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High spin axion insulator

Author

Listed:
  • Shuai Li

    (Soochow University
    Soochow University)

  • Ming Gong

    (Peking University)

  • Yu-Hang Li

    (Nankai University)

  • Hua Jiang

    (Soochow University
    Fudan University
    Fudan University)

  • X. C. Xie

    (Peking University
    Fudan University
    Fudan University
    Hefei National Laboratory)

Abstract

Axion insulators possess a quantized axion field θ = π protected by combined lattice and time-reversal symmetry, holding great potential for device applications in layertronics and quantum computing. Here, we propose a high-spin axion insulator (HSAI) defined in large spin-s representation, which maintains the same inherent symmetry but possesses a notable axion field θ = (s + 1/2)2π. Such distinct axion field is confirmed independently by the direct calculation of the axion term using hybrid Wannier functions, layer-resolved Chern numbers, as well as the topological magneto-electric effect. We show that the guaranteed gapless quasi-particle excitation is absent at the boundary of the HSAI despite its integer surface Chern number, hinting an unusual quantum anomaly violating the conventional bulk-boundary correspondence. Furthermore, we ascertain that the axion field θ can be precisely tuned through an external magnetic field, enabling the manipulation of bonded transport properties. The HSAI proposed here can be experimentally verified in ultra-cold atoms by the quantized non-reciprocal conductance or topological magnetoelectric response. Our work enriches the understanding of axion insulators in condensed matter physics, paving the way for future device applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuai Li & Ming Gong & Yu-Hang Li & Hua Jiang & X. C. Xie, 2024. "High spin axion insulator," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48542-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48542-4
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