Signatures of non-trivial band topology in LaAs/LaBi heterostructure

In this article, we investigate non-trivial topological features in a heterostructure of extreme magnetoresistance (XMR) materials LaAs and LaBi using density functional theory. The proposed heterostructure is found to be dynamically stable and shows bulk band inversion with non-trivial Z₂ topological invariant and a Dirac cone at the surface. In addition, its electron and hole carrier densities ratio is also calculated to investigate the possibility to possess XMR effect. Electrons and holes in the heterostructure are found to be nearly compensated, thereby facilitating it to be a suitable candidate for XMR studies. (paper)