Condensed Matter Physics Seminar: Hidden orders in symmetry protected topological phases

Dr. Zohar Ringel, Oxford

29 December 2014, 16:00 
Shenkar Building, Room 204 
Condensed Matter Physics Seminar

Abstract:

Topological phases of matter are distinct from conventional ones by their lack of an order parameter. Still in the quantum Hall effect, a hidden order parameter exists and constitutes the basis for the celebrated composite-particle approach. Whether similar hidden orders exist in symmetry protected topological phases (SPTs) is a largely open question, especially in 2D and 3D. In this talk I will introduce a new approach to analyzing SPT groundstates, based on generalized Laughlin wavefunctions. Using it one obtains a simple picture of some classes of SPTs in 1D and 2D, in which hidden order is rather explicit. Future directions, in the lines of generalizing the composite-particle approach to SPTs, will be discussed briefly.

 

Seminar Organizer: Prof. Shishon Barad

 

Tel Aviv University makes every effort to respect copyright. If you own copyright to the content contained
here and / or the use of such content is in your opinion infringing, Contact us as soon as possible >>