Kerr effect as evidence of gyrotropic order in the cuprates

TL;DR

The paper argues that the Kerr effect observed in cuprates' pseudogap phase indicates the presence of chiral charge order, suggesting a gyrotropic phase transition with observable consequences like a zero field Nernst effect.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical interpretation linking Kerr effect to gyrotropic order and chiral charge ordering in cuprates, supported by experimental implications.

Findings

Kerr effect onset correlates with chiral charge order

Gyrotropic phase transition predicts zero field Nernst effect

Chiral charge order explains symmetry-breaking phenomena

Abstract

The Kerr effect can arise in a time-reversal invariant dissipative medium that is "gyrotropic", i.e. one that breaks inversion ($\mathcal I$) and all mirror symmetries. Examples of such systems include electron analogs of cholesteric liquid crystals, and their descendants, such as systems with chiral charge ordering. We present arguments that the striking Kerr onset seen in the pseudogap phase of a large number of cuprate high temperature superconductors is evidence of chiral charge ordering. We discuss additional experimental consequences of a phase transition to a gyrotropic state, including the appearance of a zero field Nernst effect.