Multiple first-order metamagnetic transitions and quantum oscillations in ultrapure Sr3Ru2O7

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 Apr 23;92(16):166602. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.166602. Epub 2004 Apr 23.

Abstract

We present measurements on ultraclean single crystals of the bilayered ruthenate metal Sr3Ru2O7, which has a magnetic-field-tuned quantum critical point. Quantum oscillations of differing frequencies can be seen in the resistivity both below and above its metamagnetic transition. This frequency shift corresponds to a small change in the Fermi surface volume that is qualitatively consistent with the small moment change in the magnetization across the metamagnetic transition. Very near the metamagnetic field, unusual behavior is seen. There is a strong enhancement of the resistivity in a narrow field window, with a minimum in the resistivity as a function of temperature below 1 K that becomes more pronounced as the disorder level decreases. The region of anomalous behavior is bounded at low temperatures by two first-order phase transitions. The implications of the results are discussed.