Topological Materials

3 EC

Semester 2, period 6

5354TOMA3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. Corentin Coulais
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Advanced Matter and Energy Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy, Master Quantum Computer Science,

Course manual 2024/2025

Course content

This 3EC course will cover basic concepts in the field of topological materials. One of the three major breakthroughs in physics of the 21st century involves the discovery of ‘topological phases of matter’ (2016 Nobel Prize in Physics). This course will cover a wide range of topics from quantum, to magnetic, soft and designer matter. Exciting applications now range all the way from defining the SI unit of resistance to enabling one-way acoustic filters, to elucidating the Earth’s equatorial currents. The course will take you on a conceptual journey starting from basic concepts such as Zak phases, Berry phase and Chern invariants. You will then discover how you can use these basic concepts to understand new phenomena such as protected quantized edge states. By employing modern experimental transport and photoemission techniques, we will take a closer look at the surface of topological insulators where spin-polarized currents live and explore their connection with the symmetries and materials-specific properties of the periodic insulating bulk. Finally, we will focus on current state-of-the-art applications and provide you with an outlook on open research questions.

Objectives

  • The student is able to identify fingerprints of topological edge states and topological defects in quantum materials, magnetic materials, soft matter and metamaterials.
  • The student is able to explain what topological invariants are.
  • The student can calculate Chern numbers.
  • The student is able to demonstrate the presence of topological edge states.
  • The student is able to explain the role played by time reversal symmetry in fermionic and bosonic topological materials.

Teaching methods

  • Self-study
  • Presentation/symposium
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Lecture

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

20

Werkcollege

8

Self study

56

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).

  • In addition to, or instead of, classes in the form of lectures, the elements of the master’s examination programme often include a practical component as defined in article A-1.2 of part A. The course catalogue contains information on the types of classes in each part of the programme. Attendance during practical components is mandatory.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    Tentamen

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. Corentin Coulais