15 research outputs found
Tuning Heavy Fermion Systems into Quantum Criticality by Magnetic Field
We discuss a series of thermodynamic, magnetic and electrical transport
experiments on the two heavy fermion compounds CeNi2Ge2 and YbRh2Si2 in which
magnetic fields, B, are used to tune the systems from a Non-Fermi liquid (NFL)
into a field-induced FL state. Upon approaching the quantum-critical points
from the FL side by reducing B we analyze the heavy quasiparticle (QP) mass and
QP-QP scattering cross sections. For CeNi2Ge2 the observed behavior agrees well
with the predictions of the spin-density wave (SDW) scenario for
three-dimensional (3D) critical spin-fluctuations. By contrast, the observed
singularity in YbRh2Si2 cannot be explained by the itinerant SDW theory for
neither 3D nor 2D critical spinfluctuations. Furthermore, we investigate the
magnetization M(B) at high magnetic fields. For CeNi2Ge2 a metamagnetic
transition is observed at 43 T, whereas for YbRh2Si2 a kink-like anomaly occurs
at 10 T in M vs B (applied along the easy basal plane) above which the heavy
fermion state is completely suppressed.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Journal of Low Temperature Physics,
special Series on "High Magnetic Field Facilities
Intermediate valence behavior in CeCo9Si4
The novel ternary compound CeCoSi has been studied by means of
specific heat, magnetisation, and transport measurements. Single crystal X-ray
Rietveld refinements reveal a fully ordered distribution of Ce, Co and Si atoms
with the tetragonal space group I4/mcm isostructural with other RCo9Si4. The
smaller lattice constants of CeCo9Si4 in comparison with the trend established
by other RCo9Si4 is indicative for intermediate valence of cerium. While
RCo9Si4 with R= Pr, .. Tb, and Y show ferromagnetism and LaCo9Si4 is nearly
ferromagnetic, CeCo9Si4 remains paramagnetic even in external fields as large
as 40 T, though its electronic specific heat coefficient (g~190 mJ/molK^2) is
of similar magnitude as that of metamagnetic LaCo9Si4 and weakly ferromagnetic
YCo9Si4.Comment: 2 pages, 3 figures, submitted to SCES 0
Magnetization and magneto-resistance measurements of bulk YBa2Cu3O7-x in pulsed magnetic fields up to 50 T
Magnetization and magneto-resistance measurements of bulk YBa<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7-x</sub> in pulsed magnetic fields up to 50 T
Evaluation of therapeutic alternatives to imprisonment for drug-dependent offenders. Findings of a comparative European multi-country study
A multi-country, multi-site comparative research study has documented the feasibility of recruiting drug-dependent individuals receiving treatment as an alternative to imprisonment (‘quasi-compulsory’ treatment, in the setting of an experimental group), while comparing them with those receiving treatment in the same therapeutic institutions, on a voluntary basis (control group). The study combined qualitative and quantitative methods in describing the evolution and outcome of each case after 6, 12 and 18 months in treatment. 845 probands were recruited from 9 sites in 5 countries (Austria, Germany, Italy, UK, Switzerland), 429 in the experimental and 416 in the comparison group. Data were collected using a standardized instrument set and following a joint protocol that allowed for the testing of a number of pre-established hypotheses. Significant reductions in drug use and delinquent behaviour, together with improvements in social integration and health, were found in both groups. Higher rates of perceived external pressure to stay in treatment in the experimental group did not affect motivation of these patients as regards
improvement and retention in the study. It can be concluded that the availability of treatment alternatives to imprisonment for drug dependence are a valuable policy option, under various different conditions, but that this option is open to further improvement
High-field phase diagram of the heavy-fermion metal YbRh2Si2
The tetragonal heavy-fermion (HF) metal YbRh2Si2 (Kondo temperature TK≈ 25 K) exhibits a magnetic field-induced quantum critical point related to the suppression of very weak antiferromagnetic (AF) ordering (TN = 70 mK) at a critical field of Bc = 0.06 T (B⊥ c). To understand the influence of magnetic fields on quantum criticality and the Kondo effect, we study the evolution of various thermodynamic and magnetic properties upon tuning the system by magnetic field. At B > Bc, the AF component of the quantum critical fluctuations becomes suppressed, and FM fluctuations dominate. Their polarization with magnetic field gives rise to a large increase of the magnetization. At B* = 10 T, the Zeeman energy becomes comparable to kB TK, and a steplike decrease of the quasi-particle mass deduced from the specific-heat coefficient indicates the suppression of HF behaviour. The magnetization M(B) shows a pronounced decrease in slope at B* without any signature of metamagnetism. The field dependence of the linear magnetostriction coefficient suggests an increase of the Yb-valency with field, reaching 3+ at high fields. A negative hydrostatic pressure dependence of B* is found, similar to that of the Kondo temperature. We also compare the magnetization behaviour in pulsed fields up to 50 T with that of the isoelectronic HF system YbIr2Si2, which, due to a larger unit-cell volume, has an enhanced TK of about 40 K