Kondo Scaling in the Optical Response of YbIn_(1-x)Ag_xCu_4

Abstract

Theoretical work on Kondo systems predicts universality in the scaling of observable quantities with the Kondo temperature, T_K. Here we report infrared-frequency optical response measurements of the correlated system \ybinag. We observe that x-dependent variations in the frequency and strength of a low energy excitation are related to the x-dependent Kondo temperature. Comparison of the inferred trends with existing theory and a model calculation provides a framework in which to view these experimental results as scaling phenomena arising from local-moment/conduction electron hybridization.

4 pages, 3 figures, Significant improvements in clarity and presentation, To appear in Physical Review Letters