Quantum Phase Transition of a Magnet in a Spin Bath
arXiv:cond-mat/0505064 · doi:10.1126/science.1108317
Abstract
The excitation spectrum of a model magnetic system, LiHoF$_4$, has been studied using neutron spectroscopy as the system is tuned to its quantum critical point by an applied magnetic field. The electronic mode softening expected for a quantum phase transition is forestalled by hyperfine coupling to the nuclear spins. We show that interactions with the nuclear spin bath control the length scale over which the excitations can be entangled. This generic result limits how far it is possible to approach intrinsic electronic quantum criticality.
13 pages, 3 figures, pre-proof version