Optical Properties Chern-Simons (3+1)D $\theta$-systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the Chern-Simons $ heta$-term influences optical properties like polarization and reflection angles in $ heta$-systems, revealing novel effects such as two distinct Brewster angles.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of electromagnetic response in $ heta$-systems, including polarization rotation and unique Brewster angles, extending understanding beyond topological insulators.

Findings

Identification of two different Brewster angles for $s$ and $p$ polarizations.

Analysis of polarization rotation effects due to the $ heta$-term.

Application of results to systems with boundary-induced surface effects.

Abstract

Chern-Simons (CS) $\theta$-systems are described by a $\theta \int F\wedge F$ term in the action ($\theta$ is an adimensional parameter), which does not change field equations in the bulk, but affects the system behaviour when it is bounded. When two of those $\theta$-systems, each one characterized by a different value of $\theta$ (even zero), share a common boundary, surface effects are then induced by a CS $\theta$ term. Here, we study the consequences of the above in the propagation of electromagnetic radiation in $\theta$-systems. In a previous paper, electromagnetic radiation properties traversing a $\theta$-vacuum were analyzed where a number of interesting features arise related to polarization and energy distribution. Now, we investigate how electric and magnetic properties of the $\theta$-system affect the optical response. Apart from the well-known Kerr polarization rotation found for the particular case of topological insulators, we examine in detail the issue and the results could be applied in other contexts where $\theta$-term accounts for the system dynamics. In particular, we find two different Brewster angles, for $s$ and $p$ polarization of reflected radiation, respectively, with peculiar features derived from the $\theta$ term influence. Possible applications of these results are discussed.