Correlated Dirac semimetal states in nonsymmorphic MIrO$_3$ (M=Sr, Ba and Ca)

Abstract

Nonsymmorphic symmetries can give rise to Dirac semimetal (DSM) states. However, few studies have been conducted on DSMs in interacting systems. Here, we induce interacting DSM states in nonsymmorphic iridium oxides SrIrO$_3$, BaIrO$_3$ and CaIrO$_3$, and contend that the interaction of electron-electron correlations, strong spin-orbital coupling, and symmetry protection can drive robust and exotic DSM states. Based on the density functional theory combined with dynamical mean-field theory (DFT + DMFT), with the Coulomb interaction parameters computed through doubly screened Coulomb correction approach, we discover that the Dirac fermions are constituted by the strongly spin-orbital coupled $J_{\mathrm{eff}} = 1/2$ states resulting from $t_{2g}$ orbits of Ir, with significant mass enhancement. Moreover, the nonsymmorphic symmetries induce topological surface bands and Fermi arcs on the (001) surface, which are well separated from bulk states. Our findings establish nonsymmorphic iridium oxides as correlated DSMs under strong electron-electron and spin-orbital interactions.