Physics

Prof. Vijay Shenoy
IISc., Bangalore

Abstract:

I shall review of the tenfold way of symmetry classification of fermionic systems, visiting the theory of topological insulators in crystalline systems leading to the "periodic table of topological insulators". I will then pose the question: Can amorphous systems host topological phases? I will present a theoretical argument to show that the answer to this question is in the affirmative. This will be followed by a discussion of lattice models that do indeed show topological phases in amorphous systems. I will briefly point out how this observation throws open the possibilities for realizing topological phases in a variety of systems from glassy materials to nano-engineered synthetic materials. (Work done in collaboration with Adhip Agarwala and Arijit Haldar).