Elastoconductivity as a probe of broken mirror symmetries

Abstract

We propose the possible detection of broken mirror symmetries in correlated two-dimensional materials by elastotransport measurements. Using linear response theory we calculate the shearconductivity $Γ_{xx,xy}$, defined as the linear change of the longitudinal conductivity $σ_{xx}$ due to a shear strain $ε_{xy}$. This quantity can only be non-vanishing when in-plane mirror symmetries are broken and we discuss how candidate states in the cuprate pseudogap regime (e.g. various loop current or charge orders) may exhibit a finite shearconductivity. We also provide a realistic experimental protocol for detecting such a response.

15 pages, 8 figures. Journal Ref added, Title updated, some references added. Also added a new section on training the shearconductivity response