Effect of magnetic fluctuations on the normal state properties of Sr_2RuO_4

Abstract

We investigate the normal state transport properties of Sr${}_2$RuO${}_4$ and we show that a consistent explanation of the experimental results can be obtained assuming that the system is near a quantum phase transition. Within the framework of a self-consistent spin fluctuation theory, we calculate the temperature variation of some relevant physical quantities and we discuss a possible microscopic origin of the quantum phase transition.

5 pages, 4 figures, to appear on Europhysics Letters