Colossal magnetoresistance in a nonsymmorphic antiferromagnetic insulator

Abstract

Here we investigate antiferromagnetic Eu$_{5}$In$_{2}$Sb$_{6}$, a nonsymmorphic Zintl phase. Our electrical transport data show that Eu$_{5}$In$_{2}$Sb$_{6}$ is remarkably insulating and exhibits an exceptionally large negative magnetoresistance, which is consistent with the presence of magnetic polarons. From {\it ab initio} calculations, the paramagnetic state of Eu$_{5}$In$_{2}$Sb$_{6}$ is a topologically nontrivial semimetal within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), whereas an insulating state with trivial topological indices is obtained using a modified Becke-Johnson potential. Notably, GGA+U calculations suggest that the antiferromagnetic phase of Eu$_{5}$In$_{2}$Sb$_{6}$ may host an axion insulating state. Our results provide important feedback for theories of topological classification and highlight the potential of realizing clean magnetic narrow-gap semiconductors in Zintl materials.