Quantum oscillations with magnetic hysteresis observed in CeTe${}_3$ thin films

Abstract

We have performed magnetotransport measurements in CeTe${}_3$ thin films down to $0.2\mathrm{K}$. It is known that CeTe${}_3$ has two magnetic transitions at $T_{N1}\approx 3\mathrm{K}$ and $T_{N2}\approx 1\mathrm{K}$. A clear Shubnikov-de-Haas (SdH) oscillation was observed at $4\mathrm{K}$, demonstrating the strong two-dimensional nature in this material. Below $T_{N2}$, the SdH oscillation has two frequencies, indicating that the Fermi surface could be slightly modulated due to the second magnetic transition. We also observed a magnetic hysteresis in the SdH oscillation below $T_{N1}$. Especially, there is a unique spike in the magnetoresistance at $B\approx 0.6\mathrm{T}$ only when the magnetic field is swept from a high enough field (more than $2\mathrm{T}$) to zero field.

5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Applied Physics Letters