Spin Dynamics in the Normal State of High T_c Superconductors

We summarize our recent theoretical studies on the spin dynamics in the normal state of the metallic cuprates. The contrasting wave vector dependence of the dynamical spin structure factor $S({\bf q}, \omega )$ in LaSrCuO and YBaCuO systems are attributed to the differences in the fermiology, in conjunction with strong Coulomb correlations. These effects are found to account also for the anomalous temperature and frequency dependence of $S({\bf q}, \omega )$. We conclude that the low energy spin dynamics of the metallic cuprates are described in terms of correlated quasiparticles with a Luttinger Fermi surface and a non-zero antiferromagnetic exchange interaction.Comment: 30 pages, REVTE

Quantum Criticality and the Kondo Lattice

Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) arise as a result of competing interactions in a quantum many-body system. Kondo lattice models, containing a lattice of localized magnetic moments and a band of conduction electrons, naturally feature such competing interactions. A Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) exchange interaction among the local moments promotes magnetic ordering. However, a Kondo exchange interaction between the local moments and conduction electrons favors the Kondo-screened singlet ground state. This chapter summarizes the basic physics of QPTs in antiferromagnetic Kondo lattice systems. Two types of quantum critical points (QCPs) are considered. Spin-density-wave quantum criticality occurs at a conventional type of QCP, which invokes only the fluctuations of the antiferromagnetic order parameter. Local quantum criticality describes a new type of QCP, which goes beyond the Landau paradigm and involves a breakdown of the Kondo effect. This critical Kondo breakdown effect leads to non-Fermi liquid electronic excitations, which are part of the critical excitation spectrum and are in addition to the fluctuations of the magnetic order parameter. Across such a QCP, there is a sudden collapse of the Fermi surface from large to small. I close with a brief summary of relevant experiments, and outline a number of outstanding issues, including the global phase diagram.Comment: 27 pages, 6 figures; Chapter of the book "Understanding Quantum Phase Transitions", ed. Lincoln D. Carr (CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, 2010

Topological defects of N\'eel order and Kondo singlet formation for Kondo-Heisenberg model on a honeycomb lattice

Heavy fermion systems represent a prototypical setting to study magnetic quantum phase transitions. A particular focus has been on the physics of Kondo destruction, which captures quantum criticality beyond the Landau framework of order-parameter fluctuations. In this context, we study the spin one-half Kondo-Heisenberg model on a honeycomb lattice at half filling. The problem is approached from the Kondo destroyed, antiferromagnetically ordered insulating phase. We describe the local moments in terms of a coarse grained quantum non-linear sigma model, and show that the skyrmion defects of the antiferromagnetic order parameter host a number of competing order parameters. In addition to the spin Peierls, charge and current density wave order parameters, we identify for the first time Kondo singlets as the competing orders of the antiferromagnetism. We show that the antiferromagnetism and various competing singlet orders can be related to each other via generalized chiral transformations of the underlying fermions. We also show that the conduction electrons acquire a Berry phase through their coupling to the hedgehog configurations of the N\'eel order, which cancels the Berry phase of the local moments. Our results demonstrate the competition between the Kondo-singlet formation and spin-Peierls order when the antiferromagnetic order is suppressed, thereby shedding new light on the global phase diagram of heavy fermion systems at zero temperature.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure