Heavy Fermions and Quantum Phase Transitions

Understand

Quantum phase transitions arise in many-body systems due to competing interactions that promote rivaling ground states.

• Recent years have seen the identification of continuous quantum phase transitions, or quantum critical points, in a host of antiferromagnetic heavy-fermion compounds.
• Studies of the interplay between the various effects have revealed new classes of quantum critical points, and are uncovering a plethora of new quantum phases.
• At the same time, quantum criticality has provided fresh insights into the electronic, magnetic, and superconducting properties of the heavy-fermion metals.