Pressure study of nematicity and quantum criticality in Sr$_3$Ru$_2$O$_7$ for a in-plane field

ORAL

Abstract

We study the relationship between the nematic phase of Sr$_3$Ru$_2$O$_7$ and quantum criticality. At ambient pressure, the nematic phase appears to be associated with a metamagnetic quantum critical end point (QCEP) when the applied magnetic field is near the c-axis. We show, however, that this metamagnetic transition does not produce the same nematic signatures when the QCEP is reached by hydrostatic pressure with the field applied in the ab-plane. Moreover, a distinct nematic phase, that is seen for field applied in the ab-plane close to, but not right at, a metamagnetic anomaly, persists with minimal change to the highest applied pressure, 16.55 kbar. Taken together our results suggest that quantum criticality may not be necessary for the formation of a nematic phase.

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Authors

  • Dan Sun

    • Department of Physics, University of Toronto

  • Wenlong Wu

    • Department of Physics, University of Toronto

  • Santiago A. Grigera

    • Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews

  • Robin S. Perry

    • Center for Science at Extreme Conditions, School of Physics, University of Edinburgh

  • Andy P. Mackenzie

    • Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research

  • Stephen R. Julian

    • Department of Physics, University of Toronto; Canadian Institute for Advanced Research