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Chiral-Anomaly-Driven Casimir-Lifshitz Torque between Weyl Semimetals
Liang Chen1, Kai Chang2,3,4
1Mathematics and Physics Department, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
Physical Review Letters
|August 16, 2020
Summary
We discovered a new way Casimir-Lifshitz torque is generated in Weyl semimetals using the chiral anomaly. This torque is significant at various distances, comparable to other materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Field Theory
Background:
- The Casimir-Lifshitz force is a quantum electrodynamic effect influencing interactions between objects.
- Weyl semimetals exhibit unique electronic properties due to their band structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel mechanism for generating Casimir-Lifshitz torque in Weyl semimetals.
- To explore the role of the chiral anomaly in this torque generation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of electromagnetic interactions between Weyl semimetals.
- Analysis of the chiral anomaly's contribution to the torque.
Main Results:
- A new mechanism for Casimir-Lifshitz torque generation in Weyl semimetals via chiral anomaly is proposed.
- The torque exhibits a dependence on the twisting angle (sin(θ)) at nanometer scales.
- Remarkably large torques, comparable to birefringent materials, are observed at micrometer scales.
Conclusions:
- Chiral anomaly provides a significant source of Casimir-Lifshitz torque in Weyl semimetals.
- This phenomenon has potential implications for nanoscale devices and understanding quantum interactions.
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