Stefanos Kourtis Institute for Theoretical Solid-State Physics Leibniz Institute for Solid-State & Materials Research PF 27 01 16,

D-01171, Dresden, Germany (+49) 351 4659 737 / s.kourtis@ifw-dresden.de

Combining correlations and topology towards manipulable quantum matter DAAD RISE Internship Offer
M OTIVATION & BACKGROUND The recent discovery of two- and three-dimensional topological insulators has revealed new and exciting physics of the solid state. The extraordinary properties of topological insulators can be captured even by basic tight-binding models describing non-interacting valence electrons moving on a lattice. The notion of topological states of matter has thus introduced a new perspective in the band theory of solids and has produced a Illustration of topological states of matter. Picture taken from: surge of imaginative ideas for applications.
S. Oh, Science 340, 153 (2013)

High-end technological advances, however, require increasingly more complex engineering. Promising prospects to nd the ideal balance between functionality and complexity lie beyond non-interacting electrons, in the eld of correlated systems. In this regime, competing tendencies of the constituent particles can lead to a plethora of quantum phases. The main goal in this arena is to realize correlated topological quantum states that are complex enough to facilitate novel functionality, while still being easy to engineer and manipulate. Recent theoretical developments have demonstrated that one can obtain such quantum states, which resemble fractional quantumHall states, in simple lattice models. This approach to the fractional quantum-Hall regime deprecates the need for a strong magnetic eld. Furthermore, proposals based on heterostructures or layered magnetic materials promise room-temperature realizations. R ESEARCH TASKS The intern will gain familiarity with the use of analytical and numerical techniques for the theoretical treatment of condensed-matter systems. In particular, he / she will learn how to use band theory to study the properties and topological characChiral spin structures can give rise to ter of tight-binding models. Moreover, the intern will engage in the topologically non-trivial electron mod- study of correlation effects using numerical calculations that take els. Picture taken from: S. Kourtis et al., into account electron electron interactions. The end result will be Phys. Rev. B 86, 235118 (2012). the understanding and characterization of novel topological states of potential technological interest. R ESEARCH ENVIRONMENT All research will be carried out in the Emmy-Noether group of Dr. M. Daghofer at the Institute for Theoretical Solid-State Physics of the Leibniz Institute for Solid-State & Materials Research in Dresden, Germany. The intern will be encouraged to take advantage of the proximity to numerous theoretical and experimental groups within the Leibniz institute, as well as other condensed-matter research centers in Dresden. Dresden is close to the eastern border of Germany, on the river Elbe. The cost of living is low by both north-American and European standards and the weather in summer is warm and pleasant, apart from occasional showers. The main higher-education institution is the Technical University of Dresden, which hosts a large number of international students. The city itself is beautiful and vibrant, and its natural surroundings are picturesque.