COLLOQUIUM 2026
Topologically Ordered Matter and Why You Should be Interested
| Speaker | Professor Steven Simon, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Date/Time | Wednesday, 14 Jan, 3pm |
| Location | To be confirmed |
| Host | Asst/Prof Zou Liujun |
Abstract
In two dimensional topological phases of matter, processes depend on gross topology rather than detailed geometry. Thinking in 2+1 dimensions, particle world lines can be interpreted as knots or links, and the amplitude for certain processes becomes a topological invariant of that link. While sounding rather exotic, we believe that such phases of matter not only exist, but have actually been observed in quantum Hall experiments, and could provide a uniquely practical route to building a quantum computer. Possibilities have also been proposed for creating similar physics in systems ranging from superfluid helium to strontium ruthenate to semiconductor-superconductor junctions to quantum wires to spin systems to graphene to cold atoms.
Biography
Prof. Steven Simon got his PhD in physics at Harvard University in 1995. After working at MIT and Bell Lab, he has been working at Oxford University. Prof. Simon is well known for his important research works on topological phases of matter and topological quantum computing, and many of his review articles, lecture notes and textbooks have become the standard references of the relevant research areas.