Search for a quantum phase transition in U(Pt_(1-x)Pd_x)_3

TL;DR

This study investigates the suppression of superconductivity and emergence of antiferromagnetism in U(Pt_{1-x}Pd_x)_3, suggesting a possible quantum phase transition near a critical Pd concentration based on resistivity behavior.

Contribution

It provides evidence of a potential quantum phase transition in U(Pt_{1-x}Pd_x)_3 linked to magnetic or superconducting transitions, through resistivity measurements and pressure effects.

Findings

Superconducting T_c is suppressed to 0 K at x_c=0.007.

Resistivity deviates from Fermi liquid behavior near x_c.

Constant resistivity exponent observed under pressure for x=0.004.

Abstract

Pd in U(Pt_{1-x}Pd_x)_3 suppresses the superconducting T_c to 0 K at critical concentration x_c of 0.007 and induces a conventional AFM state for x > x_c. The resistivity below 1 K shows a deviation from Fermi liquid behavior described by a power law where the exponent ranges from 2 at x=0 to 1.6 for x = x_c. This suggests that a quantum phase transition (QPT) may exist near x_c associated with either the magnetic or superconducting transition temperature = 0 K. Transport for a sample with x = 0.004 < x_c has constant exponent of 1.77 as increasing pressure suppresses T_c to 0 K, suggesting that if a QPT exists it may be associated with the magnetic transition.