Seminar on Topological Phenomena in Magnetism for M.Sc. Students

The application of topological concepts to the description of many novel and unconventional properties of solids has moved center stages in recent years. This applies to, both, topological electronic properties in reciprocal space and the topology of magnetic structures in real space. This module treats such topological phenomena with the focus on spin systems and magnetism from the basics up to topics of current research. Seminar talks by the students can be given, e.g., with the following topics:

·        conventional forms of magnetic order

·        mathematical basics of technology

·        examples & characterization of topological defects

·        Kosterlitz-Thouless transition 

·        domain walls and solitons

·        Frenkel-Kontorowa model

·        fluctuating domain walls

·        skyrmion lattices in chiral magnets

·        geometrically frustrated magnets

·        topological defects in liquid crystals

·        topological defects in superconductors

After successful participation in the module the students can use the basic methods of literature retrieval, condense their knowlegde from scientific papers and book chapters into a presentation and obtain presentation skills. The students can discuss the presented contents scientifically with the audience.

They have gotten a general idea of the basics and the current research in the area of topological phenomena in magnetism.

There are talks on Master- and and Bachelor-level. For the master students, no previous knowledge is necessary beyond the admission requirements for the master course. For bachelor students, basic knowledge in solid-state physics and magnetism is a prerequisite.

The students give a scientific talk about a given topic. The talk consists of a beamer presentation which can be supplemented by boardwork, and a scientific discussion of the topic with the audience.

In the preparation phase the students are provided with a literature selection which can be complemented by them. They have the opportunity to discuss the topic and the talk itself with their advisor.

Literature in the form of book chapters, review articles and original papers

For each topic, a specific literature package is provided, that can be complemented by own literature search.

In the course of the seminar each student individually prepares a talk on a topic of current research. Based on this talk the learning outcome is tested.