Topological phenomena in cold-atom and condensed matter systems

The purpose of the project is to address fundamental problems of modern physics sharing a common feature – the manifestation of topological effects in the static and dynamic properties of quantum states. The proposed research spans two fields: a single project brings together the efforts of experts in cold-atom and condensed matter physics and addresses problems relevant to both of these communities. The interest in the topological properties of matter stems from the understanding that the quantum Hall effect and the spin Hall effect are manifestations of the formation of nontrivial topological phases of the matter. The incredible accuracy of the quantization of Hall resistance (to eight digits) is a manifestation of its topological nature. The discovery of topological phases led to a scientific revolution which significantly enlarged the previous notion that symmetry considerations alone are sufficient to classify phases of matter. In recent years, the interest in topological aspects is rapidly growing. Topology ensures the robustness of a system with respect to scattering, and neutralizes the negative effects of impurities. Thus, the topological phenomena are interesting not only from the fundamental point of view but also due to their potential applications. With the present project, we plan to study the manifestation of topological phenomena in cold atom lattices and periodic condensed matter systems, to propose and investigate novel structures and to explore the possibilities of their experimental implementation and control. The research on condensed matter systems will focus on interfaces that cause the topological localization of states as well as sample edges. We will seek to elucidate the principles underlying the mechanism of topological insulation, to study the dynamics of wavepackets in graphene and the possibilities of measurement of topological characteristics. The work of cold atom systems will center on the construction and investigation of optical lattices and optical flux lattices of novel geometry that exhibit nontrivial topology of band structure. We will also analyze the possibilities to create Abelian and non-Abelian magnetic fluxes and explore their manifestation.

Duration: 2012-2015 m.
Head: prof. Egidijus Anisimovas