Universal linear and nonlinear electrodynamics of a Dirac fluid

Abstract

Electrons in pristine solids behave as a hydrodynamic fluid in a certain range of temperatures and frequencies. We show that the response of such a fluid to an electromagnetic field is different from what is predicted by the usual kinetic theory. Certain aspects of this response are universal, for example, a direct relation between the linear and second-order nonlinear optical conductivities. Discovery of this relation enriches our understanding of the light–matter interaction in diverse electron systems and new materials such as graphene.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Mar 12, 2018
Source ID
10.1073/pnas.1717010115

Entities

People

  • Dmitry N. Basov
  • Michael Fogler
  • Zhiyuan Sun

Organizations

  • Columbia University
  • Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
  • National Science Foundation
  • Office of Naval Research
  • Semiconductor Research Corporation
  • United States Department of Energy
  • University of California, San Diego

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene