Quantum Kinetic Theory of Nonlinear Nernst Effect

Abstract

For a long period of time, we have been seeking how Berry curvature influnces the transport properties in materials breaking time-reversal symmetry. In time-reversal symmetric material, there will be no thermoelectric current induced by Berry curvature in linear regime. However, the nonlinear Hall current can be shown in non-magnetic and non-centrosymmetric materials, where Berry curvature dipole plays an important role. Most studies are developed from semi-classical Boltzmann equation. Here we show the quantum kinetic theory for nonlinear Nernst effect and introduce a new type of Berry curvature dipole: thermoelectric Berry curvature dipole. This new Berry curvature dipole will also induce the thermoelectric transport in nonlinear regime even in time-reversal invariant crystals. We will also apply our theory to topological crystalline insulator with tilted Dirac cone.