Multiple Triple-Point Fermions in Heusler Compounds

Abstract

Using the density functional theoretical calculations, we report a new set of topological semimetals X$_{2}$YZ (X = \{Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Au, Hg\}, Y = \{Li, Na, Sc, Zn, Y, Zr, Hf, La, Pr, Pm, Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Tm\} and Z =\{Mg, Al, Zn, Ga, Y, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Ta, Sm\}), which show the existence of multiple topological triple point fermions along four independent $C_{3}$ axes. These fermionic quasiparticles have no analogues elementary particle in the standard model. The angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy is simulated to obtain the exotic topological surface states and the characteristic Fermi arcs. The inclusion of spin-orbit coupling splits the triple-point into two Dirac points. The triple-point fermions are exhibited on the easily cleavable (111) surface and are well separated from the surface $\bar{\Gamma}$ point, allowing them to be resolved in the surface spectroscopic techniques. This intermediate linearly dispersive degeneracy between Weyl and Dirac points may offer prospective candidates for quantum transport applications.