Manipulating Fermi arc surface states for nonlinear nonreciprocal transport in Weyl semimetals

In this work, the realization of nonreciprocal transport in Weyl semimetals is proposed by manipulating surface states. Our method, distinct from traditional techniques focusing on bulk band asymmetry, involves surface asymmetries characterized by an asymmetric mass term. Utilizing the Boltzmann transport equation, we unveil second-order conductivity responses, leading to nonreciprocal transport primarily governed by Fermi arc surface states when the Fermi surface is proximal to the Weyl point. Our method deviates from conventional techniques focused on bulk band asymmetry, shedding light on distinctive transport properties from engineering surface states in Weyl semimetals. Importantly, our findings provide an observable signal for surface state engineering, enhancing the understanding of nonlinear transport phenomena in these topological semimetals.