Origin of the exotic electronic states in antiferromagnetic NdSb

Abstract

Using angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements and first principle calculations, we report that the possible unconventional 2q antiferromagnetic (AFM) order in NdSb can induce unusual modulation on its electronic structure. The obvious extra bands observed in the AFM phase of NdSb are well reproduced by theoretical calculations, in which the Fermi-arc-like structures and sharp extra bands are originated from the in-gap surface states. However, they are demonstrated to be topological trivial. By tuning the chemical potential, the AFM phase of NdSb would go through a topological phase transition, realizing a magnetic topological insulator phase. Hence, our study sheds new light on the rare earth monopnictides for searching unusual AFM structure and the potential of intrinsic magnetic topological materials.