General, Strong Impurity-Strength Dependence of Quasiparticle Interference

Quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns in momentum space are often assumed to be independent of the strength of the impurity potential when compared with other quantities, such as the joint density of states. Here, using the T-matrix theory, we show that this assumption breaks down completely even in the simplest case of a single-site impurity on the square lattice with an s orbital per site. Then, we predict from first-principles, a very rich, impurity-strength-dependent structure in the QPI pattern of TaAs, an archetype Weyl semimetal. This study thus demonstrates that the consideration of the details of the scattering impurity including the impurity strength is essential for interpreting Fourier-transform scanning tunneling spectroscopy experiments in general.

Automated summary

Using T-matrix theory, this study shows that the assumption of independence of quasiparticle interference patterns in momentum space with the strength of the impurity potential breaks down. A rich, impurity-strength-dependent structure in the QPI pattern of TaAs is predicted, emphasizing the importance of considering the details of the scattering impurity in interpreting Fourier-transform scanning tunneling spectroscopy experiments.