Evidences of Topological Surface States in the Nodal-Line Semimetal SnTaS2 Nanoflakes.

Abstract

Exploring the topological surface state of a topological semimetal by the transport technique has always been a big challenge because of the overwhelming contribution of the bulk state. In this work, we perform systematic angular-dependent magnetotransport measurements and electronic band calculations on SnTaS2 crystals, a layered topological nodal-line semimetal. Distinct Shubnikov-de Haas quantum oscillations were observed only in SnTaS2 nanoflakes when the thickness was below about 110 nm, and the oscillation amplitudes increased significantly with decreasing thickness. By analysis of the oscillation spectra, together with the theoretical calculation, a two-dimensional and topological nontrivial nature of the surface band is unambiguously identified, providing direct transport evidence of drumhead surface state for SnTaS2. Our comprehensive understanding of the Fermi surface topology of the centrosymmetric superconductor SnTaS2 is crucial for further research on the interplay of superconductivity and nontrivial topology.