Topological Quantum Numbers In Nonrelativistic Physics

Topological quantum numbers are distinguished from quantum numbers based on symmetry because they are insensitive to the imperfections of the systems in which they are observed. They have become very important in precision measurements in recent years, and provide the best measurements of voltage and electrical resistance. This book describes the theory of such quantum numbers, starting with Dirac's argument for the quantization of electric charge, and continuing with discussions on the helium superfluids, flux quantization and the Josephson effect in superconductors, the quantum Hall effect, solids and liquid crystals, and topological phase transitions. The accompanying reprints include some of the classic experimental and theoretical papers in this area.Physicists — both experimental and theoretical — who are interested in the topic will find this book an invaluable reference.

Topological quantum numbers are distinguished from quantum numbers based on symmetry because they are insensitive to the imperfections of the systems in which they are observed. They have become very important in precision measurements in recent years, and provide the best measurements of voltage and electrical resistance. This book describes the theory of such quantum numbers, starting with Dirac's argument for the quantization of electric charge, and continuing with discussions on the helium superfluids, flux quantization and the Josephson effect in superconductors, the quantum Hall effect, solids and liquid crystals, and topological phase transitions. The accompanying reprints include some of the classic experimental and theoretical papers in this area.Physicists ? both experimental and theoretical ? who are interested in the topic will find this book an invaluable reference.

This textbook is mainly for physics students at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels, especially those with a theoretical inclination. Its chief purpose is to give a systematic introduction to the main ingredients of the fundamentals of quantum theory, with special emphasis on those aspects of group theory (spacetime and permutational symmetries and group representations) and differential geometry (geometrical phases, topological quantum numbers, and Chern-Simons Theory) that are relevant in modern developments of the subject. It will provide students with an overview of key elements of the theory, as well as a solid preparation in calculational techniques.

This volume is a collection of lectures on the current topics in various areas of physics which were presented at the Inauguration Conference of Asia-Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics.

Dirac cones are ubiquitous to non-trivial quantum matter and are expected to boost and reshape the field of modern electronics. Particularly relevant examples where these cones arise are topological insulators and graphene. From a fundamental perspective, this thesis proposes schemes towards modifying basic properties of these cones in the aforementioned materials. The thesis begins with a brief historical introduction which is followed by an extensive chapter that endows the reader with the basic tools of symmetry and topology needed to understand the remaining text. The subsequent four chapters are devoted to the reshaping of Dirac cones by external fields and delta doping. At all times, the ideas discussed in the second chapter are always a guiding principle to understand the phenomena discussed in those four chapters. As a result, the thesis is cohesive and represents a major advance in our understanding of the physics of Dirac materials.

A pedagogical introduction to the modern applications of groups, algebras, and topology for undergraduate and graduate students in physics.

Application of the concepts and methods of topology and geometry have led to a deeper understanding of many crucial aspects in condensed matter physics, cosmology, gravity and particle physics. This book can be considered an advanced textbook on modern applications and recent developments in these fields of physical research. Written as a set of largely self-contained extensive lectures, the book gives an introduction to topological concepts in gauge theories, BRST quantization, chiral anomalies, supersymmetric solitons and noncommutative geometry. It will be of benefit to postgraduate students, educating newcomers to the field and lecturers looking for advanced material.

In topological quantum materials, quantum effects emerge at macroscopic scales and are robust to continuous changes in a material’s state. This striking synergy between quantum and topological properties is of great interest for both fundamental research and emerging technologies, especially in the fields of electronics and quantum information. This edition of the book presents a wealth of topological quantum materials, bringing together burgeoning research from different areas: topological insulators, transition metal dichalcogenides, Weyl semimetals, and unconventional and topological superconductors. The realization of the application potential of topological quantum materials requires understanding their properties at a fundamental level. This brings us back to the discovery of topological phases of matter, which earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016. This book explores the connection between pioneering work on topological phases of matter and a flurry of activity that followed. The topics covered include the quantum anomalous and spin Hall effects, emergent axion electrodynamics and topological magnetoelectric effects, Weyl nodes and surface Fermi arcs, weak antilocalization, induced triplet superconductivity, Majorana fermion modes, and the fractional Josephson effect.

An authoritative text in condensed matter physics, unifying theory and methods to present electronic structure to students and researchers.