Topological states and quantum phase transitions in spin orbit coupled systems

by Prof. Arun Paramekanti (University of Toronto)

Monday 13 Oct 2014, 16:00 → 17:00 Asia/Kolkata

AG66

Solids with strong spin-orbit coupling are being explored in the context of phases of matter such as topological insulators. With spontaneous breaking of time-reversal symmetry, obtained by doping topological insulator films with magnetic atoms, experiments have shown the realization of analogues of quantum Hall states without a magnetic field - these are called ``quantum anomalous Hall insulators'' or ``Chern insulators''. Motivated by these developments, we have been theoretically exploring oxide materials which can combine such physics with strong correlations. This talk will present an overview of this field, and discuss some recent results including how new and unexpected phases can emerge at certain topological quantum phase transitions.