Year: 2024
Type: preprint
Abstract: The interaction of light with correlated Weyl semimetals (WSMs) provides a unique platform for exploring non-equilibrium phases and fundamental properties such as chirality. Here, we investigate the structural chirality of (TaSe4)2I, a correlated WSM, under weak optical pumping using Circular Photogalvanic Effect (CPGE) measurements and Raman spectroscopy. Surprisingly, we find that there is a loss of chirality in (TaSe4)2I above a threshold light intensity. We suggest that the loss of chirality is due to an optically driven phase transition into an achiral structure distinct from the ground state. This structural transformation is supported by fluence-dependent Raman spectra, revealing a new peak at low pump fluences that disappears above the threshold fluence. The loss of chirality even at low optical powers suggests that the system quickly transitions into a non WSM phase, and also highlights the importance of considering light-induced structural interactions in understanding the behavior of correlated systems. These studies showcase that even low excitation powers can be used to control the properties of correlated topological systems, opening up new avenues for low power optical devices.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1523888516, ENERGY FRONTIER RESEARCH CENTER FOR QUANTUM SENSING AND QUANTUM MATERIALS (QSQM), NNCI: Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Hub (MANTH) for Research, Education, & Innovation, QII-TAQS: Quantum Circuits Through Symmetry-Driven Valley Optoelectronics, G36446433, Topological Photodetectors, G5676086959, G5729145195, G7090116110, G7969607059
OpenAlex ID: W4399197846