Dirac semimetals

Dirac semimetals are materials where electrons behave as if they are massless particles, similar to photons, creating unique electronic properties. In these materials, the energy levels where electrons can exist (called conduction and valence bands) touch at discrete points called Dirac points, forming a linear energy-momentum relationship. This results in high electrical conductivity and unusual responses to magnetic and electric fields. Dirac semimetals are studied for their potential in advanced electronics, quantum computing, and exploring fundamental physics because of their exceptional electronic behavior stemming from these relativistic-like electrons.