Current direction dependent magnetotransport in CuTe

TL;DR

This study investigates the anisotropic magnetotransport properties of CuTe, revealing direction-dependent magnetoresistance behavior, violation of Kohler scaling, and quantum oscillations, providing insights into its charge density wave state.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed magnetotransport analysis of CuTe with current along different in-plane directions, highlighting anisotropic electronic responses and quantum oscillations.

Findings

Magnetoresistance depends on current direction, showing opposite curvature.

Kohler scaling is violated only for current along the a-axis.

Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations are observed at low temperatures.

Abstract

Despite being a layered, easily-exfoliated compound, copper monotelluride (CuTe) features an unusual quasi-one-dimensional charge density wave below $T_{\rm CDW}\approx335$ K. Within a CuTe layer, the electrical resistivity depends sensitively on the direction of the electrical current. Here, we use magnetotransport to probe the metallic state of CuTe with two distinct in-plane current directions. When the current flows along the $a$-axis ($I//a$), the magnetoresistance exhibits a downward curvature as the magnetic field increases. On the other hand, when the current is along the $b$-axis ($I//b$), the magnetoresistance shows the opposite curvature. Our analysis uncovers a violation of Kohler scaling, but only for $I//a$. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations are detected at low temperatures. Our results shed light on the nature of the metallic state in CuTe with the development of the charge density wave.