magnetocaloric effect at the phase boundary into the single magnetic field-induced phase (phase II) of U(Ru{0.96}Rh{0.04})2Si2, which yield striking similarities to the valence transition of Yb{1-x}YxInCu4. To explain these similarities, we propose a bootstrap mechanism by which a structural distortion causes an electric quadrupolar order parameter within phase II to become coupled to the 5f-electron hybridization, giving rise to a valence change at the transition.