Magnetotransport of single crystalline NbAs

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetotransport properties of single crystalline NbAs, revealing large, non-saturating magnetoresistance and sign-changing Hall coefficient, highlighting its potential as a Weyl semimetal candidate.

Contribution

First detailed transport measurements of NbAs single crystals, demonstrating properties consistent with Weyl semimetals and expanding understanding of transition-metal monopnictides.

Findings

Non-saturating magnetoresistance up to 9 T

Hall coefficient changes sign around 150 K

Electron carrier density and mobility comparable to related materials

Abstract

We report transport measurement in zero and applied magnetic field on a single crystal of NbAs. Transverse and longitudinal magnetoresistance in the plane of this tetragonal structure does not saturate up to 9 T. In the transverse configuration ($H \parallel c$, $I \perp c$) it is 230,000 \% at 2 K. The Hall coefficient changes sign from hole-like at room temperature to electron-like below $\sim$ 150 K. The electron carrier density and mobility calculated at 2 K based on a single band approximation are 1.8 x 10$^{19}$ cm$^{-3}$ and 3.5 x 10$^{5}$ cm$^2$/Vs, respectively. These values are similar to reported values for TaAs and NbP, and further emphasize that this class of noncentrosymmetric, transition-metal monopnictides is a promising family to explore the properties of Weyl semimetals and the consequences of their novel electronic structure.