Quantum Nonlinear Ferroic Optical Hall Effect

Nonlinear optical responses provide basis for ultrafast probing of material's intrinsic symmetry [1]. Here we present first-principles theory of quantum nonlinear ferroic optical Hall effect (QNFOHE)[2], a Hall-like photocurrent originated from the second order current response in (multi)ferroics. The interplay of crystalline, permutation, gauge, time reversal symmetries and inherent causality governs the symmetry of QNFOHE. We elucidate QNFOHE in a class of 2D multiferroics [3] using first-principles calculations and group theoretical analysis. Our results suggest QNFOHE-based optical technique as a route for ultrafast characterization of multiferroic orders and domain evolution in multiferroic materials. These microscopic understandings of QNFOHE from first-principles theory, together with very recent discoveries of 2D ferroics/multiferroics, will open up a variety of new avenues for nonlinear optoelectronics.
References: [1] H Wang and X Qian. Nano Letters 17, 5027-5034 (2017). [2] H Wang and X Qian. Quantum Nonlinear Ferroic Optical Hall Effect, submitted (2018). [3] H Wang and X Qian. 2D Materials 4, 015042 (2017).