Log-periodic quantum magneto-oscillations and discrete scale invariance in topological material HfTe5

TL;DR

This paper reports the observation of discrete scale invariance manifested as log-periodic quantum oscillations in the magnetoresistance and Hall effect of HfTe5, linking DSI to topological Dirac materials and their transport properties.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of DSI in a topological material and clarifies its origin through theoretical simulations, expanding understanding of quantum oscillations in Dirac systems.

Findings

Log-periodic oscillations observed in MR and Hall traces of HfTe5

Oscillations exhibit the same logB-periodicity, indicating DSI

Theoretical simulations support the origin of DSI in topological materials

Abstract

Discrete scale invariance (DSI) is a phenomenon featuring intriguing log-periodicity which can be rarely observed in quantum systems. Here we report the log-periodic quantum oscillations in the magnetoresistance (MR) and the Hall traces of HfTe5 crystals, which reveals the appearance of DSI. The oscillations show the same logB-periodicity in the behavior of MR and Hall, indicating an overall effect of the DSI on the transport properties. Moreover, the DSI feature in the Hall resistance signals its close relation to the carriers. Combined with theoretical simulations, we further clarify the origin of the log-periodic oscillations and the DSI in the topological materials. Our work evidences the universality of the DSI in the Dirac materials and paves way for the full understanding of the novel phenomenon.