Neutron scattering and magnetic excitations in Weyl semimetal NdAlSi

ORAL

Abstract

Realizing time-reversal symmetry breaking by magnetic order in Weyl semimetals has been a long-standing goal, one that can potentially lead to unique physical phenomena. NdAlSi is an interesting example of a non-centrosymmetric material where Weyl electrons may mediate the magnetic exchange interactions that result in a helical magnetic structure. To gain further insight into the relevant exchange interactions in NdAlSi, we used inelastic neutron scattering to probe the magnetic excitations in the paramagnetic, incommensurate, and commensurate states of NdAlSi. We highlight the importance of the crystal electric field; our approach to modeling the data; and how we might gain more insight into possible Weyl-mediated exchange interactions.

–

Presenters

  • Chris J Lygouras

    Johns Hopkins University

Authors

  • Chris J Lygouras

    Johns Hopkins University

  • Jonathan Gaudet

    Johns Hopkins University

  • Hung-Yu Y Yang

    Department of Physics, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA, University of California, Los Angeles, Boston College

  • Xiaohan Yao

    Boston College, Department of Physics, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 02467, USA

  • Andrey Podlesnyak

    Oak Ridge National Lab, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Predrag Nikolic

    George Mason University

  • Jose A Rodriguez

    NIST Center for Neutron Research

  • Fazel Tafti

    Boston College, Department of Physics, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA, Department of Physics, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 02467, USA

  • Collin L Broholm

    John Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins University