Magnetic exchange induced Weyl state in a semimetal EuCd2Sb2

Abstract

Magnetic Weyl semimetals (WSMs) bearing long-time seeking are still very rare. We have identified herein that EuCd2Sb2, a semimetal belonging to the type IV magnetic space group, hosts a magnetic exchange induced Weyl state via performing high magnetic field magnetotransport measurements and ab initio calculations. In the A-type antiferromagnetic structure, the external field larger than 3.2 T can align all Eu spins to be fully polarized along the c-axis and consequently drive EuCd2Sb2 into a spin polarized state. Magnetotransport measurements up to ∼55–60 T showed striking Shubnikov-de Hass oscillations associated with a nontrivial Berry phase. The ab initio calculations unveiled a phase transition of EuCd2Sb2 from a small gap antiferromagnetic topological insulator to a spin polarized WSM in which the Weyl points emerge along the Γ-Z path. Fermi arcs on (100) and (010) surfaces are also predicted. Meanwhile, the observed large anomalous Hall effect indicates the existence of Weyl points around the Fermi level. The results pave a way toward the realization of various topological states in a single material through the magnetic exchange manipulation.