Objective Topological phases arise from a fascinating interplay between quantum mechanics and many-body physics. They exhibit an abundance of extraordinary properties, such as protected edge and surface modes, exotic particle statistics, and non-local correlations. These make them not only scientifically stimulating, but also appealing for ground-breaking future applications, such as quantum computing using non-Abelian systems. Their subtle nature often renders them hard to study theoretically, and even more so to detect and control experimentally. To date, only a small subset of them has been accessed in experiments. The purpose of this research program is to expand the scope of possible realizations of topological quantum matter, and to develop methods to detect, control and manipulate them. Two main research directions will be considered. The first will focus on utilizing defects to synthesize new non-Abelian systems. We will study the mathematical theory describing the defects, starting from microscopic considerations and aiming to achieve a unifying mathematical framework. New non-Abelian phases arising in networks of coupled defects will be explored. Protocols for controlling non-Abelian anyons and zero modes will be developed and optimized, aiming to minimize errors arising from imperfections in physical implementations. The second direction will explore the exciting possibility of inducing topological behaviour in non-equilibrium systems. Periodically driven systems, such as matter interacting with light, can exhibit anomalous topological phenomena with no analogue in static systems, which we intend to reveal and classify. We will study the unique many body physics arising from the interplay of topological Bloch-Floquet band structures, inter-particle interactions, and coupling to the environment. Finally, for both research directions we will consider possible experimental realizations in a variety of solid state and cold atom systems along with designated probes. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicselectromagnetismnatural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsnatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicstopologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesatomic physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-StG-2014 - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2014-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator TECHNION - ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Net EU contribution € 1 463 666,27 Address Senate building technion city 32000 Haifa Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all TECHNION - ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Israel Net EU contribution € 1 463 666,27 Address Senate building technion city 32000 Haifa See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Participation ended Israel Net EU contribution € 36 333,73 Address Herzl street 234 7610001 Rehovot See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
