Dirac and Weyl semimetals

• Applicant: Dr. Sergey Borisenko
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 290387256

We propose to identify novel materials which host three-dimensional Dirac or Weyl points and investigate their electronic structure by means of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We will focus on those compounds which have been predicted theoretically by means of DFT theory and analysis of topological invariants or Berry curvatures. Special attention will be paid to possible realization of the Weyl state in Bi-containing quasi-two dimensional systems with strongly anisotropic Dirac dispersions. In particular, the time-reversal symmetry breaking Weyl state will be searched for in canted antiferromagnets and inversion symmetry breaking Weyl state - in compounds without center of inversion. Systematic studies of fine details of the surface and bulk electronic structures of candidate materials are anticipated to identify the Dirac and/or Weyl semimetallic states and provide possible practical routes for a targeted synthesis of new materials.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants