Log-periodic quantum magneto-oscillations and discrete-scale invariance in topological material HfTe5

Abstract

Discrete-scale invariance (DSI) is a phenomenon featuring intriguing log-periodicity that can be rarely observed in quantum systems. Here, we report the log-periodic quantum oscillations in the longitudinal magnetoresistivity (rho(xx)) and the Hall traces (rho(yx)) of HfTe5 crystals, which reveal the DSI in the transport-coefficients matrix. The oscillations in rho(xx) and rho(yx) show the consistent logB-periodicity with a phase shift. The finding of the logB oscillations in the Hall resistance supports the physical mechanism as a general quantum effect originating from the resonant scattering. Combined with theoretical simulations, we further clarify the origin of the log-periodic oscillations and the DSI in the topological materials. This work evidences the universality of the DSI in the Dirac materials and provides indispensable information for a full understanding of this novel phenomenon.