Three-dimensional electronic structure of LiFeAs

Amongst the iron-based superconductors, LiFeAs is unrivalled in simplicity of its crystal structure and phase diagram. However, our understanding this canonical compound suffers from conflict between mutually incompatible descriptions material's electronic structure, as derived contradictory interpretations photoemission record. Here, we explore challenge interpretation such experiments. By combining comprehensive photon energy- polarization- dependent angle-resolved spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements with numerical simulations, establish providence several contradictions present related materials. We identify a confluence surface-related issues which have precluded unambiguous identification both number dimensionality Fermi surface sheets. Ultimately, arrive at scenario supports indications topologically non-trivial states, while also being superconductivity spin-fluctuation driven instability.