Magnetism, heavy electron systems metals

The determination of the y-values is important for the classification of YbTX intermetallics as heavy-fermion systems which exhibit significantly enlarged y-values. The source of the large y-values arises from the compensation of the magnetic moment associated with a nearly localized electron state, generally of f character, by the spins of the conduction electrons in the metallic material. 

Apart from d- and 4f-based magnetic systems, the physical properties of actinides can be classified to be intermediate between the lanthanides and d-electron metals. 5f-electron states form bands whose width lies in between those of d- and 4f-electron states. On the other hand, the spin-orbit interaction increases as a function of atomic number and is the largest for actinides. Therefore, one can see direct similarity between the light actinides, up to plutonium, and the transition metals on one side, and the heavy actinides and 4f elements on the other side. In general, the presence or absence of magnetic order in actinides depends on the shortest distance between 5f atoms (Hill limit). 

The distinction between Kondo metals, etc. and HF systems is fuzzy at best. As pointed out, the Kondo interaction is, among others, a basic ingredient of HF behavior. In a Kondo-lattice material one observes the effects of the Kondo interaction, for example on the magnetic properties, but very heavy quasiparticles are not formed and in consequence, the Sommerfeld constant is only slightly enhanced, That at least is the basis for a distinction we shall adopt. The hybridization between 4f and conduction electrons can lead to a hybridization gap in the density of states at the Fermi surface. The exact mechanism of gap formation is still under debate and also may vary from compound to compound. If a gap is present, one leaves the realm of Kondo metals and has, depending on the form of the gap (e.g., whether it is open in all crystallographic directions) and on its width, either a Kondo semimetal, semiconductor or insulator. The latter are certainly the most challenging class of Kondo compounds to understand. 

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