Gate-tuned Aharonov-Bohm interference of surface states in a quasi-ballistic Dirac semimetal nanowire

Abstract

We report an observation of a topologically protected transport of surface carriers in a quasi-ballistic Cd3As2 nanowire.The nanowire is thin enough for the spin-textured surface carriers to form 1D subbands, demonstrating conductance oscillations with gate voltage even without magnetic field. The π phase-shift of Aharonov-Bohm oscillations can periodically appear or disappear by tuning gate voltage continuously. Such a π phase shift stemming from the Berry's phase demonstrates the topological nature of surface states.The topologically protected transport of the surface states is further revealed by four-terminal nonlocal measurements.

15 pages, 4 figures