Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Field-induced magnetic phase transitions and transport anomalies in GdAlSi

    Zheng Li1, Sheng Xu1,2,*, Yi-Yan Wang3, Tian-Hao Li1, Shu-Xiang Li1, Jin-Jin Wang1, Jun-Jian Mi1, Qian Tao1, and Zhu-An Xu1,4,5,†

    • 1School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    • 2School of Physics, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
    • 3Anhui Key Laboratory of Magnetic Functional Materials and Devices, Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
    • 4State Key Laboratory of Silicon and Advanced Semiconductor Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
    • 5Hefei National Laboratory, Hefei 230088, China

    • *Contact author: shengxu@zjut.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: zhuan@zju.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. B 113, 045113 – Published 7 January, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6qj9-gv6f

    Abstract

    Magnetic topological materials hosting nonzero Berry curvature have emerged as a focus of intensive research because of their exceptional magnetoelectric coupling phenomena and potential applications in next-generation spintronic devices. In this work, we successfully synthesized high-quality GdAlSi single crystals, a prototypical member of RAlX (R = rare earth elements; X = Si/Ge) family that has been theoretically predicted to sustain a nontrivial Weyl semimetal state. Through systematic investigations of magnetic and transport properties, we identified two successive antiferromagnetic transitions at critical temperatures TN1 ∼ 31.9 K and TN2 ∼ 31.1 K, as evidenced by temperature-dependent resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements. Notably, applied magnetic fields exceeding 8 T induce a third magnetic transition (TN3), generating a cascade of metamagnetic transitions that collectively form a dendritic phase diagram. This complex magnetic behavior is attributed to the interplay between localized Gd−4f moments and itinerant conduction electrons, possibly mediated by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. Transport measurements revealed striking stepwise anomalies in magnetoresistance when crossing phase boundaries, accompanied by pronounced hysteresis loops arising from magnetic moment flopping processes. Our results not only establish GdAlSi as a rich platform for investigating correlated topological states, but also demonstrate its potential for engineering topological phase transitions through magnetic symmetry manipulation in Weyl semimetals.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation