Restoration of quantum critical behavior by disorder in pressure-tuned (Mn,Fe)Si

In second-order quantum phase transitions from magnetically ordered to paramagnetic states at T = 0, tuned by pressure or chemical substitution, a quantum critical point is expected to appear with critical behavior manifesting in the slowing down of spin fluctuations in the paramagnetic state and a continuous development of the order parameter in the ordered state. Quantum criticality is discussed widely as a possible driving force for unconventional superconductivity and other exotic phenomena in correlated electron systems. In the real world, however, quantum critical points and quantum criticality are often masked by a preceding first-order transition and/or the development of competing states. Pressure tuning of the itinerant-electron helical magnet MnSi is a well-known example of the suppression of a quantum critical point due to a first-order phase transition and resulting destruction of the ordered state. Utilizing muon spin relaxation experiments, here we report that 15% Fe-substituted (Mn,Fe)Si exhibits completely different behavior with pressure tuning, including the restoration of second-order quantum critical behavior and a quantum critical point at p QPC  ~ 21–23 kbar, which coincides with the T = 0 crossing point of the extrapolated phase boundary line of pure MnSi. ... mehrThis result is quantitatively consistent with the recent theory of itinerant-electron ferromagnets by Sang, Belitz, and Kirkpatrick, who argued that disorder would restore a quantum critical point which is otherwise hidden by a first-order transition.