Anomalous Quantum Oscillations from Boson-Mediated Interband Scattering

Abstract

Quantum oscillations (QOs) in metals refer to the periodic variation of thermodynamic and transport properties as a function of inverse applied magnetic field. QO frequencies are normally associated with semiclassical trajectories of Fermi surface orbits, but recent experiments challenge the canonical description. We develop a theory of composite frequency quantum oscillations (CFQOs) in two-dimensional Fermi liquids with several Fermi surfaces and interband scattering mediated by a dynamical boson, e.g., phonons or spin fluctuations. Specifically, we show that CFQOs arise from oscillations in the fermionic self-energy with anomalous frequency splitting and distinct strongly non-Lifshitz–Kosevich temperature dependences. Our theory goes beyond the framework of semiclassical Fermi surface trajectories highlighting the role of interaction effects. We provide experimental predictions and discuss the effect of nonequilibrium boson occupation in driven systems. Published by the American Physical Society 2025