Point-contact spectroscopy on the 3-Dimensional Dirac Semi-metal Cd$_3$As$_2$

The three dimensional (3D) Dirac semi-metals exist close to topological phase boundaries. Therefore, in principle, it should be possible to drive them into exotic new phases by breaking certain symmetries. We will discuss point-contact spectroscopic measurements on the 3D Dirac semi-metal Cd$_3$As$_2$ using several normal metallic tips. We have found that the mesoscopic point-contacts between elemental normal metals (like silver (Ag), platinum (Pt) and gold (Au)) and Cd$_3$As$_2$ exhibit signatures of certain exotic new phases. The possible origin of such phases in the confined region on Cd$_3$As$_2$ will also be discussed.