Internal Seminar: Han Yan, Topological States: New Paradigm of Phases of Matter

Internal Seminar: Han Yan, PhD student, Advanced Medical Instrumentation Unit (Sugawara Unit), Language: English, no interpretation

Title: Topological States: New Paradigm of Phases of Matter

Abstract:

Phase transitions of matter, for example from water to ice, are associated with symmetry breaking of the system - this had been physicists' belief for a long time. Starting from Haldane, Thouless, etc's seminal works in the 1980's, people have discovered a completely new category of quantum matter, where phase transition could happen without symmetry breaking, and global, topological properties of the system become crucial. In this talk we will try to understand these exotic quantum phenomena, or at least one or two examples of them.

Free Pizza and soft drinks will be served afterwards (Please bring a mug!). We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Internal Seminar Organizing Committee:

Marylka Yoe Uusisaari

Yasha Neiman

Rob Campbell

Margaret Mars Brisbin

Maéva Techer

Jigyasa Arora

Yuka Suzuki

Andreas Thomasen

Kun-Lung Li