NUIM Math. Physics seminar

Eddy Ardonne  
NORDITA

What constitutes a topological phase? A case study.

Friday 19 November at 3.00 p.m.

Hall A, Arts Building, NUIM North Campus.

Abstract:

Topological phases of matter have attracted much attention in recent years. In this talk, the question what is required of a phase before it can be called topological will be addressed. We will approach this problem by studying two `states' which are not topological, and discuss why they are not. We will point out a relation between these two states, the so-called Haffnian and Haldane-Rezayi states. We argue that the `irrationality' of the former is replaced by the `non-unitarity' of the latter, making it, in some sense, better behaved. All of these concepts will be introduced in this black-board talk, no prior knowledge will be required.

All are welcome. Tea/coffee and biscuits to follow. For directions to the Dept. please check http://www.thphys.nuim.ie/map.php