Chiral photocurrent in parity-violating magnet and enhanced response in topological antiferromagnet

TL;DR

This paper classifies photocurrent responses in parity-violating magnets, revealing a new gyration current induced by circularly polarized light, which is enhanced by topological band features and has implications for condensed matter physics.

Contribution

It introduces a new type of photocurrent in parity-violating magnets, highlighting the role of symmetry and topological effects, with detailed microscopic analysis of Dirac models.

Findings

Gyration current is induced by circularly polarized light.

Photocurrent response is enhanced by topologically nontrivial band dispersion.

Divergent photocurrent response linked to Dirac cone tilting.

Abstract

Rectified electric current induced by irradiating light, so-called photocurrent, is an established phenomenon in optoelectronic physics. In this paper, we present a comprehensive classification of the photocurrent response arising from the parity violation in bulk systems. We clarify the contrasting role of $\mathcal{T}$- and $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetries and consequently find a new type of photocurrent phenomena characteristic of parity-violating magnets, intrinsic Fermi surface effect and gyration current. Especially, the gyration current is induced by the circularly-polarized light and it is the counterpart of the shift current caused by the linearly-polarized light. This photocurrent adds a new functionality of materials studied in various fields of condensed matter physics such as multiferroics and spintronics. A list of materials is provided. Furthermore, we show that the gyration current is strongly enhanced by topologically nontrivial band dispersion. On the basis of the microscopic analysis of Dirac models, we demonstrate the divergent photocurrent response and elucidate the importance of tilting of Dirac cones.