Field-Induced Lifshitz Transition in the Magnetic Weyl Semimetal Candidate PrAlSi

TL;DR

This study reports a rare field-induced Lifshitz transition in the magnetic Weyl semimetal PrAlSi, revealing changes in electronic structure under high magnetic fields and highlighting the interplay of topology, magnetism, and electronic correlation.

Contribution

It demonstrates the occurrence of a field-induced Lifshitz transition in PrAlSi, expanding understanding beyond heavy fermion systems and providing insights into topological and magnetic interactions.

Findings

Lifshitz transition occurs at approximately 14.5 T in PrAlSi.

Quantum oscillation frequencies change abruptly across the transition.

The transition occurs below the quantum limit with temperature-dependent oscillations.

Abstract

Lifshitz transition (LT) refers to an abrupt change in the electronic structure and Fermi surface, and is associated to a variety of emergent quantum phenomena. Amongst the LTs observed in known materials, the field-induced LT has been rare and its origin remains elusive. To understand the origin of field-induced LT, it is important to extend the material basis beyond the usual setting of heavy fermion metals. Here, we report on a field-induced LT in PrAlSi, a magnetic Weyl semimetal candidate with localized 4$f$ electrons, through a study of magnetotransport up to 55 T. The quantum oscillation analysis reveals that across a threshold field $B^*\approx$14.5 T the oscillation frequency ($F_1$ = 43 T) is replaced by two new frequencies ($F_2$ = 62 T and $F_3$ = 103 T). Strikingly, the LT occurs well below quantum limit, with obvious temperature-dependent oscillation frequency and field-dependent cyclotron mass. Our work not only enriches the rare examples of field-induced LTs, but also paves the way for further investigation on the interplay among topology, magnetism and electronic correlation.