Topological matter

Content

• Topology on top

  Topology has journeyed from the purely mathematical arena to feature throughout physics.

  Editorial30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics
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  Space, matter and topology

  An old branch of mathematics has paved the way for discovering new phases of matter.

  • Manuel Asorey

  Commentary30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics
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  A road to reality with topological superconductors

  Topological matter can host low-energy quasiparticles, which, in a superconductor, are Majorana fermions described by a real wavefunction. The absence of complex phases provides protection for quantum computations based on topological superconductivity.

  • Carlo Beenakker
  • Leo Kouwenhoven

  Commentary30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics
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  Topological mechanics

  Electronic topological insulators have inspired the design of new mechanical systems that could soon find real-life applications.

  • Sebastian D. Huber

  Commentary30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics
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  Quasiperiodicity and topology transcend dimensions

  The topological state of matter depends on its dimension. Remarkably, topological properties of quasiperiodic systems are found to emerge from higher dimensions.

  • Yaacov E. Kraus
  • Oded Zilberberg

  Commentary30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics
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  Topological states in photonic systems

  Optics played a key role in the discovery of geometric phase. It now joins the journey of exploring topological physics, bringing bosonic topological states that equip us with the ability to make perfect photonic devices using imperfect interfaces.

  • Ling Lu
  • John D. Joannopoulos
  • Marin Soljačić

  Commentary30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics
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  Topological quantum matter with ultracold gases in optical lattices

  Using optical lattices to trap ultracold atoms provides a powerful platform for probing topological phases, analogues to those found in condensed matter. But as these systems are highly tunable, they could be used to engineer even more exotic phases.

  • N. Goldman
  • J. C. Budich
  • P. Zoller

  Progress Article30 Jun 2016 Nature Physics