Researchers have developed a novel method for separating electrons based on their chirality, a property related to their spin, using the unique quantum geometry of topological materials. This breakthrough, detailed in a recent Nature publication, allows for the spatial separation of currents with opposite fermionic chiralities without the need for magnetic fields, a common requirement in previous methods.

The research team, focusing on the topological semimetal PdGa, engineered devices in a three-arm geometry. These devices leverage the quantum-geometry-induced anomalous velocities of chiral fermions, resulting in a nonlinear Hall effect. This effect spatially separates transverse chiral currents with opposing anomalous velocities into the outer arms of the device. The opposing Chern number states of these chiral currents also carry orbital magnetizations with opposite signs.

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Traditional methods for manipulating chiral fermionic transport often rely on strong magnetic fields or magnetic doping to suppress unwanted transport and create an imbalance in the occupancy of states with opposite Chern numbers. This new approach bypasses these requirements by exploiting the intrinsic quantum geometry of the material itself.

Topological semimetals are materials with unique electronic properties arising from their band structure, where the energy levels of electrons form topological features. These features, known as band crossings, host fermions with opposite chiralities. The quantum geometry of these bands plays a crucial role in dictating the behavior of electrons within the material.

The team's findings could have significant implications for the development of new electronic and spintronic devices. By providing a way to control electron flow based on chirality without the need for magnetic fields, this research opens doors to more energy-efficient and compact devices.

The researchers are currently exploring the potential of this technology for various applications, including the development of new types of sensors and quantum computing devices. Further studies are planned to investigate the behavior of these chiral currents in different materials and device geometries.