Electrons in helical magnetic field: a new class of topological metals

TL;DR

This paper proves theorems revealing topologically nontrivial electron states in helical magnetic fields, showing degeneracies and unusual spin structures that lead to abnormal conductivity in certain layered materials.

Contribution

It introduces new theorems on electron states in helimagnets and models topological effects in layered palladium systems under magnetic fields.

Findings

Degeneracy similar to Kramers in helical magnetic fields

Topologically nontrivial band structures in commensurate helimagnets

Unusual spin textures cause abnormal conductivity

Abstract

Two theorems on electron states in helimagnets are proved. They reveal a Kramers-like degeneracy in helical magnetic field. Since a commensurate helical magnetic system is transitionally invariant with two multiple periods (ordinary translations and generalized ones with rotations), the band structure turns out to be topologically nontrivial. Together with the degeneracy, this gives an unusual spin structure of electron bands. A 2D model of nearly free electrons is proposed to describe conductive hexagonal palladium layers under an effective field of magnetically ordered CrO$_2$ spacers in PdCrO$_2$. The spin texture of the Fermi surface leads to abnormal conductivity.