Topological frequency conversion in Weyl semimetals

Abstract

We show that a Weyl semimetal irradiated at two distinct frequencies can convert energy between the frequencies at a potentially large rate. The phenomenon is a realization of topological frequency conversion from [Martin et al, PRX 7 041008 (2017)]. When the effect is realized, each electron near a Weyl point acts as a topological frequency converter, and converts energy at a universal rate given by Planck's constant multiplied by the product of the two frequencies. Our results indicate that Weyl points in TaAs support topological frequency conversion in the THz regime at achievable intensities of order 100 W/mm2. When the topological energy conversion rate exceeds the dissipation rate, the effect can be used for optical amplification. This amplification regime can be achieved when the relaxation rate of the system is larger than the characteristic driving period. This phenomenon further amplifies Weyl semimetals' promise for optical amplification and terahertz (THz) generation.