Tuning low-energy scales in YbRh$_2$Si$_2$ by non-isoelectronic substitution and pressure


Abstract in English

The heavy-fermion metal YbRh$_2$Si$_2$ realizes a field-induced quantum critical point with multiple vanishing energy scales $T_{rm N}(B)$ and $T^ast(B)$. We investigate their change with partial non-isoelectronic substitutions, chemical and hydrostatic pressure. Low-temperature electrical resistivity, specific heat and magnetic susceptibility of Yb(Rh$_{1-x}$T$_x$)$_2$Si$_2$ with T=Fe or Ni for $xleq 0.1$, magnetic fields $Bleq 0.3$~T (applied perpendicular to the c-axis) and hydrostatic pressure $pleq 1.5$~GPa are reported. The data allow to disentangle the combined influences of hydrostatic and chemical pressure, as well as non-isoelectronic substitution. In contrast to Ni- and Co-substitution, which enhance magnetic order, Fe-substitution acts oppositely. For $x=0.1$ it also completely suppresses the $T^ast$ crossover and eliminates ferromagnetic fluctuations. The pressure, magnetic field and temperature dependences of $T^ast$ are incompatible with its interpretation as Kondo breakdown signature.

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