Pressure-induced physical properties in topological semi-metal TaM₂ (M = As, Sb)

In this study, DFT based first principles calculations are used for measuring the structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, optical and thermodynamic features of topological semimetal TaM₂ (M = As, Sb) under various pressures. We conducted the first investigation into the physical properties of the topological semimetal TaM₂ (M = As, Sb) under pressure. Formation energy and Born stability criteria justify the compound's thermodynamic and mechanical stability. We used elastic constants, elastic moduli, Kleinman parameter, machinability index, and Vickers hardness to investigate the mechanical properties of topological semimetal TaM₂. Poisson's and Pugh's ratios reveal that both compounds change from brittle to ductile in response to pressure. The increasing nature of elastic moduli suggests that TaM₂ becomes stiffer under stress. The pressure has a significant effect on the anisotropy factor for both materials. Band structure analysis shows that both compounds are Weyl semi-metals and the d orbital contributes significantly to the formation of the Fermi level, as shown by the density of states (DOS) analysis. Investigation of electronic characteristics provides important support for dissecting optical performance. Both the reflectivity and absorption spectra shift upwards in energy when pressure is increased. The refractive index value decreases and becomes flat in the higher energy region. Based on their refractive indices, both of these materials demonstrate as a high-density optical data storage medium when exposed to the right light source. The thermodynamic properties including sound velocity, and Debye temperature all exhibit an increasing nature with applied pressure. Due to their high Debye temperatures, the components under study have a rather high melting point.