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The Anthony J Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory Seminar, Ruben Verresen (U Chicago), "Intrinsically Gapless Topological Matter"

Nov 16, 2026   12:00 - 1:00 pm  
ESB 190
Sponsor
The Anthony J Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory
Speaker
Ruben Verresen
Contact
Thierry Ramais
E-Mail
ramais@illinois.edu
Phone
217-300-2044
Views
88
Originating Calendar
Physics - The Anthony J Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory Seminar
Title: Intrinsically Gapless Topological Matter


Abstract: Topological phases of matter are celebrated for their exotic properties, such as conducting edge modes or fractionalized quasiparticles. However, such topological phases typically require a nonzero energy gap as a defining property. In this talk, we will explore how even ground states with vanishing energy gaps can host robust topological phenomena. In fact, there exist examples of topologically-protected edge modes which can *only* appear on the boundary of gapless phases of matter. Such 'intrinsically gapless topological phases' motivate a generalization of the concept of anomalous symmetries and lead to unusual conduction properties, which we elucidate by introducing an exactly-solvable two-dimensional lattice model. 


Zoom Link: https://illinois.zoom.us/my/icmt.seminar?pwd=ZU1KbnBLeXZLUmJKc0oyU205cDNDdz09

Meeting ID: 791 382 8328

Password: 106237

 

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