Phonon-scattering-induced quantum linear magnetoresistance up to room temperature

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that phonon scattering induces quantum linear magnetoresistance in Weyl semiconductors at high temperatures, including room temperature, revealing a new quantum mechanism distinct from previous models.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of phonon-mediated quantum LMR at high temperatures, confirming a fifty-year-old theoretical prediction and expanding understanding of quantum transport phenomena.

Findings

Quantum LMR persists up to room temperature.

High magnetic fields enable Landau quantization at elevated temperatures.

Phonon scattering is the key mechanism behind the observed LMR.

Abstract

The realization of quantum transport effects at elevated temperatures has long intrigued researchers due to the implications for unveiling novel physics and developing quantum devices. In this work, we report remarkable quantum linear magnetoresistance (LMR) in the Weyl semiconductor tellurium at high temperatures of 40-300 K under strong magnetic fields up to 60 T. At high fields, the Weyl band features a large energy gap between the lowest and first Landau levels, which suppresses thermal excitation and preserves Landau quantization at high temperatures. The LMR is observed as long as majority carriers remain in the lowest Landau level without requiring monochromaticity, allowing it to persist up to room temperature. The inverse relationship between the LMR slope and temperature provides clear evidence that quantum LMR originates from high-temperature phonon scattering in the quantum limit, firstly demonstrating a theoretical prediction made nearly fifty years ago. This study highlights the key role of electron-phonon interaction and reveals an innovative quantum mechanism for achieving high-temperature LMR, fundamentally distinct from previous findings. Our results bridge a gap in the understanding of phonon-mediated quantum-limit physics and establish strong magnetic fields at high temperatures as a promising platform for exploring novel quantum phenomena.