Chicago Quantum Exchange researchers study how unique topological properties, such as the fractional quantum Hall effect, can exist within various materials, and how these unique properties can be utilized for quantum information science. Quantum information encoded in topological materials has the potential to be remarkably robust to decoherence; since the information is encoded in entanglements across the material, it isn’t sensitive to local perturbations. Scientists also work to synthesize and stabilize new phases of these topological materials, such as gapped Heusler compounds. Additionally, researchers are characterizing disordered topological insulators through their entanglement spectrum and characterizing the electron transport properties of hybrid systems, such as superconductor-topological insulators.
Research Areas
Topological Physics
Topological physics is the study of the microscopic geometries and symmetries that lead to particular phenomena. The properties of topological materials emerge from patterns of long-range quantum entanglement and could theoretically be employed to create a topological quantum computer. By researching these fundamental properties, topological physics is contributing to the technology development for fields like quantum communication and quantum computing.