Novel magnetoresistance features in HgSe single crystal with low electron concentration

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetoresistive properties of low-electron-concentration HgSe single crystals across various temperatures and magnetic fields, revealing features suggestive of topological Weyl semimetal behavior.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental analysis of magnetoresistance in HgSe with low electron density, proposing a modified band diagram indicating potential topological phases.

Findings

Strong transverse magnetoresistance observed

Negative longitudinal magnetoresistance detected

Results suggest possible Weyl semimetal phase in HgSe

Abstract

For the first time, magnetoresistive properties of the single crystal of HgSe with a low electron concentration were studied in wide range of temperature and magnetic field. Some fundamental parameters of spectrum and scattering of electrons were experimentally determined. Two important features of magnetic transport were found - strong transverse magnetoresistance (MR) and negative longitudinal MR, which can indicate the existence of the topological phase of the Weyl semimetal (WSM) in HgSe. Taking this hypothesis into account we suggest a modified band diagram of the mercury selenide at low electron energies. The obtained results are essential for the deeper understanding of both physics of gapless semiconductors and WSMs - promising materials for various applications in electronics, spintronics, computer and laser technologies.