Weak Localization and Electron-electron Interaction in the Layered Compound CuFeTe2

Abstract

The study of the electrical properties of the layered compound CuFeTe₂ shows that there are three well differentiated conduction regimes depending on the temperature. Below TSDW ~ 300 K the formation of a Spin Density Wave (SDW) state has been reported, in the frame of a metal to non metal transition. Below 100 K (~ TSDW/3) the behavior of the electrical resistance as a function of temperature and magnetic field is attributable to the still present not condensed electrons (quasi particles) in the SDW state. At low temperatures (1.8 - 20K), low current (< 1 mA) and magnetic eld (0<H <6 Tesla), the effects of weak localization and electronic interactions in two dimensions appear. At intermediate temperatures (20 < T < 100 K) a hopping conductivity behavior is observed.