Putative quantum criticality in the (Cr{sub 90}Ir{sub 10}){sub 100−y}V{sub y} alloy system

Quantum criticality (QC) in spin-density-wave antiferromagnetic Cr and Cr alloy systems is a topic of current interest. In the present study, V was used as a tuning parameter to drive the Néel transition temperature (T{sub N}) of the (Cr{sub 90}Ir{sub 10}){sub 100−y}V{sub y} alloy series with 0 ≤ y ≤ 14.3 to zero and search for effects of QC in the process. The magnetic properties and possible QC behaviour (QCB) in this alloy system were investigated through electrical resistivity (ρ), specific heat (C{sub p}), and susceptibility (χ) measurements as a function of temperature (T), indicating that T{sub N} is suppressed to zero at a critical concentration y{sub c} ≈ 9. The Sommerfeld coefficient (γ) is considered a key indicator of QCB and a peak is observed in γ(y) at y{sub c} on decreasing y through this concentration, followed by a sharp decreasing trend. This behaviour is reminiscent of that observed for γ of the prototypical Cr{sub 100−x}V{sub x} QC system and allows for the classification of y{sub c} in the (Cr{sub 90}Ir{sub 10}){sub 100−y}V{sub y} alloy system as a possible QC point.