Discrete scale invariance of the quasi-bound states at atomic vacancies in a topological material

Abstract

Recently, log-periodic quantum oscillations have been detected in the topological materials zirconium pentatelluride (ZrTe5) and hafnium pentatelluride (HfTe5), displaying an intriguing discrete scale invariance (DSI) characteristic. In condensed materials, the DSI is considered to be related to the quasi-bound states formed by massless Dirac fermions with strong Coulomb attraction, offering a feasible platform to study the long-pursued atomic-collapse phenomenon. Here, we demonstrate that a variety of atomic vacancies in the topological material HfTe5 can host the geometric quasi-bound states with a DSI feature, resembling an artificial supercritical atom collapse. The density of states of these quasi-bound states is enhanced, and the quasi-bound states are spatially distributed in the "orbitals" surrounding the vacancy sites, which are detected and visualized by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope/spectroscopy. By applying the perpendicular magnetic fields, the quasi-bound states at lower energies become wider and eventually invisible; meanwhile, the energies of quasi-bound states move gradually toward the Fermi energy (EF). These features are consistent with the theoretical prediction of a magnetic field-induced transition from supercritical to subcritical states. The direct observation of geometric quasi-bound states sheds light on the deep understanding of the DSI in quantum materials.