Topological phases of matter constitute a research area in condensed matter physics that studies quantum states distinguished by global, topological properties rather than local order parameters and symmetry breaking. This field investigates phases characterized by topological invariants (e.g., Chern numbers, Z₂ indices), robust edge or surface states, and phenomena such as quantized transport and anyonic excitations. Research focuses on topological insulators, superconductors, and semimetals, the role of symmetries and topology in band structures, and strongly correlated topological phases. It combines methods from quantum field theory, band theory, topology, and numerical many-body techniques, with implications for fault-tolerant quantum computation and novel electronic functionalities.
Light powers everything from communications to sensing, yet even tiny imperfections can scatter it and weaken signals. To address this, a team led by the University of Bath—working with the University of Cambridge and international ...
Optics & Photonics
Feb 23, 2026
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In some quantum materials, which are materials governed by quantum mechanical effects, interactions between charged particles (i.e., electrons) can prompt the creation of quasiparticles called anyons, which carry only a fraction ...
A research team has successfully implemented a programmable spinor lattice on a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). This platform enables the realization of non-Abelian physics, in which the outcome of operations depends on ...
Optics & Photonics
Feb 12, 2026
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The element cobalt is considered a typical ferromagnet with no further secrets. However, an international team led by HZB researcher Dr. Jaime Sánchez-Barriga has now uncovered complex topological features in its electronic ...
Condensed Matter
Feb 11, 2026
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The race to build reliable quantum computers is fraught with obstacles, and one of the most difficult to overcome is related to the promising but elusive Majorana qubits. Now, an international team has read the information ...
Condensed Matter
Feb 11, 2026
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85
A team of US researchers has unveiled a device that can conduct electricity along its fractionally charged edges without losing energy to heat. Described in Nature Physics, the work, led by Xiaodong Xu at the University of ...
Today's most powerful computers hit a wall when tackling certain problems, from designing new drugs to cracking encryption codes. Error-free quantum computers promise to overcome those challenges, but building them requires ...
Superconductivity
Feb 5, 2026
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A team of theoretical researchers has found duality can unveil non-invertible symmetry protected topological phases, which can lead to researchers understanding more about the properties of these phases, and uncover new quantum ...
Condensed Matter
Feb 3, 2026
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Researchers at Kyushu University have shown that careful engineering of materials interfaces can unlock new applications for nanoscale magnetic spins, overcoming the limits of conventional electronics. Their findings, published ...
Nanophysics
Jan 23, 2026
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90
Physicists from University of Jyväskylä and Aalto University (Finland) have experimentally realized a two-dimensional topological crystalline insulator. This is a quantum material that has been theoretically predicted for ...
Nanophysics
Jan 22, 2026
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