Topology And Condensed Matter Physics

This book introduces aspects of topology and applications to problems in condensed matter physics. Basic topics in mathematics have been introduced in a form accessible to physicists, and the use of topology in quantum, statistical and solid state physics has been developed with an emphasis on pedagogy. The aim is to bridge the language barrier between physics and mathematics, as well as the different specializations in physics. Pitched at the level of a graduate student of physics, this book does not assume any additional knowledge of mathematics or physics. It is therefore suited for advanced postgraduate students as well. A collection of selected problems will help the reader learn the topics on one's own, and the broad range of topics covered will make the text a valuable resource for practising researchers in the field. The book consists of two parts: one corresponds to developing the necessary mathematics and the other discusses applications to physical problems. The section on mathematics is a quick, but more-or-less complete, review of topology. The focus is on explaining fundamental concepts rather than dwelling on details of proofs while retaining the mathematical flavour. There is an overview chapter at the beginning and a recapitulation chapter on group theory. The physics section starts with an introduction and then goes on to topics in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics of polymers, knots, and vertex models, solid state physics, exotic excitations such as Dirac quasiparticles, Majorana modes, Abelian and non-Abelian anyons. Quantum spin liquids and quantum information-processing are also covered in some detail.

This book reports new results in condensed matter physics for which topological methods and ideas are important. It considers, on the one hand, recently discovered systems such as carbon nanocrystals and, on the other hand, new topological methods used to describe more traditional systems such as the Fermi surfaces of normal metals, liquid crystals and quasicrystals. The authors of the book are renowned specialists in their fields and present the results of ongoing research, some of it obtained only very recently and not yet published in monograph form.

This text serves as a pedagogical introduction to the theoretical concepts on application of topology in condensed matter systems. It covers an introduction to basic concepts of topology, emphasizes the relation of geometric concepts such as the Berry phase to topology, having in mind applications in condensed matter. In addition to describing two basic systems such as topological insulators and topological superconductors, it also reviews topological spin systems and photonic systems. It also describes the use of quantum information concepts in the context of topological phases and phase transitions, and the effect of non-equilibrium perturbations on topological systems.This book provides a comprehensive introduction to topological insulators, topological superconductors and topological semimetals. It includes all the mathematical background required for the subject. There are very few books with such a coverage in the market.

In the last years there have been great advances in the applications of topology and differential geometry to problems in condensed matter physics. Concepts drawn from topology and geometry have become essential to the understanding of several phenomena in the area. Physicists have been creative in producing models for actual physical phenomena which realize mathematically exotic concepts and new phases have been discovered in condensed matter in which topology plays a leading role. An important classification paradigm is the concept of topological order, where the state characterizing a system does not break any symmetry, but it defines a topological phase in the sense that certain fundamental properties change only when the system passes through a quantum phase transition. The main purpose of this book is to provide a brief, self-contained introduction to some mathematical ideas and methods from differential geometry and topology, and to show a few applications in condensed matter. It conveys to physicists the basis for many mathematical concepts, avoiding the detailed formality of most textbooks.

''Intended mainly for physicists and mathematicians...its high quality will definitely attract a wider audience.'' ---Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Physics This work acquaints the physicist with the mathematical principles of algebraic topology, group theory, and differential geometry, as applicable to research in field theory and the theory of condensed matter. Emphasis is placed on the topological structure of monopole and instanton solution to the Yang-Mills equations, the description of phases in superfluid 3He, and the topology of singular solutions in 3He and liquid crystals.

This topical volume contains five pedagogically written articles on the interplay between field theory and condensed matter physics. The main emphasis is on the topological aspects, and especially quantum Hall fluids, and superconductivity is treated extensively. Other topics are conformal invariance and path integrals. The articles are carefully edited so that the book could ideally serve as a text for special graduate courses.

Comprehensive and accessible coverage from the basics to advanced topics in modern quantum condensed matter physics.

This important graduate level text unites the physical mechanisms behind the phenomena of topological matter within a theoretical framework.