Control over Berry Curvature Dipole with Electric Field in WTe2

Berry curvature dipole plays an important role in various nonlinear quantum phenomena. However, the maximum symmetry allowed for nonzero Berry curvature dipole in the transport plane is a single mirror line, which strongly limits its effects in materials. Here, via probing the nonlinear Hall effect, we demonstrate the generation of Berry curvature dipole by applied dc electric field in WTe2, which is used to break the symmetry constraint. A linear dependence between the dipole moment of Berry curvature and the dc electric field is observed. The polarization direction of the Berry curvature is controlled by the relative orientation of the electric field and crystal axis, which can be further reversed by changing the polarity of the dc field. Our Letter provides a route to generate and control Berry curvature dipole in broad material systems and to facilitate the development of nonlinear quantum devices.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the generation of Berry curvature dipole through an applied dc electric field in WTe2, breaking the symmetry constraint. The dipole moment of Berry curvature shows a linear dependence on the dc electric field, and the polarization direction can be controlled and reversed by changing the relative orientation and polarity of the electric field. This research provides a means to generate and control Berry curvature dipole in various material systems and facilitates the development of nonlinear quantum devices.