‘Fragile topology’ is the latest addition to a group of quantum phenomena that give materials exotic — and exciting — properties. In his blog post, Davide Castelvecchi discusses topology, which focuses on electrons in matter and the mathematics behind deformities and reshaping objects, how they might explain superconductivity and how this is causing professionals in the field to explore an unknown rabbit hole they might not be able to get out of.
Key Takeaways:
- Exotic properties from their electrons’ ‘knotty’ quantum states — have shot from rare curiosity to one of the hottest fields in physics
- A fragile version of topology that can be found in nearly all crystalline materials has in recent years been found by scientists.
- Understanding topology in materials is quite new and one doesn’t know their practical impact but they might help us to understand superconductivity.
“Now, theorists are finding that topology is ubiquitous — and recognizing it as one of the most significant ways in which solid matter can behave.”
Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02062-0
