Pressure-induced 𝐵1 to 𝐵2 phase transition in CeN studied by 𝑎𝑏 𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜 correlation matrix renormalization theory calculations
We apply correlation matrix renormalization theory (CMRT) to cerium nitride (CeN) under pressure. For 𝐵1 (NaCl-type) phase, CMRT gives an equation of state consistent with ambient pressure experiments. It produces electronic density-of-state (DOS) characterized by a sharp 4𝑓 quasiparticle resonance peak pinned at the Fermi level and two subbands formed by strong hybridization between the localized Ce-4𝑓 electrons and the itinerant Ce-5𝑑 and N-2𝑝 electrons below the Fermi level, consistent with x-ray photoemission spectroscopy experiments. Upon compression, CMRT predicts a first-order 𝐵1 → 𝐵2 (CsCl-type) transition with ∼11% volume collapse in agreement with experiments. Across the transition, the 4𝑓 spectrum broadens, the 4𝑓 orbital occupancy increases, and the hybridization with conduction states enhances, signaling a crossover from partially localized to more itinerant 4𝑓 behavior. Furthermore, these features are in excellent agreement with experimental observations, demonstrating that CMRT provides a parameter-free description and prediction of correlation-driven structural and electronic transitions in rare-earth compounds.