Theory of Weyl orbital semimetals and predictions of several materials classes (original) (raw)
Related papers
From graphene and topological insulators to Weyl semimetals
Symmetry, Spin Dynamics and the Properties of Nanostructures, 2015
Here we present a short introduction into physics of Dirac materials. In particular we review main physical properties of various two-dimensional crystals such as graphene, sil-icene, germanene and others. We comment on the origin of their buckled two-dimensional shape, and address the issues created by Mermin-Wagner theorem prohibiting the existence of strictly two-dimensional, flat crystals. Then we describe main ideas which were leading to the discovery of two and three-dimensional topological insulators and Weyl fermions. We describe some of their outstanding electronic properties which have been originating due to the existence of the Dirac gapless spectrum. We also compare simplest devices made of Dirac materials. Analogies and differences between Dirac materials and optics are also discussed.
Evolution of the Fermi surface of Weyl semimetals in the transition metal pnictide family
Nature materials, 2015
Topological Weyl semimetals (TWSs) represent a novel state of topological quantum matter which not only possesses Weyl fermions (massless chiral particles that can be viewed as magnetic monopoles in momentum space) in the bulk and unique Fermi arcs generated by topological surface states, but also exhibits appealing physical properties such as extremely large magnetoresistance and ultra-high carrier mobility. Here, by performing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) on NbP and TaP, we directly observed their band structures with characteristic Fermi arcs of TWSs. Furthermore, by systematically investigating NbP, TaP and TaAs from the same transition metal monopnictide family, we discovered their Fermiology evolution with spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength. Our experimental findings not only reveal the mechanism to realize and fine-tune the electronic structures of TWSs, but also provide a rich material base for exploring many exotic physical phenomena (for example, chira...
Helical Spin Order from Topological Dirac and Weyl Semimetals
We study dynamical mass generation and the resultant helical spin orders in topological Dirac and Weyl semimetals, including the edge states of quantum spin Hall insulators, the surface states of weak topological insulators, and the bulk materials of Weyl semimetals. In particular, the helical spin textures of Weyl semimetals manifest the spin-momentum locking of Weyl fermions in a visible manner. The spinwave fluctuations of the helical order carry electric charge density; therefore, the spin textures can be electrically controlled in a simple and predictable manner.
Discovery of a Weyl Fermion semimetal and topological Fermi arcs
Science (New York, N.Y.), 2015
A Weyl semimetal is a crystal which hosts Weyl fermions as emergent quasiparticles and admits a topological classification that protects Fermi arc surface states on the boundary of a bulk sample. This unusual electronic structure has deep analogies with particle physics and leads to unique topological properties. We report the experimental discovery of a Weyl semimetal, TaAs. Using photoemission spectroscopy, we directly observe Fermi arcs on the surface, as well as the Weyl fermion cones and Weyl nodes in the bulk of TaAs single crystals. We find that Fermi arcs terminate on the Weyl nodes, consistent with their topological character. Our work opens the field for the experimental study of Weyl fermions in physics and materials science.
Discovery of a Three-Dimensional Topological Dirac Semimetal, Na3Bi
Science, 2014
of quantum matter that can be viewed as "3D graphene". In contrast to two-dimensional (2D) Dirac fermions in graphene or on the surface of 3D topological insulators, TDSs possess 3D Dirac fermions in the bulk. The TDS is also an important boundary state mediating numerous novel quantum states, such as topological insulators, Weyl semi-metals, Axion insulators and topological superconductors. By investigating the electronic structure of Na 3 Bi with angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we discovered 3D Dirac fermions with linear dispersions along all momentum directions for the first time. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the 3D Dirac fermions in Na 3 Bi were protected by the bulk crystal symmetry. Our results establish that Na 3 Bi is the first model system of 3D TDSs, which can also serve as an ideal platform for the systematic study of quantum phase transitions between rich novel topological quantum states.
Band Engineering of Dirac Semimetals Using Charge Density Waves
Advanced Materials
New developments in the field of topological matter are often driven by materials discovery, including novel topological insulators, Dirac semimetals and Weyl semimetals. In the last few years, large efforts have been performed to classify all known inorganic materials with respect to their topology. Unfortunately, a large number of topological materials suffer from non-ideal band structures. For example, topological bands are frequently convoluted with trivial ones, and band structure features of interest can appear far below the Fermi level. This leaves just a handful of materials that are intensively studied. Finding strategies to design new topological materials is a solution. Here we introduce a new mechanism that is based on charge density waves and non-symmorphic symmetry to design an idealized Dirac semimetal. We then show experimentally that the antiferromagnetic compound GdSb0.46Te1.48 is a nearly ideal Dirac semimetal based on the proposed mechanism, meaning that most interfering bands at the Fermi level are suppressed. Its highly unusual transport behavior points to a thus far unknown regime, in which Dirac carriers with Fermi energy very close to the node seem to gradually localize in the presence of lattice and magnetic disorder.
Phenomenology of a semi-Dirac semi-Weyl semimetal
Physical Review B, 2012
We extend the semiclassical study of fermionic particle-hole symmetric semi-Dirac (more appropriately, semi-Dirac semi-Weyl) dispersion of quasiparticles, εK = ± (k 2 x /2m) 2 + (vky) 2) = ±ε0 K 4 x + K 2 y in dimensionless units, discovered computationally in oxide heterostructures by Pardo and collaborators. This unique system is a highly anisotropic sister phase of both (symmetric) graphene and what has become known as a Weyl semimetal, having < v 2 y > 1/2 ≈ v independent of energy, and < v 2 x > 1/2 ∝ m −1/2 √ ε being very strongly dependent on energy (ε) and depending only on the effective mass m. Each of these systems is distinguished by bands crossing (sometimes referred to as touching) at a point Fermi surface, with one consequence being that for this semi-Dirac system the ratio |χ orb /χsp| of orbital to spin susceptibilities diverges at low doping. We extend the study of the low-energy behavior of the semi-Dirac system, finding the plasmon frequency to be highly anisotropic while the Hall coefficient scales with carrier density in the usual manner. The Faraday rotation behavior is also reported. For Klein tunneling at normal incidence on an arbitrarily oriented barrier, the kinetic energy mixes both linear (massless) and quadratic (massive) contributions depending on orientation. Analogous to graphene, perfect transmission occurs under resonant conditions, except for the specific orientation that eliminates massless dispersion. Comparisons of the semi-Dirac system are made throughout with both other types of point Fermi surface systems.
Physical Review Letters, 2020
Higher-order topology yields intriguing multidimensional topological phenomena, while Weyl semimetals have unconventional properties such as chiral anomaly. However, so far, Weyl physics remain disconnected with higher-order topology. Here, we report the theoretical discovery of higherorder Weyl points and thereby the establishment of such an important connection. We demonstrate that higher-order Weyl points can emerge in chiral materials such as chiral tetragonal crystals as the intermediate phase between the conventional Weyl semimetal and 3D higher-order topological phases. Higher-order Weyl semimetals manifest themselves uniquely by exhibiting concurrent chiral Fermi-arc surface states, topological hinge states, and the momentum-dependent fractional hinge charge, revealing a novel class of higher-order topological phases.
Weyl semi-metals : a short review
Cornell University - arXiv, 2016
We begin this review with an introduction and a discussion of Weyl fermions as emergent particles in condensed matter systems, and explain how high energy phenomena like the chiral anomaly can be seen in low energy experiments. We then explain the current interest in the field due to the recent discovery of real materials which behave like Weyl semi-metals. We then describe a simple lattice model of a topological insulator, which can be turned into a Weyl semi-metal on breaking either time-reversal or inversion symmetry, and show how flat bands or Fermi arcs develop. Finally, we describe some new phenomena which occur due to the chiral nature of the Weyl nodes and end with possible future prospects in the field, both in theory and experiment.