Walker-Wang models and axion electrodynamics

C. W. Von Keyserlingk, F. J. Burnell

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11 Scopus citations

Abstract

We connect a family of gauge theories (Maxwell theories with a magnetoelectric coupling θ=2πk,k∈Z) to the family of 3D topological lattice models introduced by Walker and Wang. In particular, we show that the lattice Hamiltonians capture a certain strong-coupling limit of these gauge theories, in which the system enters a gapped (confined) phase. We discuss the relationship between the topological order exhibited by certain of these lattice Hamiltonians and the characteristic electromagnetic response of the symmetry-protected bosonic topological insulator.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number045134
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume91
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 26 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 American Physical Society.

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