Klein tunneling and magnetoresistance of \textit{p-n} junctions in Weyl semimetals

TL;DR

This paper investigates the conductance and magnetoconductance of ballistic p-n junctions in Weyl semimetals, highlighting the role of Klein tunneling and the chiral anomaly in their unique positive, linear magnetoconductance behavior.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of how the chiral anomaly influences magnetotransport in Weyl semimetal p-n junctions, revealing distinct positive magnetoconductance unlike conventional junctions.

Findings

Magnetoconductance is positive and linear in magnetic field B for most orientations.

Klein tunneling mediates electron transport across the junction.

Chiral anomaly significantly affects magnetotransport properties.

Abstract

We study the zero temperature conductance and magnetoconductance of ballistic \textit{p-n} junctions in Weyl semimetals. Electron transport is mediated by Klein tunneling between \textit{n}- and \textit{p}- regions. The chiral anomaly that is realized in Weyl semimetals plays a crucial role in the magnetoconductance of the junction. With the exception of field orientations where the angle between $\mathbf{B}$ and the junction plane is small, magnetoconductance is positive and linear in $B$ at both weak and strong magnetic fields. In contrast, magnetoconductance in conventional \textit{p-n} junctions is always negative.