<i>H</i>-linear magnetoresistance in NbSe<sub>2</sub> due to impeded cyclotron motion.

Kool, Arwin; Pizzirani, Davide; Tinnemans, Paul; Wiedmann, Steffen; Flicker, Felix; van Wezel, Jasper; Hussey, Nigel E; Hinlopen, Roemer D H · Sci Adv · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Linear magnetoresistance (LMR) is a widespread phenomenon observed in a host of quantum materials ranging from semiconductor nanostructures to quantum critical and strange metals. While multiple scenarios to explain LMR have been proposed, a complete understanding of the phenomenon remains elusive. It is highly likely that the origin of LMR depends on the specific electronic state. Here, we report a study of the impact of disorder on the form of the magnetoresistance of the prototypical charge-density-wave (CDW) compound 2<i>H</i>-NbSe<sub>2</sub>. The magnetoresistance is shown to exhibit strong qualitative and quantitative agreement with Boltzmann transport analysis incorporating impeded cyclotron motion (ICM). We identify the source of ICM in 2<i>H</i>-NbSe<sub>2</sub> as strong scattering sinks where the CDW order connects the high-temperature Fermi cylinders. Such unusual "hotspots" provide an explanation for the observed LMR as well as for the long-unexplained absence of quantum oscillations inside the charge-ordered state in 2<i>H</i>-NbSe<sub>2</sub>. These findings provide strong evidence that ICM generates LMR in certain correlated metals.