Layer-dependent quantum cooperation of electron and hole states in the anomalous semimetal WTe2
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: The behaviour of electrons and holes in a crystal lattice is a fundamental quantum phenomenon, accounting for a rich variety of material properties. Boosted by the remarkable electronic and physical properties of two-dimensional materials such as graphene and topological insulators, transition metal dichalcogenides have recently received renewed attention. In this context, the anomalous bulk properties of semimetallic WTe2 have attracted considerable interest. Here we report angle- and spin-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of WTe2 single crystals, through which we disentangle the role of W and Te atoms in the formation of the band structure and identify the interplay of charge, spin and orbital degrees of freedom. Supported by first-principles calculations and high-resolution surface topography, we reveal the existence of a layer-dependent behaviour. The balance of electron and hole states is found only when considering at least three Te-W-Te layers, showing that the behaviour of WTe2 is not strictly two dimensional.
Source: Nature Communications
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10847
Authors: Pranab Kumar Das, D. Di Sante, I. Vobornik, J. Fujii, T. Okuda, E. Bruyer, A. Gyenis, B. E. Feldman, J. Tao, R. Ciancio, G. Rossi, M. N. Ali, S. Picozzi, A. Yadzani, G. Panaccione, R. J. Cava
Institutions: The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Istituto Officina dei Materiali, University of L'Aquila, National Research Council, Hiroshima University, Research Institute for Synchrotron Radiation Science, Hiroshima University, Princeton University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, University of Milan
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Fondazione Cariplo, Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Science, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University, Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, Division of Materials Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Army Research Office, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Awards: Probing the Influence of Magnetism and Superconductivity on Topological Insulators & their Surface States, G1126863173, G1268236209, G1285306620, G1286251239, G132563423, G1336448005, G1349703009, G1375169175, Princeton Center for Complex Materials, G1572106353, G1829435969, G1847291448, G2380965497, G241279073, G2464382715, G3224369381, G3262563802, G338944111, G357145406, G396077776, Magnetic information storage in antiferromagnet spintronic devices - MAGISTER, G4935325810, G498139845, G5292656900, G549834383, G5765906131, G599780147, G6536210254, G6965541988, G7334251191, G7452299184, G7463374569, G7533450302, G8507651203, G872144517, G8992945424, G969889393
OpenAlex ID: W2301121997