Elastoconductivity as a probe of broken mirror symmetries

TL;DR

This paper introduces elastotransport measurements as a method to detect broken mirror symmetries in correlated 2D materials, focusing on shear conductivity changes induced by shear strain.

Contribution

It proposes a theoretical framework for using shear conductivity as a probe of mirror symmetry breaking and offers an experimental protocol for detection.

Findings

Shear conductivity $\Gamma_{xx,xy}$ is non-zero only when mirror symmetries are broken.

Candidate states in cuprates may exhibit finite shear conductivity.

Provides a realistic experimental detection protocol.

Abstract

We propose the possible detection of broken mirror symmetries in correlated two-dimensional materials by elastotransport measurements. Using linear response theory we calculate the shearconductivity $\Gamma_{xx,xy}$, defined as the linear change of the longitudinal conductivity $\sigma_{xx}$ due to a shear strain $\epsilon_{xy}$. This quantity can only be non-vanishing when in-plane mirror symmetries are broken and we discuss how candidate states in the cuprate pseudogap regime (e.g. various loop current or charge orders) may exhibit a finite shearconductivity. We also provide a realistic experimental protocol for detecting such a response.