A Dirac-like point in bulk aluminum

The Dirac point is a feature in the band structure of graphene that is distinguished by a zero gap at the Fermi energy and a linear band dispersion of the valence and conduction bands in the vicinity of the Dirac point. This paper shows that similar behavior can also be found at the intersection of the second and third bands at the Fermi energy at a point on the Γ K W X symmetry plane in bulk aluminum. The two types of points are contrasted and experimental consequences on electron dynamics are noted.