Abstract
We propose that the dynamical axion field can be realized in a magnetic topological insulator superlattice or a topological paramagnetic insulator. The magnetic fluctuations of these systems produce a pseudoscalar field which has an axionic coupling to the electromagnetic field, and thus it gives a condensed-matter realization of the axion electrodynamics. Compared to the previously proposed dynamical axion materials where a long-range antiferromagnetic order is required, the systems proposed here have the advantage that only a uniform magnetization or a paramagnetic state is needed for the dynamic axion. We further propose several experiments to detect such a dynamical axion field.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 045115 |
Journal | Physical Review B |
Volume | 93 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 13 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics