For those that missed it, you can see the recorded talk here: https://youtu.be/kBAv7d4hHNI
The discovery and application of novel materials has laid the foundation of our modern world. In recent decades, a new state of matter called "topological" materials has revealed amazingly robust properties. Interestingly, our understanding of these materials stems from deep insights in mathematics. There is great interest in utilizing the robust properties of topological states for practical tasks, such as the improved definition of SI standards and the enhancement of signal transmission in the presence of defects. Recently, scientists have extended the study of topology to other areas of physics and engineering. In the talk, I will describe how the mathematical concept is intertwined with the physical world with specific examples in my lab, such as ultracold gases of atoms, cooled a billion times below room temperature, or simple systems of masses on springs.
