Multi-Weyl topological semimetals stabilized by point group symmetry

Chen Fang, Matthew J. Gilbert, Xi Dai, B. Andrei Bernevig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

578 Scopus citations

Abstract

We perform a complete classification of two-band k•p theories at band crossing points in 3D semimetals with n-fold rotation symmetry and broken time-reversal symmetry. Using this classification, we show the existence of new 3D topological semimetals characterized by C 4,6-protected double-Weyl nodes with quadratic in-plane (along k x,y) dispersion or C 6-protected triple-Weyl nodes with cubic in-plane dispersion. We apply this theory to the 3D ferromagnet HgCr 2Se 4 and confirm it is a double-Weyl metal protected by C 4 symmetry. Furthermore, if the direction of the ferromagnetism is shifted away from the [001] axis to the [111] axis, the double-Weyl node splits into four single Weyl nodes, as dictated by the point group S 6 of that phase. Finally, we discuss experimentally relevant effects including the splitting of multi-Weyl nodes by applying a C n breaking strain and the surface Fermi arcs in these new semimetals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number266802
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume108
Issue number26
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 27 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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