Chirality/Axiality-Induced Axiality/Chirality via Surface Polarization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical framework where surface polarization mediates the reciprocal coupling between chirality and axiality, enabling stabilization of single-domain states and potential interfacial functionalities in condensed matter systems.

Contribution

It proposes the novel concept of surface polarization-mediated coupling between chirality and axiality, revealing reciprocal processes that influence domain stability and interfacial properties.

Findings

Chirality can induce axiality via surface polarization.

Axiality can also induce chirality through the same mechanism.

These couplings enable stabilization of single-domain states and selective adsorption.

Abstract

In condensed matter physics, a broad spectrum of physical characteristics, such as chirality, axiality, and polarity, arises as a direct consequence of the underlying symmetry of the system. We here theoretically investigate the effective coupling between chirality and axiality at their domain boundaries, mediated by polarity. Based on symmetry considerations and model analyses, we propose the concept of chirality-induced axiality via surface polarization, which refers to a phenomenon where the handedness of chirality selects an axial moment with a particular orientation by lowering its energy at the surface. We further establish the inverse process, termed axiality-induced chirality via surface polarization, whereby axiality in turn dictates the preferred chirality. These reciprocal couplings open a new pathway for stabilizing single-domain states of chirality and axiality. They further imply interfacial functionalities, including the selective adsorption of chiral and axial molecules.