Connector theory for reusing model results to determine materials properties

The success of Density Functional Theory(DFT)is partly due to that of simple approximations,such as the Local Density Approximation(LDA),which uses results of a model,the homogeneous electron gas,to simulate exchange-correlation effects in real materials.We turn this intuitive approximation into a general and in principle exact theory by introducing the concept of a connector:a prescription how to use results of a model system in order to simulate a given quantity in a real system.In this framework,the LDA can be understood as one particular approximation for a connector that is designed to link the exchange-correlation potentials in the real material to that of the model.Formulating the in principle exact connector equations allows us to go beyond the LDA in a systematic way.Moreover,connector theory is not bound to DFT,and it suggests approximations also for other functionals and other observables.We explain why this very general approach is indeed a convenient starting point for approximations.We illustrate our purposes with simple but pertinent examples.

Effect of spin-orbit coupling on the high harmonics from the topological Dirac semimetal Na3Bi

In this work,we performed extensive first-principles simulations of high-harmonic generation in the topological Diract semimetal Na_(3)Bi using a first-principles time-dependent density functional theory framework,focusing on the effect of spin-orbit coupling(SOC)on the harmonic response.We also derived an analytical model describing the microscopic mechanism of strong-field dynamics in presence of spin-orbit coupling,starting from a locally U(1)×SU(2)gauge-invariant Hamiltonian.Our results reveal that SOC:(i)affects the strong-field excitation of carriers to the conduction bands by modifying the bandstructure of Na_(3)Bi,(ii)makes each spin channel reacts differently to the driven laser by modifying the electron velocity(iii)changes the emission timing of the emitted harmonics.Moreover,we show that the SOC affects the harmonic emission by directly coupling the charge current to the spin currents,paving the way to the high-harmonic spectroscopy of spin currents in solids.