Molecular beam deposition of a new layered pnictide with distorted Sb square nets

While the family of layered pnictides ABX(2) (A-rare or alkaline earth metals, B-transition metals, and X-Sb/Bi) can host Dirac dispersions based on Sb/Bi square nets, nearly half of them have not yet been synthesized for possible combinations of the A and B cations. Here, we report the fabrication of EuCdSb2 with the largest B-site ionic radius, which is stabilized for the first time in thin film form by molecular beam deposition. EuCdSb2 crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma structure and exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering of the Eu magnetic moments at T-N = 15 K. Our successful growth will be an important step for further exploring novel Dirac materials using film techniques.

Automated summary

This study successfully synthesized EuCdSb2 thin films with the largest B-site ionic radius, revealing its crystal structure and magnetic properties. This achievement paves the way for further exploration of novel Dirac materials using film techniques.