Quantum Atmospherics for Materials Diagnosis

Abstract

Symmetry breaking states of matter can transmit symmetry breaking to nearby atoms or molecular complexes, perturbing their spectra. We calculate one such effect, involving the `axion electrodynamics' relevant to topological insulators, quantitatively, and identify a signature for T violating superconductivity. We provide an operator framework whereby effects of this kind can be analyzed systematically.

Includes several stylistic changes and minor additions, plus significant new material on (chiral) superconductors. Published version