Topological Quantum Matter: From Fantasy to Reality
Coordinators: Nic Shannon, Ronny Thomale, and Roser Valenti
While the role of topology in the modern condensed matter physics is difficult to overstate, and despite numerous experimental corroborations of theoretically predicted symmetry-protected topological phases (such as topological insulators), most of these advances can be formulated in the language of non-interacting particles. Real-world realizations of interacting topological phases are, meanwhile, very sparse, with the fractional quantum Hall effect being a notable counterexample. Similarly, the question of stability of topological phases at finite temperatures – a prerequisite for their experimental realizations – is poorly explored. This conference will address these and related questions, in particular: (1) Can putative spin liquids be realized in an experiment and what “smoking-gun” signatures can one expect? (2) What are the spectroscopic footprints of topological matter at finite temperatures? (3) To what extent can one mimic the topological aspects of topological quantum states in classical frameworks, such as mechanical systems and electrical circuits? This conference will bring together experts from theoretical, numerical and experimental perspectives, to share their expertise and discuss the most exciting and relevant progresses in this field.
PLEASE NOTE: During the conference there will be an opportunity to present a poster. If you are interested in presenting a poster please visit the conference website and submit your title and abstract. Each poster board is 4 feet high x 6 feet wide. We ask that the posters be no larger than 44 inches high x 34 inches wide at the most (it is important to follow these measurements or posters may be turned down due to limited space). *You may hang your poster upon arrival, posters will be discussed during coffee and lunch breaks throughout conference week*