Dynamical Axions in $U(1)$ Quantum Spin Liquids

Abstract

Since their proposal nearly half a century ago, physicists have sought axions in both high energy and condensed matter settings. Despite intense and growing efforts, to date experimental success has been limited, with the most prominent results arising in the context of topological insulators.Here we propose a novel mechanism whereby axions can be realized in quantum spin liquids. We discuss the necessary symmetry requirements and identify possible experimental realizations in candidate pyrochlore materials, such as Ba 3 Yb 2 Zn 5 O 11 . In this context, the axions couple both to the external and to the emergent electromagnetic fields. We show that the interaction between the axion and the emergent photon leads to a characteristic dynamical response, which can be measured experimentally in inelastic neutron scattering. This work sets the stage for studying axion electrodynamics in the highly tunable setting of frustrated magnets.