Large and anisotropic linear magnetoresistance in bulk stoichiometric Cd3As2 crystals

Abstract

Cd3As2 was recently identified as a novel three-dimensional (3D) topological semimetal hosting the long-pursuing 3D Dirac Fermion. Crystals of Cd3As2 grown preferentially along the [100] and [112] directions were obtained through the modified chemical vapor transfer growth method, thus allowing the examination of transport anisotropy. The resistivity and magnetoresistance (MR) are basically linear with respect to magnetic field (H) in the measured temperature range of 2–300 K irrespective of the directions. The linear resistivity and MR are significantly anisotropic not only along [100] and [112] directions but also with respect to tilt angle between the growth directions and H, thus providing transport signatures of the 3D Dirac Fermion as well as the possible linear and anisotropic change of Weyl Fermi surface in H. Very large MR along the [100] direction is observed, even approaching 3100% at 2 K and 14 kOe (1 Oe = 79.5775 A m−1). The results would be helpful in renewing interest in studying emergent phenomena arising from bulk 3D Dirac Fermion as well as in paving the way for Cd3As2 to be used in magnetoelectronic sensors.