Topological quantization in units of the fine structure constant

Details Topological quantization in units of the fine structure constant Topological quantization in units of the fine structure constant

2010-04-14

arxiv.org/abs/1004.2514v3

Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 166803 (2010) [Editors' Suggestion]; see accompanying Physics Synopsis at http://physics.aps.org/synop

Physics

Condensed Matter

Strongly Correlated Electrons

4 pages, 3 figures; v3: published version

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.166803

Fundamental topological phenomena in condensed matter physics are associated with a quantized electromagnetic response in units of fundamental constants. Recently, it has been predicted theoretically that the time-reversal invariant topological insulator in three dimensions exhibits a topological magnetoelectric effect quantized in units of the fine structure constant $\alpha=e^2/\hbar c$. In this work, we propose an optical experiment to directly measure this topological quantization phenomenon, independent of material details. Our proposal also provides a way to measure the half-quantized Hall conductances on the two surfaces of the topological insulator independently of each other.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Topological quantization in units of the fine structure constant does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Topological quantization in units of the fine structure constant, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Topological quantization in units of the fine structure constant will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-379261