# High-frequency rectification via chiral Bloch electrons

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel rectification mechanism based on chiral Bloch electrons in quantum crystals, enabling high-frequency rectifiers without semiconductor junctions, with potential for advanced electronic applications.

## Contribution

It uncovers a new rectification mechanism from skew scattering in chiral quantum materials, expanding the design possibilities for high-frequency electronic devices.

## Key findings

- Large, tunable rectification effects in graphene multilayers.
- Identification of skew scattering as a rectification mechanism.
- Potential for high-frequency rectifiers through material engineering.

## Abstract

Rectification is a process that converts electromagnetic fields into a direct current. Such a process underlies a wide range of technologies such as wireless communication, wireless charging, energy harvesting, and infrared detection. Existing rectifiers are mostly based on semiconductor diodes, with limited applicability to small voltage or high frequency inputs. Here, we present an alternative approach to current rectification that uses the intrinsic electronic properties of quantum crystals without using semiconductor junctions. We identify a previously unknown mechanism for rectification from skew scattering due to the inherent chirality of itinerant electrons in time-reversal-invariant but inversion-breaking materials. Our calculations reveal large, tunable rectification effects in graphene multilayers and transition metal dichalcogenides. Our work demonstrates the possibility of realizing high-frequency rectifiers by rational material design and quantum wavefunction engineering.