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Topological Electronics and Materials

Course 0000000216 in SS 2024

General Data

Course Type lecture
Semester Weekly Hours 2 SWS
Organisational Unit Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
Lecturers Christoph Kastl
Dates Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001

Assignment to Modules

  • PH2283: Topologische Elektronik und Materialien / Topological Electronics and Materials
    This module is included in the following catalogs:
    • Specific catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
    • Specific catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
    • Focus Area Experimental Quantum Science & Technology in M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology
    • Complementary catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
    • Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics

Further Information

Courses are together with exams the building blocks for modules. Please keep in mind that information on the contents, learning outcomes and, especially examination conditions are given on the module level only – see section "Assignment to Modules" above.

additional remarks This module provides a detailed overview on a fascinating new class of solid-state materials and a fast growing research area: topological electronics and corresponding quantum materials. The conceptual application of topology to the classification of solid-state materials revolutionized condensed matter physics in recent years and lead to the discovery of novel topological quantum materials and phases. Topologically non-trivial band structures give rise to material properties that are insensitive against external perturbations, which renders topological and quantum materials a promising and robust platform for novel electronic, spin-electronic and quantum optical applications. This module will introduce the basic concepts of topology in solid-state physics and discuss corresponding electronic and spin-electronic phenomena in quantum materials. A particular focus will be placed on the experimental realization and characterization of atomistic quantum materials with only a few nanometer thickness. The following specific topics will be addressed:- Historical and topical introduction to topological quantum phenomena and materials.- Review of solid state-band theory and introduction to modern topological band theory tools, including Berry phase, Berry curvature and Chern numbers.- Overview, classification, and characteristic properties of the main families of topological materials, including 3D and 2D topological insulators and Weyl semimetals.- Introduction to topological electronic phenomena, such as the quantum Hall effect, the (quantum) anomalous Hall effect, and the (quantum) spin Hall effect. - Nanofabrication and preparation methods applicable to topological materials, such as Bi2Se3 or few-layer and monolayer WTe2.- Nanoanalytical methods specialized to topological materials. This will include polarization-resolved optoelectronic studies, magneto-electronic transport experiments, atomic force, scanning tunneling, scanning electron microscopy, enhanced X-ray methods resolving the non-trivial band structure.- Discussion of potential device application for selected topological materials in the area of electronic and spintronic circuits.Focus topics to introduce peculiar properties of selected materials in more detail:- Crystal structures and space groups in topological materials.- Broken time- and space-symmetries and corresponding Hamiltonians.- Berry curvature induced anomalous velocity and its influence on the transversal electron conductivity and corresponding spin polarization.Furthermore, the students will become familiar with selected recent research papers and review articles in high-impact research journals such as Science, Nature publishing group and further literature related to topological quantum materials. The students are being trained in how to access and extract the information from those articles.
Links E-Learning course (e. g. Moodle)
TUMonline entry
TUMonline registration

Equivalent Courses (e. g. in other semesters)

SemesterTitleLecturersDates
SS 2023 Topological Electronics and Materials Kastl, C. Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001
SS 2022 Topological Electronics and Materials Kastl, C. Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001
SS 2021 Topological Electronics and Materials Kastl, C. Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001
SS 2020 Topological Electronics and Materials Holleitner, A.
Assistants: Kastl, C.
Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001
SS 2019 Topological Electronics and Materials Holleitner, A.
Assistants: Kastl, C.
Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001
Wed, 12:15–13:45, ZNN 0.001
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