Extremely large magnetoresistance and Shubnikov–de Haas quantum oscillation study of topological semimetal candidate single crystals
Phys. Rev. B 112, 214107 – Published 8 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/vcsb-xcqy
Abstract
Nonsaturated extremely large magnetoresistance (XMR), quantum oscillation (QO), and nontrivial Berry phase have been observed in many exotic quantum materials. But the underlying mechanisms driving these phenomena remain a puzzle. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the structural, magnetic, XMR, and QO study of high-quality PrP, PrAs, and PrSb single crystals, alongside density functional theory calculations x-ray diffraction analyses indicate that the flux-grown high-quality PrX (where X represents P, As, or Sb) system exhibits a simple rock-salt type structure with R-3m symmetry (No. 225). Heat capacity and susceptibility measurements find that the 4f electrons of ions in all three compounds are localized and the PrX system shows a Van Vleck paramagnetic ground state without any structure transition. Quantum transport measurements reveal nearly quadratic behavior in the magnetoresistance and significant angular and temperature-dependent Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations, with small effective mass of multiband charge carriers. Fast Fourier transformation analyses yield an electron pocket (α band) located at the X point predominantly associated with the Pr d electrons, and two types of hole pockets (the outer β and inner γ pockets) at the Γ point, which primarily arise from the p orbitals of As or Sb. Comparison with calculations indicate a crucial role of the 4f Coulomb interaction in influencing the topology of the band structures, particularly the presence of band crossing points. Our work provides a basis for in-depth investigations into the XMR, quantum oscillations, and Berry phase associated with band topology in lanthanum monopnictides and other innovative quantum material systems.