Flat band in multiband-metal MnSb$_2$

TL;DR

This study reports the synthesis of MnSb₂ using high-pressure methods and provides evidence of a flat electronic band near the Fermi level, confirmed by experimental and theoretical analysis.

Contribution

First synthesis of MnSb₂ using high-pressure techniques and experimental validation of a flat band near the Fermi level in its electronic structure.

Findings

MnSb₂ was successfully synthesized in the marcasite structure.

Electronic transport measurements suggest a flat band near the Fermi level.

DFT calculations agree with experimental observations of the flat band.

Abstract

Marcasite compounds formed between $3d$ transition metals and antimony (TMSb$_2$) have been heavily studied due to their intriguing physical properties. For instance they can possess flat bands in their electronic structure, however due to their semiconducting nature, these intriguing electronic states often reside far from the Fermi level, and observations of their properties remained elusive. In addition, the studies of the marcasite series is incomplete across the $3d$ TMs as the electronic and physical properties of MnSb$_2$ are little studied, as its synthesis requires the application of pressure. We successfully used a high-pressure approach to obtain MnSb$_2$, the last TMSb$_2$ that was still missing, and confirm its marcasite structure. The results of our measurements of electronic transport properties are consistent with the manifestation of a flat band that resides at the vicinity of the Fermi level and being in good agreement with the DFT band structure.