Quasi-linear temperature dependence of the resistivity due to a nested Fermi surface

Non-Fermi liquid (NFL) behavior is often found in the neighborhood of a quantum critical point (QCP). We consider a QCP arising from the nesting of Fermi surfaces of an electron pocket and a hole pocket separated by a wavevector ${\bf Q}$. The nesting gives rise to antiferromagnetism if the interaction between the carriers is repulsive. The order can gradually be suppressed by mismatching the nesting and a QCP is obtained as $T_N \to 0$. The specific heat $\gamma$ coefficient and the magnetic susceptibility increase with the logarithm of the temperature as $T$ is lowered.$^1$ The electrical resistivity and the linewidth of the neutron scattering quasi-elastic peak acquire a quasi-linear temperature dependence, as a consequence of the nesting of the Fermi surface.$^2$ This deviation from the usual Fermi liquid $T^2$ dependence is a manifestation of NFL behavior. The results are discussed in the context of NFL behavior observed in many heavy fermion compounds.$^3$ \vskip 0.1in \par\noindent Work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant No. DMR01-05431 and the Department of Energy under grant No. DE-FG02-98ER45797. \vskip 0.1in \par\noindent $^1$ P. Schlottmann, Phys. Rev. B {\bf 68}, 125105 (2003). \par\noindent $^2$ A. Virosztek and J. Ruvalds, Phys. Rev. B {\bf 42}, 4064 (1990). \par\noindent $^3$ G.R. Stewart, Rev. Mod. Phys. {\bf 73}, 797 (2001).