ICTP BASIC NOTIONS SEMINAR (MARCELLO DALMONTE) - Wednesday, 13 December, at 16:00

[ICTP Math Section]

BASIC  NOTIONS  SEMINAR  SERIES  2017


Wednesday, 13 December at 16:00 hrs.


Marcello Dalmonte (ICTP)


"Topological matter: why and for what is topology used to describe real 
and artificial materials"


Abstract:
In this seminar, I shall give an overview of why and how mathematical 
concepts from topology have been pivotal in understanding paradigmatic 
phenomena in solid state and atomic systems. Firstly, I will present an 
example showing the direct connection between topological invariants - 
in particular, the Chern number - and measurable quantities such as 
currents, of direct relevance to quantum Hall physics. Secondly, I will 
summarize recent exciting results in cold atom physics that have allowed 
to bring the aforementioned connection to a deeper level, by directing 
accessing both the Chern number and Berry’s curvature in experiments. 
Finally, I will discuss the potential of such concepts for future 
quantum technologies, and put down some recent challenges at the 
interface between math and theoretical physics in the context of the 
many-body problem.


VENUE:  Budinich Lecture Hall (ICTP Leonardo da Vinci Building)