High spin axion insulator

Shuai Li, Ming Gong, Yu-Hang Li (), Hua Jiang () and X. C. Xie
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Shuai Li: Soochow University
Ming Gong: Peking University
Yu-Hang Li: Nankai University
Hua Jiang: Soochow University
X. C. Xie: Peking University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48542-4

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