WiSe 2020/21

Seminar​​​​​​

Topology in condensed-matter physics

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Nowak
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Gönnenwein

The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded "for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter". In mathematics, the concept of topology allows to classify structures based on their properties under continuous deformations. In physics, topology is now seen as a new fundamental criterion for the classification of matter.
In the seminar, we want to use concrete examples to discuss the meaning and consequences of topological properties in solid state physics. For example, topology enables a "simple" interpretation of the quantum Hall effect - and the calculation of the so-called Berry phases, which are fundamentally important for the transport properties of solids. Topological isolators, topological phase transitions and topological optical properties are further examples of current topics that shall be addressed in this seminar. Finally, the seminar will touch upon both, theoretical and experimental physics, in order to demonstrate not only the theoretical concepts but also the immediate practical consequences of topology in solid state physics.

Thursday: 3:15 - 4:45 pm

lecture on ZEuS