Enhancement of spin-orbit coupling in Dirac semimetal Cd$_{3}$As$_{2}$ films by Sb-doping

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that Sb doping in Cd$_{3}$As$_{2}$ films significantly enhances spin-orbit coupling, which could facilitate advanced topological electronic applications.

Contribution

It reveals the impact of Sb doping on spin-orbit coupling and band inversion in Cd$_{3}$As$_{2}$, providing insights for tuning topological properties.

Findings

Sb doping increases spin-orbit scattering rate

Enhanced band-inversion energy due to Sb doping

Potential for functionalization of topological semimetals

Abstract

We present a study on magnetotransport in films of the topological Dirac semimetal Cd$_{3}$As$_{2}$ doped with Sb grown by molecular beam epitaxy. In our weak antilocalization analysis, we find a significant enhancement of the spin-orbit scattering rate, indicating that Sb doping leads to a strong increase of the pristine band-inversion energy. We discuss possible origins of this large enhancement by comparing Sb-doped Cd$_{3}$As$_{2}$ with other compound semiconductors. Sb-doped Cd$_{3}$As$_{2}$ will be a suitable system for further investigations and functionalization of topological Dirac semimetals.