Magnetic generation and switching of topological quantum phases in a trivial semimetal $\alpha{\mathrm{-EuP}}_3$

TL;DR

This study demonstrates magnetic-field-induced switching between topological phases in a magnetic semimetal, revealing controllable topological properties and large anomalous Hall effects driven by magnetic orientation and symmetry breaking.

Contribution

It introduces a method to externally control topological phases in a magnetic semimetal through magnetic field orientation, enabling tunable topological electronic properties.

Findings

Giant anomalous Hall effect appears at a threshold magnetization.

Magnetic field orientation controls transition between nodal-line and Weyl semimetal phases.

Topological phases are stabilized by exchange coupling between Eu-4f moments and carriers.

Abstract

Topological materials have drawn increasing attention owing to their rich quantum properties, as highlighted by a large intrinsic anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in Weyl and nodal-line semimetals. However, the practical applications for topological electronics have been hampered by the difficulty in the external control of the band topology. Here we demonstrate a magnetic-field-induced switching of band topology in $\alpha{\mathrm{-EuP}}_3$, a magnetic semimetal with a layered crystal structure derived from black phosphorus. When the magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the single mirror plane of the monoclinic structure, a giant AHE signal abruptly emerges at a certain threshold magnetization value, giving rise to a prominently large anomalous Hall angle of $\left|\Theta_{\mathrm{AHE}}\right| \sim 20^{\circ}$. When the magnetic field is applied along the inter-layer direction, which breaks the mirror symmetry, the system shows a pronounced negative longitudinal magnetoresistance. On the basis of electronic structure calculations and symmetry considerations, these anomalous magneto-transport properties can be considered as manifestations of two distinct topological phases: topological nodal-line and Weyl semimetals, respectively. Notably, the nodal-line structure is composed of bands with the same spin character and spans a wide energy range around the Fermi level. These topological phases are stabilized via the exchange coupling between localized Eu-4$f$ moments and mobile carriers conducting through the phosphorus layers. Our findings provide a realistic solution for external manipulation of band topology, enriching the functional aspects of topological materials.