Terahertz photon to dc current conversion via magnetic excitations of multiferroics

Makiko Ogino, Yoshihiro Okamura, Kosuke Fujiwara, Takahiro Morimoto, Naoto Nagaosa, Yoshio Kaneko, Yoshinori Tokura and Youtarou Takahashi ()
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Makiko Ogino: University of Tokyo
Yoshihiro Okamura: University of Tokyo
Kosuke Fujiwara: University of Tokyo
Takahiro Morimoto: University of Tokyo
Naoto Nagaosa: RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS)
Yoshio Kaneko: RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS)
Yoshinori Tokura: University of Tokyo
Youtarou Takahashi: University of Tokyo

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Direct conversion from terahertz photon to charge current is a key phenomenon for terahertz photonics. Quantum geometrical description of optical processes in crystalline solids predicts existence of field-unbiased dc photocurrent arising from terahertz-light generation of magnetic excitations in multiferroics, potentially leading to fast and energy-efficient terahertz devices. Here, we demonstrate the dc charge current generation from terahertz magnetic excitations in multiferroic perovskite manganites with spin-driven ferroelectricity, while keeping an insulating state with no free carrier. It is also revealed that electromagnon, which ranges sub-terahertz to 2 THz, as well as antiferromagnetic resonance shows the giant conversion efficiency. Polar asymmetry induced by the cycloidal spin order gives rise to this terahertz-photon-induced dc photocurrent, and no external magnetic and electric bias field are required for this conversion process. The observed phenomena are beyond the conventional photovoltaics in semi-classical regime and demonstrate the essential role of quantum geometrical aspect in low-energy optical processes. Our finding establishes a paradigm of terahertz photovoltaic phenomena, paving a way for terahertz photonic devices and energy harvesting.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49056-9

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