Experimental observation of drumhead surface states in SrAs(3)

The topological nodal-line semimetal (TNS) is a unique class of materials with a one dimensional line node accompanied by a nearly dispersionless two-dimensional surface state. However, a direct observation of the so called drumhead surface state within current nodal-line materials is still elusive. Here, using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) along with first-principles calculations, we report the observation of a topological nodal-loop (TNL) in SrAs(3), whereas CaAs(3) exhibits a topologically trivial state. Our data reveal that surface projections of the bulk nodal-points are connected by clear drumhead surface states in SrAs(3). Furthermore, our magneto-transport and magnetization data clearly suggest the presence (absence) of surface states in SrAs(3) (CaAs(3)). Notably, the observed topological states in SrAs(3) are well separated from other bands in the vicinity of the Fermi level. RAs(3) where R = Ca, Sr, thus, offers a unique opportunity to realize an archetype nodal-loop semimetal and establish a platform for obtaining a deeper understanding of the quantum phase transitions.