Engineering topological phases in the Luttinger semimetal $\alpha$-Sn

Abstract

$\alpha$-Sn is well known as a typical Luttinger semimetal with a quadratic band touching at the $\Gamma$ point. Based on the effective $k\cdot p$ analysis as well as first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that multiple topological phases with a rich diagram, including topological insulator, Dirac semimetal, and Weyl semimetal phases, can be induced and engineered in $\alpha$-Sn by external strains, magnetic fields, and circularly polarized light (CPL). Intriguingly, not only the conventional type-I Weyl nodes, but also type-II Weyl nodes and double-Weyl nodes can be generated directly from the quadratic semimetal by applying a magnetic field or CPL. Our results apply equally well to other Luttinger semimetals with similar crystal and electronic structures, and thus open an avenue for realizing and engineering multiple topological phases on a versatile platform.