Ising-Kondo lattice with transverse field: A possible f-moment Hamiltonian for URu2Si2

Heisenberg Ising-Kondo necklace model with transverse field for the heavy fermion compound URu2Si2

In this work, we introduce the Heisenberg Ising-Kondo necklace with transverse field as a possible model to describe the heavy-fermion compound URu₂Si₂. The physics of this compound presents many open questions, like the transition to the hidden order (HO) phase at T ₀  =  17.5 K. Our Hamiltonian includes elements that come from crystal field processes and Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction. The main idea is to allow the transverse field, that a priori acts only in the localized moments, to influence the conduction-electrons via the RKKY interaction. Our results, obtained using a spin-wave approach for a one-dimensional lattice system, reveal a re-entrance behavior on the zero temperature phase diagram. This is an interesting result since combined with the magnetization values of the canted AF phase allow to link this phase with the mixed hidden order/large moment antiferromagnetic (HO/LMAF) phase observed in URu₂Si₂.

A charge density wave in the hidden order state of URu₂Si₂

We argue that the hidden order (HO) state in URu2Si2 will induce a charge density wave. The modulation vector of the charge density wave will be twice that of the hidden order state, Q(CDW) = 2Q(HO). To illustrate how the charge density wave arises we use a Ginzburg-Landau theory that contains a coupling of the charge density wave amplitude to the square of the HO order parameter Δ(HO). This simple analysis allows us to predict the intensity and temperature dependence of the charge density wave order parameter in terms of the susceptibilities and coupling constants used in the Ginzburg-Landau analysis.

Hybridization wave as the "hidden order" in URu2Si2

A phenomenological model for the "hidden order" transition in the heavy-Fermion material URu(2)Si(2) is introduced. The hidden order is identified as an incommensurate, momentum-carrying hybridization between the light hole band and the heavy electron band. This modulated hybridization appears after a Fano hybridization at higher temperatures takes place. We focus on the hybridization wave as the order parameter in URu(2)Si(2) and possibly other materials with similar band structures. The model is qualitatively consistent with numerous experimental results obtained from, e.g., neutron scattering and scanning tunneling microscopy. Specifically, we find a gaplike feature in the density of states and the appearance of features at an incommensurate vector Q(*)∼0.6π/a(0). Finally, the model allows us to make various predictions which are amenable to current experiments.

Possible phase transition deep inside the hidden order phase of ultraclean URu2Si2

To elucidate the underlying nature of the hidden order (HO) state in heavy-fermion compound URu(2)Si(2), we measure electrical transport properties of ultraclean crystals in a high field, low temperature regime. Unlike previous studies, the present system with much less impurity scattering resolves a distinct anomaly of the Hall resistivity at H;{*} = 22.5 T, well below the destruction field of the HO phase = or approximately 36 T. In addition, a novel quantum oscillation appears above a magnetic field slightly below H;{*}. These results indicate an abrupt reconstruction of the Fermi surface, which implies a possible phase transition well within the HO phase caused by a band-dependent destruction of the HO parameter.

Exotic superconducting properties in the electron-hole-compensated heavy-fermion "Semimetal" URu2Si2

We show that the charge and thermal transport measurements on ultraclean crystals of URu2Si2 reveal a number of unprecedented superconducting properties. The uniqueness is best highlighted by the peculiar field dependence of thermal conductivity including the first-order transition at Hc2 with a reduction of entropy flow. This is a consequence of multiband superconductivity with compensated electronic structure in the hidden order state of this system. We provide strong evidence for a new type of unconventional superconductivity with two distinct gaps having different nodal topology.

Thermal transport in the hidden-order state of URu2Si2

We present a study of thermal conductivity in the normal state of the heavy-fermion superconductor URu2Si2. Ordering at 18 K leads to a steep increase in thermal conductivity and (in contrast with all other cases of magnetic ordering in heavy-fermion compounds) to an enhancement of the Lorenz number. By linking this observation to several other previously reported features, we conclude that most of the carriers disappear in the ordered state and this leads to a drastic increase in both the phononic and electronic mean free path.

Interplay between disorder and quantum and thermal fluctuations in ferromagnetic alloys: the case of UCu2Si2-xGex

We consider, theoretically and experimentally, the effects of structural disorder, quantum fluctuations, and thermal fluctuations in the magnetic and transport properties of certain ferromagnetic alloys. We study the particular case of UCu2Si2-xGex. The low temperature resistivity, rho(T,x), exhibits Fermi liquid behavior as a function of temperature T for all values of x, which can be interpreted as a result of the magnetic scattering of the conduction electrons from the localized U spins. The residual resistivity, rho(0,x), follows the behavior of a disordered binary alloy. The observed nonmonotonic dependence of the Curie temperature, T(c)(x), with x can be explained within a model of localized spins interacting with an electronic bath. Our results clearly show that the Curie temperature of certain alloys can be enhanced due to the interplay between quantum and thermal fluctuations with disorder.

Spatially inhomogeneous development of antiferromagnetism in URu2Si2: evidence from 29Si NMR under pressure

From 29Si NMR study, we present evidence for spatially inhomogeneous development of antiferromagnetic (AF) ordering below T(o) = 17.5 K in URu2Si2. In the pressure range between 3.0 and 8.3 kbar, we have observed the 29Si NMR lines arising from the AF region as well as the previously observed 29Si NMR line which correspond to the nonmagnetic region in the sample. The AF volume fraction is enhanced by applied pressure, whereas the magnitude of internal field at the Si site remains constant (910 Oe) up to 8.3 kbar. In the AF region, the ordered moment is about an order of magnitude larger than 0.03 mu(B)/U.