The study of phases of matter and transitions between them is a central theme of condensed matter physics. In this regard, Landau’s symmetry-breaking theory has been hugely successful. More recently, it has been found that there are phase transitions in (topological) materials which fall outside the paradigm of Landau’s theory. Ideas borrowed from topology have played a vital role in this understanding. In this talk, I will begin with an overview of topological materials and their phase transitions. I will also relate these ideas to some of our recent work in a class of 2D materials.

Meeting ID: 961 9063 6215 
Passcode: 282924