Prediction of Triple Point Fermions in Simple Half-Heusler Topological Insulators

We predict the existence of triple point fermions in the band structure of several half-Heusler topological insulators by ab initio calculations and the Kane model. We find that many half-Heusler compounds exhibit multiple triple points along four independent C3 axes, through which the doubly degenerate conduction bands and the nondegenerate valence band cross each other linearly nearby the Fermi energy. When projected from the bulk to the (111) surface, most of these triple points are located far away from the surface Γ point, as distinct from previously reported triple point fermion candidates. These isolated triple points give rise to Fermi arcs on the surface, that can be readily detected by photoemission spectroscopy or scanning tunneling spectroscopy.