Three-Dimensional Electronic Structure of the Type-II Weyl Semimetal WTe_{2}

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials

Background:

• Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) is a candidate type-II Weyl semimetal.
• It is known for large nonsaturating magnetoresistance.
• Its layered structure suggests 2D electronic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bulk electronic states of WTe2.
• To clarify the dimensionality of its electronic structure.
• To understand the influence of electronic correlations.

Main Methods:

• Bulk-sensitive soft-x-ray angular-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (SX-ARPES).
• First-principles calculations.
• Experimental observation of 3D electronic dispersion.

Main Results:

• Direct observation of three-dimensional (3D) electronic dispersion in WTe2.
• Evidence of coherent electron travel perpendicular to layers.
• Fermi surface with distinct electron and hole pockets, differing from surface-sensitive ARPES.
• Significant sensitivity of bulk electronic structure to correlations and self-energy effects.

Conclusions:

• WTe2 possesses a 3D electronic structure, challenging 2D assumptions.
• Electronic correlations are crucial for accurate first-principles descriptions of WTe2's bulk properties.
• This work provides a more complete understanding of WTe2's electronic behavior.