Axion Electrodynamics — 3D Topological Insulator

Topological Magnetoelectric Effect · θ = π · Quantized Hall Response


Parameters

L = LMaxwell + (θe²/2πh) E·B
σxy = (n + θ/2π) · e²/h
At θ=π: σxy = (n + ½) e²/h
The axion angle θ=π is topologically protected by T-symmetry. Magnetic coating breaks T, gaps the surface, and induces a half-quantized Hall conductance.
Top surface
Bottom surface
Bulk gap