Anomalous electronic correlations in ground state momentum density of Al$_{97}$Li$_3$

TL;DR

This study combines high-resolution Compton scattering measurements with first-principles calculations to reveal that adding lithium to aluminum causes unexpected changes in the electronic ground state, challenging traditional Fermi liquid theory.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed experimental and theoretical analysis of how lithium doping alters the electronic momentum density in aluminum, highlighting anomalous correlations.

Findings

Significant differences in momentum density between Al and Al$_{97}$Li$_3$.

Evidence of anomalous electronic correlations in the alloy.

Ground state modifications not explained by conventional Fermi liquid theory.

Abstract

We report high resolution Compton scattering measurements on an Al$_{97}$Li$_3$ disordered alloy single crystal for momentum transfer along the [100], [110] and [111] symmetry directions. The results are interpreted via corresponding KKR-CPA (Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent potential approximation) first principles computations. By comparing spectra for Al$_{97}$Li$_3$ and Al, we show that the momentum density in the alloy differs significantly from the predictions of the conventional Fermi liquid picture and that the ground state of Al is modified anomalously by the addition of Li.