Interplay of metamagnetic and structural transitions in Ca2-xSrxRuO4

Abstract

Abstract. Metamagnetism in layered ruthenates has been interpreted as a novel kind of quantum critical behavior. In an external magnetic field, Ca2−xSrxRuO4 undergoes a metamagnetic transition accompanied by a pronounced magnetostriction effect. In this paper we present a mean-field study for a microscopic model that naturally reproduces the key features of this system. The phase diagram calculated is equivalent to the experimental T -x phase diagram. The presented model also gives a good basis to discuss the critical metamagnetic behavior measured in the system. 7 5.30.-m,75.50.-y,75.80.+q PACS.