Point-contact spectroscopy on the 3-Dimensional Dirac Semi-metal Cd$_3$As$_2$

ORAL

Abstract

The three dimensional (3D) Dirac semi-metals exist close to topological phase boundaries. Therefore, in principle, it should be possible to drive them into exotic new phases by breaking certain symmetries. We will discuss point-contact spectroscopic measurements on the 3D Dirac semi-metal Cd$_3$As$_2$ using several normal metallic tips. We have found that the mesoscopic point-contacts between elemental normal metals (like silver (Ag), platinum (Pt) and gold (Au)) and Cd$_3$As$_2$ exhibit signatures of certain exotic new phases. The possible origin of such phases in the confined region on Cd$_3$As$_2$ will also be discussed.

Authors

  • Goutam Sheet

    • Indian institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali
  • Abhishek Gaurav

    • Indian institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali
  • Gohil Singh Thakur

    • Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
  • Zeba Haque

    • Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
  • Ashok Kumar Ganguli

    • Institute of Nano Science \& Technology, Mohali
  • Leena Aggarwal

    • Indian institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali