Dec 11, 2019
IST Lecture
Steven Simon- Oxford University
Date: December 11, 2019 |
4:30 pm –
5:30 pm
Speaker:
Steven Simon, Oxford University
Location: Raiffeisen Lecture Hall
Topologically ordered matter and why you should be interested
In two dimensional topologically ordered matter, processes depend on gross topology rather than detailed geometry. Thinking in 2+1 dimensions, particle world lines can be interpreted as knots or links, and the amplitude for certain processes becomes a topological invariant of that link. While sounding rather exotic, we believe that such phases of matter not only exist, but have actually been observed in quantum Hall experiments, and could provide a uniquely practical route to building a quantum computer. Possibilities have also been proposed for creating similar physics in systems ranging from superfluid helium to strontium ruthenate to semiconductor-superconductor junctions to quantum wires to spin systems to graphene to cold atoms.
