Quantum Critical Behavior of Electrons at the Edge of Charge Order

L. Cano-Cortés (1) , J. Merino (1) , Simone Fratini (2)

1 UAM - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
2 NEEL - TMC - Théorie de la Matière Condensée

We consider quantum critical points in which quantum fluctuations associated with charge rather than magnetic order induce unconventional metallic properties. Based on finite-T calculations on a two-dimensional extended Hubbard model, we show how the coherence scale T* characteristic of Fermi liquid behavior of the homogeneous metal vanishes at the onset of charge order. A strong effective mass enhancement reminiscent of heavy fermion behavior indicates the possible destruction of quasiparticles at the quantum critical points. Experimental probes on quarter-filled layered organic materials are proposed for unveiling the behavior of electrons across the quantum critical region.

Domaines: Electrons fortement corrélés [cond-mat.str-el]

L. Cano-Cortés, J. Merino, Simone Fratini. Quantum Critical Behavior of Electrons at the Edge of Charge Order. Physical Review Letters, 2010, 105, pp.036405. ⟨10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.036405⟩. ⟨hal-00704605⟩