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Title: Quantum kinetic theory of the chiral anomaly

Journal Article · · Physical Review. B
 [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. The Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX (United States)
  2. The Univ. of New South Wales, Sydney (Australia)

We present a general quantum kinetic theory of low-field magnetotransport in weakly disordered crystals that accounts fully for the interplay between electric-field-induced interband coherence, Bloch-state scattering, and an external magnetic field. The quantum kinetic equation we derive for the Bloch-state density matrix naturally incorporates the momentum-space Berry phase effects whose influence on Bloch-state wave-packet dynamics is normally incorporated into transport theory in an ad hoc manner. The Berry phase correction to the momentum-space density of states in the presence of an external magnetic field implied by semiclassical wave-packet dynamics is captured by our theory as an intrinsic density-matrix response to a magnetic field. We propose a simple and general procedure for expanding the linear response of the Bloch-state density matrix to an electric field in powers of magnetic field. As an illustration, we apply our theory to magnetotransport in Weyl semimetals. Furthermore we show that the chiral anomaly (positive magnetoconductivity quadratic in magnetic field) that appears when separate Fermi surface pockets surround distinct Weyl points survives only when intervalley scattering is very weak compared to intravalley scattering.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
FG02-02ER45958; FG03-02ER45958; FG02-ER45958
OSTI ID:
1511842
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1414504
Journal Information:
Physical Review. B, Vol. 96, Issue 23; ISSN 2469-9950
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 36 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (6)

Nonclassical Longitudinal Magnetoresistance in Anisotropic Black Phosphorus journal September 2019
Spatially dispersive circular photogalvanic effect in a Weyl semimetal journal July 2019
Large enhancement of conductivity in Weyl semimetals with tilted cones: Pseudorelativity and linear response journal August 2019
Berry curvature induced thermopower in type-I and type-II Weyl semimetals journal August 2019
Symmetry and quantum kinetics of the nonlinear Hall effect journal November 2019
Weyl systems: anomalous transport normally explained journal August 2019

Figures / Tables (5)


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