# Prediction of triple point fermions in simple half-Heusler topological insulators

## TL;DR

This paper predicts the existence of triple point fermions in certain half-Heusler topological insulators using ab initio calculations and the Kane model, revealing unique surface states that can be experimentally observed.

## Contribution

It introduces the prediction of triple point fermions in half-Heusler compounds and details their electronic structure and surface manifestations.

## Key findings

- Multiple triple points along four C3 axes in half-Heusler compounds.
- Triple points lead to observable Fermi arcs on the surface.
- Most triple points are located away from the surface Γ point.

## Abstract

We predict the existence of triple point fermions in the band structure of several half-Heusler topological insulators by $ab~initio$ calculations and the Kane model. We find that many half-Heusler compounds exhibit multiple triple points along four independent $C_3$ axes, through which the doubly degenerate conduction bands and the nondegenerate valence band cross each other linearly nearby the Fermi energy. When projected from the bulk to the (111) surface, most of these triple points are located far away from the surface $\bar{\Gamma}$ point, as distinct from previously reported triple point fermion candidates. These isolated triple points give rise to Fermi arcs on the surface, that can be readily detected by photoemission spectroscopy or scanning tunneling spectroscopy.