Topological quantum phase transition in the magnetic semimetal HoSb

TL;DR

This study investigates how magnetic phase transitions in HoSb influence its topological electronic states, revealing a switch between trivial and nontrivial phases driven by magnetic order changes.

Contribution

It demonstrates the magnetic control of topological phases in HoSb through combined experimental and theoretical analysis.

Findings

Fermi surface anisotropy is stable in the paramagnetic state but modulated in magnetic states.

Magnetic transitions induce a switch between trivial and nontrivial topological phases.

HoSb serves as a platform to explore magnetism-topology interplay.

Abstract

Magnetic topological semimetals, a novel state of quantum matter with nontrivial band topology, have emerged as a new frontier in physics and materials science. An external stimulus like temperature or magnetic field could be expected to alter their spin states and thus the Fermi surface anisotropies and topological features. Here, we perform the angular magnetoresistance measurements and electronic band structure calculations to reveal the evolution of HoSb's Fermi surface anisotropies and topological nature in different magnetic states. The angular magnetoresistance results manifest that its Fermi surface anisotropy is robust in the paramagnetic state but is significantly modulated in the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states. More interestingly, a transition from the trivial (nontrivial) to nontrivial (trivial) topological electronic phase is observed when HoSb undergoes a magnetic transition from the paramagnetic (antiferromagnetic) to antiferromagnetic (ferromagnetic) state induced by temperature (applied magnetic field). Our studying suggests that HoSb provides an archetype platform to study the correlations between magnetism and topological states of matter.