Work

Scaling analysis of quantum geometry in second-order nonlinear transport

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Quantum geometry encodes the structure of the Hilbert space of Bloch states and can be accessed through nonlinear transport. Yet, disorder-induced mechanisms generically contribute to nonlinear transport, making it difficult to isolate quantum-geometric contributions in experiments. Here we systematically enumerate geometric and disorder-induced mechanisms of the second-order nonlinear Hall effect and derive a scaling law that expresses the nonlinear Hall conductivity as a polynomial of the linear longitudinal conductivity. Crucially, each mechanism carries a distinct "weight fingerprint" in the polynomial, enabling a quantitative disentanglement of quantum geometry from disorder backgrounds in existing experiments, both with and without time-reversal symmetry. Our results provide an implementable workflow for identifying quantum-geometric contributions in nonlinear-transport measurements.

Source: 中国科学通报：英文版

DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2026.07.062

Authors: Zhen-Hao Gong, Z.Z. Du, Hai-Peng Sun, Hai-Zhou Lu, X.C. Xie

Institutions: Southern University of Science and Technology, Quantum Science Center of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Technology University, Peking University, Fudan University

Language: English

Topic: Topological Materials and Phenomena

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,880

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Southern University of Science and Technology, Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province