Topological Photonics and Axion Electrodynamics

Dear Colleagues,

Topological properties play a fundamental role in many physical phenomena. One of the examples is the recently discovered novel phase of matter called topological insulators. These unique materials can be characterized by a new organizational principle known as a topological order. The discovery of the quantum spin Hall insulator and topological insulators has spawned much interest and activity in the study of nontrivial topological phases in solid state physics. However, realizing nontrivial topological phases in other systems is of great importance from the fundamental point of view as it would allow studying peculiarities of these exotic states of matter under directly engineered experimental conditions. While the ongoing research of the topological insulators is entirely focused on electronic systems, there has been a recent emergence of interest in exploring topological orders with photons. A new class of photonic states of matter, such as photonic topological insulator, is emerging, and they will be used for emulating condensed matter systems in a simple and controllable way. Emulating numerous and exciting manifestations of topologically nontrivial systems such as, for example, spin-polarized transport and quantum spin Hall effect, would also be highly desirable for many applications in the modern photonics. In particular, topologically protected electromagnetic states could be used for transporting photons without any losses or scattering in photonic crystals.

At the same time, optical properties of topological insulators can exhibit rather peculiar features as well. They might lead to the existence of an additional interaction term associated with the axion electrodynamics. Usually, it is quite weak, but by proper optimisation it can be enhanced and lead to some observable effects. It has a great potential for enhancing the axion-photon coupling, which is important for Dark Matter studies.

Prof. Dr. Andrey Miroshnichenko
Prof. Alexander B. Khanikaev
Guest Editors

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