Rectification is a process that converts electromagnetic fields into a direct current. Such a process underlies a wide range of technologies, such as wireless communication, wireless charging, energy harvesting, and infrared detection. Existing rectifiers are mostly based on semiconductor diodes, with limited applicability to small-voltage or high-frequency inputs. Here, we present an alternative approach to current rectification that uses the intrinsic electronic properties of quantum crystals without using semiconductor junctions. We identify a previously unknown mechanism for rectification from skew scattering due to the inherent chirality of itinerant electrons in time-reversal invariant but inversion-breaking materials. Our calculations reveal large, tunable rectification effects in graphene multilayers and transition metal dichalcogenides. Our work demonstrates the possibility of realizing high-frequency rectifiers by rational material design and quantum wave function engineering.
Fig. 1. Schematic figure of a rectifier based on a 2-D material. In this setup, we detect the rectified DC current transverse to the incident electric field, which is advantageous in reducing noise. The antenna is attached to both sides to collect bigger power from radiation and enhance the sensitivity.
May 27, 2020 | Originally published by American Association for the Advancement of Science on March 27, 2020