Realization of a two-dimensional Weyl semimetal and topological Fermi strings

A two-dimensional (2D) Weyl semimetal, akin to a spinful variant of graphene, represents a topological matter characterized by Weyl fermion-like quasiparticles in low dimensions. The spinful linear band structure in two dimensions gives rise to distinctive topological properties, accompanied by the emergence of Fermi string edge states. We report the experimental realization of a 2D Weyl semimetal, bismuthene monolayer grown on SnS(Se) substrates. Using spin and angle-resolved photoemission and scanning tunneling spectroscopies, we directly observe spin-polarized Weyl cones, Weyl nodes, and Fermi strings, providing consistent evidence of their inherent topological characteristics. Our work opens the door for the experimental study of Weyl fermions in low-dimensional materials.

Qiangsheng Lu, P. V. Sreenivasa Reddy, Hoyeon Jeon, Alessandro R. Mazza, Matthew Brahlek, Weikang Wu, Shengyuan A. Yang, Jacob Cook, Clayton Conner, Xiaoqian Zhang, Amarnath Chakraborty, Yueh-Ting Yao, Hung-Ju Tien, Chun-Han Tseng, Po-Yuan Yang, Shang-Wei Lien, Hsin Lin, Tai-Chang Chiang, Giovanni Vignale, An-Ping Li, Tay-Rong Chang, Rob G. Moore, Guang Bian