Professor M Zahid Hasan

Princeton University

Experimental discovery of topological order in bulk solids and Superconductors

Abstract:

Three dimensional topological insulators are a new phase of matter which realizes a non- quantum-Hall-like topological state in bulk matter and unlike the quantum Hall liquids can be turned into superconductors [1]. In this talk, I will briefly review the basic theory and experimental discovery of topological insulators. I will then discuss experimental results that demonstrate the properties of topological insulators such as spin- momentum helical locking, non-trivial Berry's phases, absence of backscattering or no U-turn, protection by time-reversal symmetry and the existence of room temperature topological order. I will also report the exotic roles of superconductivity and magnetism in doped topological insulators, electrodynamics and their potential applications.

[1]“Topological Insulators”¯ M.Z. Hasan, C.L. Kane; Rev. of Mod. Phys. 82, 3045 (2010).