Quantum Interference Theory of Magnetoresistance in Dirac Materials

Abstract

Magnetoresistance in many samples of Dirac semimetal and topological insulator displays non-monotonic behaviors over a wide range of magnetic field. Here a formula of magnetoconductivity is presented for massless and massive Dirac fermions in Dirac materials due to quantum interference in scalar impurity scattering potentials. It reveals a striking crossover from positive to negative magnetoresistivity, uncovering strong competition between weak localization and weak antilocalization in multiple Cooperon modes at different chemical potentials, effective masses and finite temperatures. The work sheds light on the important role of strong coupling of the conduction and valence bands in the quantum interference transport in topological nontrivial and trivial Dirac materials.