Quantum phase transition in a two-dimensional Kondo-Heisenberg model: A dynamical Schwinger-boson large-N approach

Abstract

We generalize the dynamical large-N multichannel Schwinger-boson approach to study the quantum phase transition of a two-dimensional Kondo-Heisenberg model, relevant for heavy electron systems, close to an antiferromagnetic Kondo destruction quantum critical point. By breaking up a Kondo singlet into a charge fermion (holon) and a bosonic spinon, we identify and characterize the quantum phase transition from an antiferromagnetically ordered state to a Kondo-dominated paramagnetic state, and attribute a jump in the holon phase shift to Kondo breakdown. We calculate transport and thermodynamic quantities. The global finite-temperature phase diagram and the critical behavior of various physical observables therein show a close resemblance to experimental observations.