Spin-Orbit Coupling and Anomalous Angular-Dependent Magnetoresistance in the Quantum Transport Regime of PbS

TL;DR

This study investigates the quantum transport properties of PbS crystals, revealing the influence of spin-orbit coupling and surface effects on magnetoresistance, with implications for understanding complex quantum behaviors in semiconductors.

Contribution

It uncovers the interplay between spin-orbit coupling and surface conductivity effects in PbS, highlighting novel angular-dependent magnetoresistance features in the quantum regime.

Findings

Observation of quantum linear magnetoresistance in PbS

Detection of spin-orbit coupling effects via Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations

Identification of unexpected sharp peaks in angular-dependent MR

Abstract

We measured magnetotransport properties of PbS single crystals which exhibit the quantum linear magnetoresistance (MR) as well as the static skin effect that creates a surface layer of additional conductivity. The Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in the longitudinal MR signify the peculiar role of spin-orbit coupling. In the angular-dependent MR, sharp peaks are observed when the magnetic field is slightly inclined from the longitudinal configuration, which is totally unexpected for a system with nearly spherical Fermi surface and points to an intricate interplay between the spin-orbit coupling and the conducting surface layer in the quantum transport regime.