Unveiling Symmetry Instability induced by Topological Phase Transitions

TL;DR

This paper investigates how topological phase transitions in ZrTe$_5$ induce spontaneous symmetry breaking, revealing anomalies in transport and optical responses linked to the interplay of symmetry and topology during light-driven phase changes.

Contribution

It demonstrates the spontaneous symmetry breaking caused by periodic topological phase alterations in ZrTe$_5$, highlighting the fragility of symmetries during topological transitions and their observable effects.

Findings

Peak behaviors of shift and displacement currents at low fluence

Anomalies in transport parameters near the phase transition temperature

Emergence of off-resonant infrared phonons and broken-symmetry photocurrents

Abstract

The symmetry-topology interplay dictates how to define order parameters and classify material ordered phases. However, current understanding of this interplay has been predominately approached from a one-sided perspective, with topological states being classified within the constraints imposed by specific fixed symmetries. Here we complete this full circle by demonstrating spontaneous symmetry breaking that results from a periodic alteration of topological phases induced by light in a centrosymmetric Dirac material ZrTe$_5$. The distinguishing feature is the observation of robust correlation and striking anomalies in the fluence and temperature dependence of key transport parameters.First, both shift current $J_{\text{s}}$ and displacement current $J_{\text{d}}$, arising from interband transition and infrared phonon driving, respectively, along with charge carrier pumping, exhibit similar behaviors. Second, they all peak at similar low pump fluence, followed by a subsequent reduction as the fluence further increases. This behavior cannot be explained by conventional energetically allowed, direct excitations. Third, all the three observables exhibit anomalies when they approach the topological phase transition temperature. These results highlight the unique low-energy pumping behaviors in ZrTe$_5$, characterized by reversible fluence dependence and a 'hinge-like' interaction that connects various electronic and lattice observables, including phonons, charge carriers, and currents. Our findings, supported by model analysis, provide key insights into the fragility of crystalline (inversion) and time-reversal symmetries during the dynamics of topological phase transitions. This fragility drives spontaneous symmetry breaking, evidenced by the synchronized emergence of off-resonant infrared phonons and broken-symmetry photocurrents.