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In condensed matter physics as well as in photonics, systems which exhibit topological behaviour are widely studied. Using the theory of topology on materials, topological photonics look at the study of novel technique to control and manipulate light. Whilst electronic topological insulators are materials presenting an exotic bandgap which supports a conductor behaviour on the surface and an insulator behaviour in the bulk, photonic topological insulators allow the flow of light only on their surface. Next generation of topological physical systems are expected to be paramount in the next generation of quantum technologies; topological photonics systems could be also of interest for their use in solar cell structures to achieve innovative renewable energy technologies.
This Collection brings together original studies in the field of topological physical systems, looking at topology in material science and photonics.