Periodic Reporting for period 4 - NonlinearTopo (Nonlinear Optical and Electrical Phenomena in Topological Semimetals)
Période du rapport: 2023-07-01 au 2024-06-30
Our research explores the nonlinear optical and electrical phenomena in topological semimetals. These phenomena could revolutionize technologies critical to society, such as green energy solutions, innovative solar energy harvesting, advanced photodetectors, and next-generation optoelectronic devices.
By delving into the fundamental physics of how band topology influences nonlinear light-matter interactions, we aim to unlock a deeper understanding of these materials. A key objective is to develop a diagnostic tool capable of analyzing nonlinear properties across a wide range of real materials. This tool will provide direct insights into the bulk topology of these materials, opening the door to new applications and advancing both science and technology.
Additionally, we discovered the topological electronic properties of DNA-like quantum materials and uncovered the overlooked role of orbitals in chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS), a fascinating yet debated phenomenon. Our theoretical predictions were validated through experiments with chiral molecular devices in collaboration with a Florida-based group. These findings open new pathways to study magnetochiral interactions involving spin, charge, and chirality in complex chemical and biological systems, which are highly dynamic and nonlinear by nature.
Finally, our theoretical studies inspired a new method to detect orbital currents using a specially designed spin-orbit coupling layer. This innovation led to a patent application (US Patent App. 18/042,212) and has the potential to revolutionize the design of orbitronic devices, connecting fundamental discoveries to real-world applications.
In the domain of chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS), we addressed long-standing debates by revealing the overlooked role of orbitals and providing experimentally verified predictions. This breakthrough extends the understanding of magnetochiral effects, particularly in complex systems such as chiral molecules and DNA-like quantum materials. These findings open avenues for exploring spin, charge, and chirality interactions in nonequilibrium and nonlinear systems, pushing the boundaries of what is currently understood about these phenomena.
Looking forward, the project is expected to deliver a set of diagnostic tools capable of probing nonlinear phenomena and directly measuring bulk topological properties in a wide range of materials. These tools will provide a practical framework for both fundamental research and technological innovation.
Additionally, our patented technique for detecting orbital currents is poised to make significant contributions to orbitronics—a rapidly emerging field focused on leveraging orbital degrees of freedom in device applications. By the end of the project, we expect to further develop and disseminate this technology, paving the way for its adoption in advanced optoelectronic and spintronic devices.