Quantum Griffiths Effects and Smeared Phase Transitions in Metals: Theory and Experiment

Abstract

In this paper, we review theoretical and experimental research on rare region effects at quantum phase transitions in disordered itinerant electron systems. After summarizing a few basic concepts about phase transitions in the presence of quenched randomness, we introduce the idea of rare regions and discuss their importance. We then analyze in detail the different phenomena that can arise at magnetic quantum phase transitions in disordered metals, including quantum Griffiths singularities, smeared phase transitions, and cluster-glass formation. For each scenario, we discuss the resulting phase diagram and summarize the behavior of various observables. We then review several recent experiments that provide examples of these rare region phenomena. We conclude by discussing limitations of current approaches and open questions.

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Basic concepts; Cluster glass; Disordered metals; Experimental research; Griffiths effects; Griffiths singularities; Itinerant electron system; Magnetic quantum phase transition; Quantum Griffiths singularity; Quantum phase transitions; Quenched disorder; Quenched randomness

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0022-2291

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2010 Springer New York, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2010

Link to Full Text

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