Emergent heavy-fermion behavior from and hybridization in the quadruple perovskite
Phys. Rev. B 114, 245113 – Published 13 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/3ktt-1x4q
Abstract
Strongly correlated - and -electron systems often exhibit large effective masses due to cooperation between orbital hybridization and electron localization. In this context, the quadruple perovskite ruthenates have attracted considerable interest as a rare example of heavy-fermion-like behavior arising from electron. However, the role of -site cation substitution and its influence on the electronic structure remain unexplored. Here, we report a comprehensive study on the electronic properties of a newly synthesized sample, performing using synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and photoemission spectroscopy (PES). By optimizing the Ru content under high-pressure synthesis conditions, we obtained a metallic compound exhibiting the highest electronic specific heat coefficient () within the family, together with a reduced effective magnetic moment (), indicating strong electronic correlations and substantial screening of local magnetic moments. The Ce -edge XAS measurements revealed an intermediate valence state (), indicative of hybridization. A chemical shift observed in the Cu -edge absorption suggests a modified Cu valence state, likely arising from indirect interactions mediated by oxygen ligands. The PES measurements uncover a peak at 19 meV near the Fermi level whose energy and intensity show pronounced temperature dependence below 100 K, resembling the evolution of Kondo resonance peaks seen in -electron systems. These findings suggest the coexistence of and hybridization at different crystallographic sites is likely an important factor for the enhanced , reduced , and Fermi-liquid behavior in , offering a platform to explore correlated-electron phenomena in mixed-valent oxide systems.