Despite being a layered, easily-exfoliated compound, copper monotelluride (CuTe) features an unusual quasi-one-dimensional charge density wave below $T_{\mathrm{CDW}}\approx 335\mathrm{K}$. 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.

• Received 13 July 2023
• Accepted 14 September 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.108.115162