Spin Orbit Induced Electronic Structure and Magnetotransport in WTe$_2$

We report electronic structure studies of WTe$_2$, which shows an XMR behavior and is non-centrosymmetric. We find a spin-orbit split semimetallic band structure with a different Fermi surface topology than that initially reported, including Rashba split bands with Fermi surface around the zone center. The metallic properties are not one dimensional and are best described in terms of an anisotropic 3D metal with compensating low carrier density Fermi surfaces. The spin texture and transport is discussed as the origin of the XMR effect and in particular is consistent with the geometry in which the XMR effect is observed and its angle dependence.