Electronic and magnetic properties of LaCu$_{x}$Sb$_{2}$ tuned by Cu occupancy

Abstract

We report thermodynamic and transport properties of LaCu$_{x}$Sb$_{2}$ ($0.92 \leq x \leq 1.12$), synthesized by controlling the initial loading composition and investigated by magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat measurements. The physical properties of this system are highly dependent on Cu-site occupancy $x$, where residual resistivity ratio (RRR), magnetoresistance (MR), superconducting transition temperature ($T_{c}$), and electronic specific heat coefficient ($γ$) indicate a systematic variation as a function of $x$. The Shubnikov-de Haas quantum oscillations are observed in magnetoresistance measurements for samples close to the Cu stoichiometry $x \sim 1$, while the de Haas-van Alphen oscillations are detected in a wide range of $x$ ($0.92 \leq x \le 1.12$). For $H \parallel c$, the oscillation frequency indicates a clear $x$-dependence, implying a systematic change of Fermi surface. DFT calculations for the sample closest to ideal Cu stoichiometry reveal electronic structures with a common feature of the square-net-based semimetals, which is in good agreement with the experimental observations. The magnetic response of LaCu$_{x}$Sb$_{2}$ to magnetic fields is anisotropic owing to the Fermi surface anisotropy. Our results show how the physical properties are influenced by the Cu-site occupancy $x$, linked to the electronic bands arising from the Sb square net.