Cold plasma waves in the chiral Maxwell-Carroll-Field-Jackiw electrodynamics

Abstract

In this work, we study the propagation and absorption of plasma waves in the chiral Maxwell-Carroll-Field-Jackiw electrodynamics (MCJF). The Maxwell equations are rewritten for a cold, uniform, and collisionless fluid plasma model, allowing us to determine the new refractive indices and propagating modes. The case of transversal propagation is examined considering a purely timelike CFJ background that plays the role of the magnetic conductivity chiral parameter. We find four distinct refractive indices associated with RCP and LCP waves. For each index, the propagation and absorption zones are illustrated for some specific parameter values. The optical behavior is investigated by means of the rotatory power (RP) and dichroism coefficient. The existence of a negative refraction zone enhances the rotatory power. It is also observed RP sign reversal, a feature of rotating plasmas.