Non-Minimal Coupling to a Lorentz-Violating Background and Topological Implications

TL;DR

This paper explores how non-minimal coupling of fermions to a Lorentz-violating background affects quantum phases, revealing a natural emergence of the Aharonov-Casher phase due to Lorentz symmetry breaking.

Contribution

It introduces a novel framework linking Lorentz violation to topological quantum phases via non-minimal coupling in Dirac's equation.

Findings

Aharonov-Casher phase arises naturally from Lorentz violation

Different Lorentz-breaking implementations relate to specific background components

Theoretical connection between Lorentz violation and topological phases

Abstract

The non-minimal coupling of fermions to a background responsible for the breaking of Lorentz symmetry is introduced in Dirac's equation; the non-relativistic regime is contemplated, and the Pauli's equation is used to show how an Aharonov-Casher phase may appear as a natural consequence of the Lorentz violation, once the particle is placed in a region where there is an electric field. Different ways of implementing the Lorentz breaking are presented and, in each case, we show how to relate the Aharonov-Casher phase to the particular components of the background vector or tensor that realises the violation of Lorentz symmetry.