Sunday 23 February 2025
The strange metal phenomenon has long puzzled physicists, who have struggled to understand how certain materials can exhibit unusual electrical properties. Researchers have now shed new light on this enigma by studying a two-dimensional model of correlated electrons.
The t-J model, a simplified representation of the interactions between electrons in certain materials, has been used to simulate the behavior of strange metals. By using a technique called finite temperature Lanczos method (FTLM), scientists were able to accurately calculate the transport and optical properties of these materials at very low temperatures and high spectral resolution.
The results show that the strange metal behavior is driven by the presence of fluctuating spin backgrounds, which are independent of the concentration of holes in the material. This challenges the prevailing understanding of quantum criticality, which suggests that unusual electrical properties arise from a competition between different states of matter.
Instead, the researchers found that the strange metal behavior can be explained by a two-step transport mechanism, where short-time processes associated with charge dynamics are followed by long-time processes linked to spin dynamics. This process is responsible for both the strange metal character and the unconventional optical conductivities observed in experiments.
The study also highlights the importance of considering the role of frustrated quantum paramagnets in understanding the behavior of strange metals. These materials exhibit unusual magnetic properties, which can influence their electrical behavior in complex ways.
Overall, this research provides new insights into the mysterious world of strange metals and sheds light on the underlying physics that govern their behavior. While much remains to be discovered, these findings offer a promising step towards a deeper understanding of these enigmatic materials.
Cite this article: “Unraveling the Mysteries of Strange Metals”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Two-Dimensional Model, Correlated Electrons, T-J Model, Finite Temperature Lanczos Method, Ftlm, Strange Metals, Quantum Criticality, Fluctuating Spin Backgrounds, Charge Dynamics, Spin Dynamics
