Evidence for a Dirac nodal-line semimetal in SrAs3

Dirac nodal-line semimetals with the linear bands crossing along a line or loop, represent a new topological state of matter. Here, by carrying out magnetotransport measurements and performing first-principle calculations, we demonstrate that such a state has been realized in high-quality single crystals of SrAs3. We obtain the nontrivial pi Berry phase by analysing the Shubnikov-de Haas quantum oscillations. We also observe a robust negative longitudinal magnetoresistance induced by the chiral anomaly. Accompanying first-principles calculations identifies that a single hole pocket enclosing the loop nodes is responsible for these observations. (C) 2018 Science China Press. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science China Press. All rights reserved.