Evidence of charge susceptibility and multiple f–c hybridization configurations with the La doping in CeGe: a DFT + DMFT study

Abstract

Kondo coupling has been extensively investigated in several Ce-based systems. However, the search for materials showing the interplay between the Kondo effect, spin–orbit interaction, and crystal-field effect along with the presence of local charge susceptibility; remains a challenge for the condensed matter community. Actually, in Ce-based systems, the strong coupling of the conduction electrons to the local magnetic moments usually hides these properties. Here, we present a detailed investigation of Ce0.6La0.4Ge through a combined density functional theory and dynamic mean-field theory study. Our investigations give evidence of the significant charge susceptibility and the multiple different f–c hybridization configurations. The weakening of the magnetization owing to the dilution of the Ce-site is the main cause for the appearance of such properties, which is believed to occur due to the presence of the relevant local moment and f–c hybridization over the competition with the on-site Coulomb interaction.