Symmetry protected topological phases are novel forms of quantum matter that have gapped bulks as well as midgap surface states. Since the novel properties of these systems were first discovered over 30 years ago, they have attracted much attention from both the theoretical and experimental communities. In this talk, I will present an overview of symmetry protected topological phases, focusing on how these systems are characterized by their quantized responses, and boundary anomalies. This will be done by considering three concrete examples: a Chern insulator, a quantum spin Hall insulator and a higher-order quadrupole insulator. For all these systems, I will present phenomenological and field-theoretic descriptions of their responses and show how these descriptions are related to boundary anomalies.
Note: this event will be hybrid. The live talk occurring in Loomis 276 will be simultaneously broadcast via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to the Graduate Student and PDRA mailing lists. If you are not on one of those lists and are interested in attending, please email Cat Kengle at ckengle2@illinois.edu for the link.
