Direct Evidence of Metallic Bands in a Monolayer Boron Sheet

TL;DR

This paper provides experimental evidence of metallic bands in a synthesized monolayer boron sheet, confirming theoretical predictions and revealing its Fermi surface structure, which could lead to new scientific insights.

Contribution

First experimental confirmation of metallic bands in monolayer boron using ARPES, supporting theoretical models and advancing material science understanding.

Findings

Presence of metallic boron-derived bands confirmed by ARPES

Fermi surface includes electron and hole pockets as predicted

Supports potential for novel physics in monolayer boron

Abstract

The search for metallic boron allotropes has attracted great attention in the past decades and recent theoretical works predict the existence of metallicity in monolayer boron. Here, we synthesize the \b{eta}12-sheet monolayer boron on a Ag(111) surface and confirm the presence of metallic boron-derived bands using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The Fermi surface is composed of one electron pocket at the S point and a pair of hole pockets near the X point, which is supported by the first-principles calculations. The metallic boron allotrope in \b{eta}12 sheet opens the way to novel physics and chemistry in material science.