Magnetic Generation and Switching of Topological Quantum Phases in a Trivial Semimetal α-EuP3

Abstract

Topological materials have drawn increasing attention owing to their rich quantum properties, as highlighted by a large intrinsic anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in Weyl and nodal-line semimetals. However, the practical applications for topological electronics have been hampered by the difficulty in the external control of their band topology. Here, we demonstrate a magnetic-field-induced switching of band topology in α-EuP3, a magnetic semimetal with a layered crystal structure derived from black phosphorus. When the magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the single mirror plane of the monoclinic structure, a giant AHE signal abruptly emerges at a certain threshold magnetization value, giving rise to a prominently large anomalous Hall angle of |ΘAHE|∼20°. On the other hand, when the magnetic field is applied along the interlayer direction, which breaks the mirror symmetry, the system shows a pronounced negative longitudinal magnetoresistance. Based on first-principles calculations and group-theoretic analysis, we show that such nontrivial anomalies in the magnetotransport properties are manifestations of two distinct topological phases: topological nodal-line and Weyl semimetals, respectively. Notably, the nodal-line structure is composed of bands with the same spin character and spans a wide energy range around the Fermi level. These topological phases are stabilized via the exchange coupling between localized Eu-4f moments and mobile carriers conducting through the phosphorus layers. Our findings provide a realistic solution for external manipulation of band topology, enriching the functional aspects of topological materials.