Fragility of Time Reversal Symmetry-Protected Topological Phases

Speaker: Nigel Cooper, University of Cambridge

When: December 4, 2020 (Fri), 12:00PM to 01:00PM (add to my calendar)

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

A key development of modern condensed matter theory has been the discovery of topological phases of quantum matter that are stabilised by underlying symmetries. A central role is played by time-reversal symmetry (TRS), which leads to various topological phases, notably topological band insulators and the Haldane phase of quantum magnets. In this talk I shall discuss the fate of topological phases in situations that go beyond ground state physics: in non-equilibrium situations, and in settings where the system is coupled to an external bath. I will show that, while topological features can be preserved in these situations, TRS-protected phenomena are intrinsically fragile. These results highlight the enigmatic nature of TRS in quantum mechanics and elucidate potential challenges in utilizing topological systems for quantum technologies.

Join on zoom: https://bostonu.zoom.us/j/98731662171?pwd=VGVvSEZLZUlRa0xNbUgvWGh6THA3Zz09