3D–2D Crossover and Phase Shift of Beats of Quantum Oscillations of Interlayer Magnetoresistance in Quasi-2D Metals

Abstract

Magnetic quantum oscillations (MQOs) are traditionally applied to investigate the electronic structure of metals. In layered quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) materials, the MQOs have several qualitative features, offering additional helpful information, provided their theoretical description is developed. Within the framework of the Kubo formula and the self-consistent Born approximation, we reconsider the phase of the beats in the amplitude of the Shubnikov oscillations of the interlayer conductivity in Q2D metals. We show that the phase shift of the beats of the Shubnikov (conductivity) oscillations relative to the de Haas–van Alphen (magnetization) oscillations is larger than woud be expected and, under certain conditions, can reach the value of π/2, as observed experimentally. We explain the phase inversion of the MQOs during the 3D–2D crossover and predict the decrease in the relative MQO amplitude of the interlayer magnetoresistance in a strong magnetic field, larger than the beat frequency.

Keywords

• quasi-two-dimensional metals
• layered materials
• quantum magnetization
• interlayer conductivity
• magnetic quantum oscillations
• beating phase