Lenk, MarvinGao, FeiKroha, JohannNevidomskyy, Andriy H.2025-01-092025-01-092024Lenk, M., Gao, F., Kroha, J., & Nevidomskyy, A. H. (2024). Strange-metal behavior without fine tuning in PrV2⁢Al20. Physical Review Research, 6(4), L042008. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.L042008https://hdl.handle.net/1911/118113Strange-metal behavior observed in the praseodymium-based heavy-fermion material PrV2⁢Al20 has been tentatively interpreted in the framework of proximity to a quantum critical point (QCP) associated with quadrupolar ordering. Here, we demonstrate that an alternative, natural explanation exists without invoking a QCP, in terms of the unconventional nature of the quadrupolar Kondo effect taking place in non-Kramers ions. Using a combination of ab initio density-functional theory calculations and analytical arguments, we construct a periodic Anderson model with realistic parameters to describe PrV2⁢Al20. We solve the model using dynamical mean-field theory preserving the model symmetries and demonstrate the non-Fermi liquid strange-metal behavior stemming from the two-channel nature of the quadrupolar Kondo effect. Our calculations provide an explanation for the puzzling temperature dependence in the magnetic susceptibility and provide a basis for analyzing future photoemission experiments.engExcept where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the terms of the license or beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Journal articlePhysRevResearch-6-L042008https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.L042008