Thickness-Dependent Magnetic Breakdown in ZrSiSe Nanoplates

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Phenomena

Background:

• ZrSiSe nanoplates exhibit complex electronic properties under high magnetic fields.
• Quantum oscillations provide insights into electronic band structures and carrier dynamics.
• Magnetic breakdown is a quantum mechanical tunneling phenomenon crucial in understanding material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the thickness-dependent magnetic breakdown in ZrSiSe nanoplates.
• To analyze thermoelectric quantum oscillations and their relation to electronic pockets.
• To explore the role of spin-orbit coupling in magnetic breakdown phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurement of thermoelectric quantum oscillations in ZrSiSe nanoplates up to 30 T.
• Systematic variation of nanoplate thickness to observe changes in oscillation patterns.
• Theoretical calculations to model interband and intraband magnetic breakdown processes.

Main Results:

• Degenerated hole pockets observed in thick ZrSiSe nanoplates.
• Multifrequency quantum oscillations from both hole and electron pockets in thinner nanoplates.
• Experimental frequencies align with theoretical predictions for interband and intraband magnetic breakdown, including SOC-induced saddle-shaped electron pockets.
• Enhanced thermal transport observed in thinner nanoplates due to magnetic breakdown.

Conclusions:

• Thickness is a critical parameter for modulating magnetic breakdown in ZrSiSe nanoplates.
• The study identifies new instances of interband and intraband magnetic breakdown.
• Findings contribute to the understanding of low-dimensional topological materials and magnetic breakdown physics.
• The research opens avenues for controlling magnetic breakdown phenomena in materials.