Current direction dependent magnetotransport in CuTe

Despite being a layered, easily-exfoliated compound, copper monotelluride (CuTe) features an unusual quasi-one-dimensional charge density wave below TCDW≈335K. Within a CuTe layer, the electrical resistivity depends sensitively on the direction of the electrical current. Here, we use magnetotransport to probe the metallic state of CuTe with two distinct in-plane current directions. When the current flows along the a axis (I//a), the magnetoresistance exhibits a downward curvature as the magnetic field increases. On the other hand, when the current is along the b axis (I//b), the magnetoresistance shows the opposite curvature. Our analysis uncovers a violation of Kohler scaling, but only for I//a. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations are detected at low temperatures. Our results shed light on the nature of the metallic state in CuTe with the development of the charge density wave.