LaCu6−xAgx : A promising host of an elastic quantum critical point

Abstract

Structural properties of LaCu6−xAgx have been investigated using neutron and x-ray diffraction, and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) measurements. Diffraction measurements indicate a continuous structural transition from orthorhombic (Pnma) to monoclinic (P2₁/C) structure. RUS measurements show softening of natural frequencies at the structural transition, consistent with the elastic nature of the structural ground state. The structural transition temperatures in LaCu6−xAgx decrease with Ag composition until the monoclinic phase is completely suppressed at xc=0.225. All of the evidence is consistent with the presence of an elastic quantum critical point in LaCu6−xAgx.