Distinguished University Professor TOKURA Yoshinori’s Research Group Publishes Article in Nature Communications

Distinguished University Professor TOKURA Yoshinori’s research group's article has been published in Nature Communications.

Terahertz photon to dc current conversion via magnetic excitations of multiferroics

Authors: Makiko Ogino, Yoshihiro Okamura, Kosuke Fujiwara, Takahiro Morimoto, Naoto Nagaosa, Yoshio Kaneko, Yoshinori Tokura, Youtarou Takahashi

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.

Nature Communications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49056-9 (open access).