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.
A possible method for probing the properties of exotic particles that exist on the surfaces of an unusual type of superconductor has been theoretically proposed by two RIKEN physicists.
Condensed Matter
Mar 13, 2025
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Physicists at the University of Cologne have taken an important step forward in the pursuit of topological quantum computing by demonstrating the first-ever observation of Crossed Andreev Reflection (CAR) in topological insulator ...
Superconductivity
Mar 11, 2025
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61
Researchers from Würzburg have experimentally demonstrated a quantum tornado for the first time by refining an established method. In the quantum semimetal tantalum arsenide (TaAs), electrons in momentum space behave like ...
Condensed Matter
Mar 10, 2025
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256
In a leap forward for quantum computing, a Microsoft team led by UC Santa Barbara physicists on Wednesday unveiled an eight-qubit topological quantum processor, the first of its kind. The chip, built as a proof-of-concept ...
Quantum Physics
Feb 20, 2025
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380
Exotic superconducting states could exist in a wider range of materials than previously thought, according to a theoretical study by two RIKEN researchers published in Physical Review B.
Superconductivity
Feb 10, 2025
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53
An international team of researchers led by the Strong Correlation Quantum Transport Laboratory of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) has demonstrated, in a world's first, an ideal Weyl semimetal, marking ...
Condensed Matter
Jan 24, 2025
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123
Topological insulators (TIs) are among the hottest topics in condensed matter physics today. They're a bit strange: Their surfaces conduct electricity, yet their interiors do not, instead acting as insulators. Physicists ...
Condensed Matter
Jan 21, 2025
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59
Ferroelectrics at the nanoscale exhibit a wealth of polar and sometimes swirling (chiral) electromagnetic textures that not only represent fascinating physics, but also promise applications in future nanoelectronics. For ...
Nanophysics
Jan 21, 2025
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44
A kind of umbilical cord between different quantum states can be found in some materials. Researchers at TU Wien have now shown that this "umbilical cord" is generic to many materials.
Condensed Matter
Jan 20, 2025
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85
Multiterminal Josephson junctions, nanoscale devices with unique electronic properties, comprise non-superconducting metallic material coupled to three or more superconducting leads. These devices have proved to be promising ...
