Dirac semimetal phase in the hexagonal LiZnBi

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that applying strain to hexagonal LiZnBi can induce a Dirac semimetal phase, characterized by topological surface states and Fermi arcs, highlighting strain as a tool to engineer topological phases.

Contribution

The study reveals strain-induced Dirac semimetal phase in LiZnBi through first-principles calculations, expanding understanding of topological phases in hexagonal $ABC$ materials.

Findings

LiZnBi becomes a Dirac semimetal under strain

Fermi arcs observed on the surface states

Topological properties are strain-sensitive

Abstract

Based on first-principles calculations, we find that LiZnBi, a metallic hexagonal $ABC$ compound, can be driven into a Dirac semimetal with a pair of Dirac points by strain. The nontrivial topological nature of the strained LiZnBi is directly demonstrated by calculating its $\mathbb{Z}_2$ index and the surface states, where the Fermi arcs are clearly observed. The low-energy states as well as topological properties are shown to be sensitive to the strain configurations. The finding of Dirac semimetal phase in LiZnBi may intrigue further researches on the topological properties of hexagonal $ABC$ materials and promote new practical applications.