Quasicrystals, which occupy an intermediate position between crystalline and amorphous materials, have unique electronic and magnetic properties that attract considerable attention from researchers. Studying these properties under high magnetic fields allows us to uncover fundamental aspects of the electronic structure and interaction between electrons and the quasiperiodic lattice.
This paper presents the results of magnetotransport and magnetic susceptibility measurements in AlCuFe quasicrystals with high structural quality at temperatures up to 4 K and magnetic fields up to 18 T. High-quality single crystals characterized by narrow diffraction peaks are used, which indicates a minimum number of structural defects. A standard four-terminal circuit was used for magnetoresistance measurements.
We have studied the effect of a powerful magnetic field (up to 35 T in a pulsed mode) on the conductivity of pure AlCuFe quasicrystals. The data obtained are consistent with theoretical models of weak localization and electron-electron interaction. A peak is detected in magnetoconductivity at high temperatures, the appearance of which is probably associated with the competition of the above effects.
The observed magnetoresistance exhibits a complex field dependence that cannot be described within the classical Drude theory. It is assumed that quantum interference effects associated with electron scattering on a quasiperiodic lattice contribute to magnetotransport. Magnetic susceptibility exhibits a weak temperature dependence, indicating the prevalence of diamagnetism in the temperature range under study.
The obtained results expand the understanding of the electronic and magnetic properties of AlCuFe quasicrystals with high structural quality. Further studies will be aimed at modeling electronic processes in quasiperiodic structures taking into account the influence of high magnetic fields.
Author: H. Rakoto, T. Klein, C. Berger, G. Fourcaudot, J. C. Grieco, F. Cyrot-Lackmann, S. Askenazy
Institute: National Service of Strong Magnetic Fields, INSA, 156 avenue de Rangueil, 31077 Toulouse, France, Laboratory of Electronic Properties of Solids, National Centre for Scientific Research, 25 avenue des Martyrs, P.O. Box 166X, 38042 Grenoble, Cedex 9, France