Evidence for proximity of YFe$_2$Si$_2$ to a magnetic quantum critical point

Abstract

Calculations of the electronic and magnetic properties of the non-magnetic metallic compound YFe$_2$Si$_2$ are reported. These show that at the density functional level a magnetic state involving ordering along the $c$-axis. The electronic structure is three dimensional, and is similar to that of the unconventional superconductor YFe$_2$Ge$_2$ and as well as that of the high pressure collapsed tetragonal phase of KFe$_2$As$_2$, which is also a superconductor. Based on the results in relation to experiment, we infer that properties of YFe$_2$Si$_2$ are strongly influenced by a nearby antiferromagnetic quantum critical point.