Unusual interlayer quantum transport behavior caused by the zeroth Landau level in YbMnBi₂

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials Science
• Topological Materials

Background:

• Relativistic fermions in topological quantum materials exhibit linear energy-momentum dispersion.
• A unique zeroth Landau level (LL) arises from the Berry phase of π in cyclotron motion under magnetic fields, characteristic of relativistic fermions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the unusual interlayer quantum transport behavior in the time-reversal symmetry-breaking type II Weyl semimetal YbMnBi₂.
• To explore the role of the zeroth Landau level (LL) mode in the observed transport phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Experimental observation of interlayer magnetoresistivity and Hall conductivity in YbMnBi₂ under high magnetic fields.
• Theoretical modeling of interlayer quantum tunneling transport considering the zeroth LL's Weyl fermions.

Main Results:

• YbMnBi₂ exhibits surprising angular dependences in its interlayer magnetoresistivity and Hall conductivity.
• These angular dependences are well-fitted by a model incorporating interlayer quantum tunneling of zeroth LL Weyl fermions.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals the significant role of the zeroth Landau level (LL) mode in the quantum transport of type II Weyl semimetals.
• The findings provide new understanding of transport phenomena in topological quantum materials, particularly YbMnBi₂.