Photocurrent Induced by a Bicircular Light Drive in Centrosymmetric Systems

A bicircular light (BCL) consists of left and right circularly polarized lights with different frequencies, and draws a roselike pattern with a rotational symmetry determined by the ratio of the two frequencies. Here we show that an application of a BCL to centrosymmetric systems allows a photocurrent generation through introduction of an effective polarity to the system. We derive formulas for the BCL-induced photocurrent from a standard perturbation theory, which is then applied to a simple 1D model and 3D Dirac and Weyl semimetals. A nonperturbative effect with strong light intensity is also discussed with the Floquet technique.

Automated summary

A bicircular light (BCL) is composed of left and right circularly polarized lights with different frequencies, and can generate a photocurrent in centrosymmetric systems by introducing an effective polarity to the system. Formulas for the BCL-induced photocurrent are derived using standard perturbation theory, and are applied to a simple 1D model and 3D Dirac and Weyl semimetals. The nonperturbative effect at high light intensity is also discussed using the Floquet technique.