Rotational diode: Clockwise/counterclockwise asymmetry in conducting and mechanical properties of rotating (semi)conductors

Abstract : We argue that certain (semi)conductors should exhibit asymmetry of their mechanical and conducting properties with respect to clockwise/counterclockwise rotation. We show that a cylinder made of a suitably chosen semiconductor coated in a metallic film and placed in the magnetic-field background can serve as a "rotational diode" which conducts electricity only at a specific range of angular frequencies. The critical angular frequency and the direction of rotation can be tuned with the magnetic field's strength. Mechanically, the rotational diode possesses different moments of inertia when rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.