New polarization rotation and exact TEM wave solutions in topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates new polarization rotation effects and exact TEM wave solutions in topological insulators, highlighting their potential for advanced optical and photonic applications through topological magnetoelectric phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces novel transverse electromagnetic wave solutions in topological insulators, revealing polarization rotation effects independent of traditional magnetic field or birefringence influences.

Findings

Topological insulators exhibit a unique polarization rotation due to topological magnetoelectric effects.

Exact TEM wave solutions are found in cylindrical geometries with linear dispersion.

The results suggest new optical manipulation techniques using topological insulators.

Abstract

In the context of $\theta$ electrodynamics we find transverse electromagnetic wave solutions forbidden in Maxwell electrodynamics. Our results attest to new evidence of the topological magnetoelectric effect in topological insulators, resulting from a polarization rotation of an external electromagnetic field. Unlike Faraday and Kerr rotations, the effect does not rely on a longitudinal magnetic field, the reflected field, or birefringence. The rotation occurs due to transversal discontinuities of the topological magnetoelectric parameter in cylindrical geometries. The dispersion relation is linear, and birefringence is absent. One solution behaves as an optical fiber confining exact transverse electromagnetic fields with omnidirectional reflectivity. These results may open new possibilities in optics and photonics by utilizing topological insulators to manipulate light.