Critical examination of quantum oscillations in SmB6

We critically review the results of magnetic torque measurements on SmB6 that show quantum oscillations. Similar studies have been given two different interpretations. One interpretation is based on the existence of metallic surface states, while the second interpretation is in terms of a three-dimensional Fermi surface involving neutral fermionic excitations. We suggest that the low-field oscillations that are seen by both groups for B fields as small as 6 T might be due to metallic surface states. The high-field three-dimensional oscillations are only seen by one group for fields B > 18 T. The phenomenon of magnetic breakthrough occurs at high fields and involves the formation of Landau orbits that produces a directional-dependent suppression of Bragg scattering. We argue that the measurements performed under higher-field conditions are fully consistent with expectations based on a three-dimensional semiconducting state with magnetic breakthrough.