Resistivity Exponents in 3D Dirac Semimetals From Electron-Electron Interaction.

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Solid-state physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Conventional metals exhibit quadratic temperature dependence in resistivity.
• Understanding transport properties in topological semimetals is crucial.
• Electron-electron interactions significantly influence material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the impact of on-site electron-electron interactions on the resistivity of 3D semimetals.
• Analyze the resulting temperature dependence of resistivity and thermal transport.
• Provide an explanation for observed large exponents in topological semimetal transport.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical study of three-dimensional semimetals with linear dispersion.
• Inclusion of on-site electron-electron interaction.
• Analysis of resistivity and thermal conductivity under varying coupling strengths.

Main Results:

• Resistivity shows an unusual T^{6} temperature dependence, deviating from the conventional T^{2} behavior.
• Thermal transport also changes, but the ratio of thermal to electrical conductivity remains linear in T.
• These findings are valid across weak coupling and into the nonperturbative Mott transition regime.

Conclusions:

• Electron-electron interactions fundamentally alter transport properties in semimetals.
• The T^{6} resistivity behavior offers a new explanation for experimental observations in topological semimetals.
• The study bridges fundamental theory and experimental phenomena in condensed matter systems.