Probing the interference between non-linear, axionic and space-time-anisotropy effects in the QED vacuum
We pursue the investigation of a generic non-linear extension of axionic electrodynamics in a Carroll-Field-Jackiw (CFJ) scenario that implements Lorentz-symmetry violation (LSV). The model we inspect consists of an arbitrary non-linear electrodynamic action coupled to the axion field in presence of an anisotropy four-vector that realizes the breaking of Lorentz symmetry under the particle point of view. The non-linear electromagnetic field is expanded around a constant and uniform magnetic background up to second order in the propagating photon field. The focus of our attention is the study of the material properties of the vacuum in the particular case of a space-like CFJ $4$-vector. The dispersion relations associated to the plane wave solutions are explicitly worked out in two situations: the magnetic background perpendicular and parallel to the wave direction. We extend these results to consider the analysis of the birefringence phenomenon in presence of non-linearity, the axion and the LSV manifested through the spatial anisotropy. Three specific proposals of non-linear electrodynamics are contemplated: Euler-Heisenberg, Born-Infeld and the Modified Maxwell electrodynamics. Throughout the paper, we shall justify why we follow the unusual path of connecting, in a single Lagrangian density, three pieces of physics beyond the Standard Model, namely, non-linearity, axions and LSV. Our true goal is to actually inspect and describe how axionic, non-linear and LSV effects interfere with one another whenever physical entities like group velocity, refraction indices, birefringence and effective masses of physical excitations are computed in presence of an external constant and homogeneous magnetic field.