Sign reversal of magnetoresistivity in massive nodal-line semimetals due to the Lifshitz transition of the Fermi surface

Topological nodal-line semimetals offer an interesting research platform to explore exotic phenomena associated with its torus-shaped Fermi surface. Here, we study magnetotransport in the massive nodal-line semimetal with spin-orbit coupling and finite Berry curvature distribution which exists in many candidates. The magnetic field leads to a deformation of the Fermi torus through its coupling to the orbital magnetic moment, which turns out to be the main scenario of the magnetoresistivity (MR) induced by the Berry curvature effect. We show that a small deformation of the Fermi surface yields a positive MR proportional to B2, different from the negative MR by pure Berry curvature effect in other topological systems. As the magnetic field increases to a critical value, a topological Lifshitz transition of the Fermi surface can be induced, and the MR inverts its sign at the same time. The temperature dependence of the MR is investigated, which shows a totally different behavior before and after the Lifshitz transition. Our work uncovers a unique scenario of the MR induced solely by the deformation of the Fermi surface and establishes a relation between the Fermi surface topology and the sign of the MR.

Automated summary

Magnetotransport in massive nodal-line semimetals with spin-orbit coupling and finite Berry curvature distribution was studied, revealing a positive magnetoresistivity (MR) proportional to B2 induced by a small deformation of the Fermi surface. A topological Lifshitz transition of the Fermi surface can be induced by increasing the magnetic field to a critical value, leading to a sign inversion of the MR. The temperature dependence of the MR shows distinct behavior before and after the Lifshitz transition, indicating a unique scenario solely induced by the deformation of the Fermi surface.