Doping and gap-size dependence of high-harmonic generation in graphene : Importance of consistent formulation of light-matter coupling

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of a consistent theoretical approach to light-matter coupling in predicting high-harmonic generation in graphene, showing that neglecting certain current contributions leads to inaccurate dependence on doping and gap size.

Contribution

It systematically analyzes the impact of including the current term $J_{ra}^{(2)}$ on HHG predictions in gapped graphene, highlighting its significance for small-gap systems.

Findings

Neglecting $J_{ra}^{(2)}$ alters the predicted dependence of HHG on doping and gap size.

Including $J_{ra}^{(2)}$ reveals cancellation effects near half filling and small gaps.

Consistent formulation of the current is crucial for accurate HHG modeling in small-gap materials.

Abstract

High-harmonic generation (HHG) in solids is a fundamental nonlinear phenomenon, which can be efficiently controlled by modifying system parameters such as doping-level and temperature. In order to correctly predict the dependence of HHG on these parameters, consistent theoretical formulation of the light-matter coupling is crucial. Recently, contributions to the current that are often missing in the HHG analysis based on the semiconductor Bloch equations have been pointed out [J. Wilhelm, et.al. PRB 103 125419 (2021)]. In this paper, by systematically analyzing the doping and gap-size dependence of HHG in gapped graphene, we discuss the practical impact of such terms. In particular, we focus on the role of the current $J_{\rm ra}^{(2)}$, which originates from the change of the intraband dipole via interband transition. When the gap is small and the system is close to half filling, intraband and interband currents mostly cancel, thus suppressing the HHG signal - an important property that is broken when neglecting $J_{\rm ra}^{(2)}$. Furthermore, without $J_{\rm ra}^{(2)}$, the doping and gap-size dependence of HHG becomes qualitatively different from the full evaluation. Our results demonstrate the importance of the consistent expression of the current to study the parameter dependence of HHG for the small gap systems.