Relativistic effects in <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mml:msub> <mml:mi>LaBi</mml:mi> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml:msub> </mml:math> thin films

Relativistic spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is an important ingredient for discovering novel electronic phenomena in quantum materials. In this work, the authors investigate the consequences of strong SOC on the physical properties of the LaPn${}_{2}$ (Pn = Sb, Bi) class of layered square-net materials via the synthesis of LaBi${}_{2}$ thin films. They report a layer-by-layer growth mode, a previously mis-indexed monoclinic structure type, and classify the compound as a good metal displaying superconductivity at ~0.55 K. Compared to LaSb${}_{2}$, density functional theory calculations attribute the enhanced metallic behavior and growth dynamics of LaBi${}_{2}$ to significant relativistic corrections to its electronic band structure.