Giant non-reciprocal band structure effect in a multiferroic material

Abstract

Multiferroic materials, characterized by the coexistence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism, may unveil band structures suggestive of complex phenomena and new functionalities. In this Letter, we analyze the band structure of EuO in its multiferroic phase. Using density functional theory calculations and detailed symmetry analysis, we reveal a previously overlooked non-reciprocal band structure effect, where the electronic energy bands exhibit asymmetry along opposite directions with respect to the special points in the Brillouin zone. This effect, which is enabled by spin-orbit coupling, is giant for the top valence Eu $4f$ bands, and can be switched by external electric or magnetic fields. Furthermore, this results in an enhanced bulk photovoltaic effect. Specifically, our predictions indicate the emergence of a large injection current response to linearly polarized light, resulting in a photoconductivity value several orders of magnitude higher than that reported in any other oxide material. Ultimately, this non-reciprocal band structure effect and the associated large bulk photovoltaic response may be general phenomena emerging not just in EuO but also in other multiferroics or magnetoelectrics, potentially providing new cross-functionalities.