Complex electronic structure evolution of NdSb across the magnetic transition

Abstract

The rare-earth monopnictide (REM) family, which hosts magnetic ground states with extreme magnetoresistance, has established itself as a fruitful playground for the discovery of interesting topological phases. Here, by using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy complemented by first-principles density-functional-theory-based modeling, we examine the evolution of the electronic structure of the candidate REM Dirac semimetal NdSb across the magnetic transition. A complex angel-wing-like band structure near the zone center along with arclike features at the zone center and the zone corner are observed. This dramatic reconstruction of the itinerant bands around the zone center is shown to be driven by a magnetic transition: Specifically, the Nd $5d$ electron band backfolds at the $\overline{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}$ point and hybridizes with the Sb $5p$ hole bands in the antiferromagnetic phase. Our study indicates that antiferromagnetism plays an intricate role in the electronic structure of the REM family.