Giant THz Nonlinearity in Topological and Trivial HgTe-Based Heterostructures
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
Nonlinear phenomena in the THz spectral domain are important for understanding the optoelectronic properties of quantum systems and provide a basis for modern information technologies. Here, we report a giant THz nonlinearity in high-mobility 2D topological insulators based on HgTe quantum wells, which manifests itself in a highly efficient third harmonic generation. We observe a third harmonic THz susceptibility several times higher than that in bare graphene and many orders of magnitude higher than that in trivial quantum well structures based on other materials. To explain the strong nonlinearity of HgTe-based heterostructures at the THz frequencies, we consider the acceleration of free carriers with a high mobility and variable dispersion. This acceleration model, for which the nonparabolicity of the band dispersion is key, in combination with independently measured scattering time and conductivity, is in good agreement with our experimental data in a wide temperature range for THz fields below the saturation. Our approach provides a route to material engineering for THz applications based on frequency conversion.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3708-3714 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | ACS photonics |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 18 Oct 2023 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Keywords
Research priority areas of TU Dresden
DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards
Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- 2D systems, HgTe, high harmonic generation, THz spectroscopy, topological insulators, Terahertz-Spektroskopie