Effect of spin-orbit coupling on the high harmonics from the topological Dirac semimetal Na3Bi

In this work, we performed extensive first-principles simulations of high-harmonic generation in the topological Diract semimetal Na3Bi using a first-principles time-dependent density functional theory framework, focusing on the effect of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the harmonic response. We also derived an analytical model describing the microscopic mechanism of strong-field dynamics in presence of spin-orbit coupling, starting from a locally U(1) x SU(2) gauge-invariant Hamiltonian. Our results reveal that SOC: (i) affects the strong-field excitation of carriers to the conduction bands by modifying the bandstructure of Na3Bi, (ii) makes each spin channel reacts differently to the driven laser by modifying the electron velocity (iii) changes the emission timing of the emitted harmonics. Moreover, we show that the SOC affects the harmonic emission by directly coupling the charge current to the spin currents, paving the way to the high-harmonic spectroscopy of spin currents in solids.

Automated summary

In this work, the authors used first-principles simulations to study high-harmonic generation in the topological Diract semimetal Na3Bi and analyzed the effect of spin-orbit coupling on the harmonic response. They found that spin-orbit coupling affects the excitation of carriers, modifies the electron velocity in each spin channel, and changes the timing of emitted harmonics. Furthermore, they discovered that spin-orbit coupling directly couples the charge current to the spin currents, suggesting potential applications in high-harmonic spectroscopy of spin currents in solids.