Single pair of Weyl nodes in the spin-canted structure of EuCd2As2

Time reversal symmetry breaking Weyl semimetals are unique among Weyl materials in allowing the minimal number of Weyl points, thus offering the clearest signatures of the associated physics. Here we present neutron diffraction, density-functional theory, and transport measurement results which indicate that EuCd2As2, under ambient field, strain, and pressure, is such a material with a single pair of Weyl points. Our work reveals a magnetic structure (magnetic space group C2'/m') with Eu moments pointing along the [210] direction in plane and canted similar to 30 degrees out of plane. Density functional theory calculations using this structure show that the observed canting drastically alters the relevant electronic bands, relative to the in-plane order, leading to a single set of well-defined Weyl points. Furthermore, we find the canting angle can tune the distance of the Weyl points above the Fermi level, with the smallest distance at low canting angles. Finally, transport measurements of the anomalous Hall effect and longitudinal magnetoresistance exhibit properties indicative of a chiral anomaly, thus supporting the neutron scattering and DFT results suggesting EuCd2As2 is close to the ideal situation of the Weyl hydrogen atom.

Automated summary

In this study, EuCd2As2 material was investigated using neutron diffraction, density-functional theory, and transport measurements. The results revealed a single pair of Weyl points in this material, along with a specific magnetic structure and canting angle. The study also demonstrated that the canting angle can tune the distance between the Weyl points and the Fermi level.