Dirac Nodal Line in Hourglass Semimetal Nb3SiTe6

Glide-mirror symmetry in nonsymmorphic crystals can foster the emergence of novel hourglass nodal loop states. Here, we present spectroscopic signatures from angle-resolved photoemission of a predicted topological hourglass semimetal phase in Nb3SiTe6. Linear band crossings are observed at the zone boundary of Nb3SiTe6, which could be the origin of the nontrivial Berry phase and are consistent with a predicted glide quantum spin Hall effect; such linear band crossings connect to form a nodal loop. Furthermore, the saddle-like Fermi surface of Nb3SiTe6 observed in our results helps unveil linear band crossings that could be missed. In situ alkali-metal doping of Nb3SiTe6 also facilitated the observation of other band crossings and parabolic bands at the zone center correlated with accidental nodal loop states. Overall, our results complete the system's band structure, help explain prior Hall measurements, and suggest the existence of a nodal loop at the zone center of Nb3SiTe6.

Automated summary

This study presents spectroscopic signatures of a predicted topological hourglass semimetal phase in Nb3SiTe6 through angle-resolved photoemission. The results show the existence of linear band crossings and nodal loops, originating from nontrivial Berry phase and predicted glide quantum spin Hall effect. The observation of saddle-like Fermi surface and in situ alkali-metal doping also reveal other band crossings and correlated parabolic bands with accidental nodal loop states.