Magnetophotonic crystals with antiferromagnetic order

Abstract

We investigate a magnetophotonic crystal formed by the pairs of layers with the opposite out-of-plane magnetization. Despite vanishing total magnetization such antiferromagnetic pattern opens photonic bandgap, gives rise to nontrivial topological phases and enables strong cross-polarized light reflection at frequencies inside the gap which can be harnessed for magnetically tunable polarization-rotating mirrors. We systematically explore optical properties of this structure highlighting fruitful connections to topological photonics and axion electrodynamics.

6 pages, 4 figures main + 19 pages, 10 figures supplemental