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Anisotropy-driven circular high-harmonic generation in semi-Dirac semimetals

Kartik Prabhu1, M. S. Mrudul2, and Gopal Dixit1,3,4,*

  • *Contact author: gdixit@phy.iitb.ac.in
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Phys. Rev. B 114, 105114 – Published 12 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mxwy-m8zd

Abstract

Generating elliptically polarized higher-order harmonics is essential for probing a wide range of chiral-sensitive light-matter interactions in nature. We demonstrate that semi-Dirac semimetals produce efficient odd-order harmonics under circularly polarized driving fields, remarkably contrasting with known two-dimensional semimetals, where circular polarization typically suppresses high-harmonic generation. The underlying mechanism is attributed to anisotropy-induced dipole coupling, which manifests distinctly in the ellipticity dependence of the harmonic yield. Specifically, the total yield is minimal for linear polarization and rises sharply as the polarization approaches circular, exhibiting nonmonotonic, harmonic-specific behavior. We find that the polarization dependence exhibits a pronounced twofold anisotropy, with each harmonic order showing a distinct angular distribution of maximum intensity. This characteristic anisotropy arises directly from the unique band dispersion of semi-Dirac semimetals. Our results not only uncover a link between anisotropic dispersion and strong-field nonlinear optics, but also position semi-Dirac semimetals as promising platforms for symmetry-engineered and polarization-tailored ultrafast light-matter control.

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Phys. Rev. B 114, 105114– Published 12 August, 2026
  • Received 3 October 2025
  • Revised 24 June 2026
  • Accepted 24 July 2026
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