Electronic transport in thin films of BaPbO$_3$: Unraveling two-dimensional quantum effects

Abstract

Recently, perovskite related BaPbO$_3$ has attracted attention due to its hidden topological properties and, moreover, has been used as a thin layer in heterostructures to induce two-dimensional superconductivity. Here we investigate the normal state electronic transport properties of thin films of BaPbO$_3$. Temperature and magnetic field dependent sheet resistances are strongly affected by two-dimensional quantum effects. Our analysis decodes the interplay of spin--orbit coupling, disorder, and electron--electron interaction in this compound. Similar to recently discussed topological materials, we find that weak antilocalization is the dominant protagonist in magnetotransport, whereas electron--electron interactions play a pronounced role in the temperature dependence. A systematic understanding of these quantum effects is essential to allow for an accurate control of properties not only of thin films of BaPbO$_3$, but also of topological heterostructures.