Giant third-order nonlinear Hall effect in misfit layer compound (SnS)${1.17}$(NbS$_2$)$_3$

Abstract: Nonlinear Hall effect (NLHE) holds immense significance in recognizing the band geometry and its potential applications in current rectification. Recent discoveries have expanded the study from second-order to third-order nonlinear Hall effect (THE), which is governed by an intrinsic band geometric quantity called the Berry Connection Polarizability (BCP) tensor. Here we demonstrate a giant THE in a misfit layer compound, (SnS)${1.17}$(NbS$_2$)$_3$. While the THE is prohibited in individual NbS$_2$ and SnS due to the constraints imposed by the crystal symmetry and their band structures, a remarkable THE emerges when a superlattice is formed by introducing a monolayer of SnS. The angular-dependent THE and its scaling relationship indicate that the phenomenon could be correlated to the band geometry modulation, concurrently with the symmetry breaking. The resulting strength of THE is orders of magnitude higher compared to recent studies. Our work illuminates the modulation of structural and electronic geometries for novel quantum phenomena through interface engineering.