Topological superconducting materials have been the focus of research both in condensed matter physics and in material science communities, due to their unique characteristics in fundamental physics and potential applications. In the past few years, possible topological superconducting candidates, such as Cu_xBi₂Se₃ and Sr_xBi₂Se₃, have attracted considerable attention. However, it lacks a comprehensive understanding about the electronic states of topological superconducting materials.

Aiming at this issue, a combined study by using high magnetic field de Hass-van Alphen oscillations and magnetoresistance measurements on PdTe₂, a potential topological superconducting material, has revealed a predominantly single-band feature in this compound.

This experimental work has been completed by using the Steady High Magnetic Field Facility (SHMFF) at High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CHMFL), with a magnetic field up to 30 T and temperature down to 0.36 K.

The study team led by Prof. ZHANG Changjin observes very clear and periodic de Hass-van Alphen quantum oscillation signal when they perform high magnetic field measurements on PdTe₂ single crystal.

After a fast Fourier transformation, they find that there is a predominant oscillation peak in the Fourier transformation spectra. Comparing to this peak, the amplitudes of all other peaks are at least one order of magnitude less than that of the predominant peak. The experimental data gives clear evidence of the predominantly single-band feature in PdTe₂ system.

This work was published in Sci. Rep. entitled De Hass-van Alphen and magnetoresistance reveal predominantly single-band transport behavior in PdTe_2. 

This work was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Hefei Science Center.

De Hass-van Alphen data of PdTe₂ single crystal. (a) The PdTe₂ single crystal sample exhibits clear de Hass-van Alphen oscillation signal under 0.36 K and high magnetic field; (b) The oscillation signal is periodic against 1/B. The inserted Fourier transformation spectra reveals single-band feature. (Image by WANG Yongjian)