Complex electronic structure evolution of NdSb across the magnetic transition

TL;DR

This study investigates how the electronic structure of NdSb, a rare-earth monopnictide, changes across its magnetic transition using advanced spectroscopy and theoretical modeling, revealing complex band reconstructions driven by antiferromagnetism.

Contribution

It provides detailed experimental and theoretical insights into the electronic structure evolution of NdSb across its magnetic transition, highlighting the role of magnetic order.

Findings

Observation of complex band structures near the zone center and corner.

Magnetic transition causes band backfolding and hybridization.

Antiferromagnetism significantly influences electronic properties.

Abstract

The rare-earth monopnictide (REM) family, which hosts magnetic ground states with extreme magnetoresistance, has established itself as a fruitful playground for the discovery of interesting topological phases. Here, by using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy complemented by first-principles density functional-theory based modeling, we examine the evolution of the electronic structure of the candidate REM Dirac semimetal NdSb across the magnetic transition. A complex angel-wing-like band structure near the zone center and three arc-like features at the zone corner have been observed. This dramatic reconstruction of the itinerant bands around the zone center is shown to be driven by the magnetic transition: Specifically,, the Nd 5d electron band backfolds at the Gamma point and hybridizes with the Sb 5p hole bands in the antiferromagnetic phase. Our study indicates that antiferromagnetism plays an intricate role in the electronic structure of the REM family.