EXC 2147:  Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter (ctd.qmat)

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics ; Chemical Solid State and Surface Research ; Materials Science ; Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: since 2019
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 390858490

New materials with customized functionality form the basis for progress of modern technology, from information and communication via energy generation, distribution and storage to mobility and beyond. Condensed matter physics, having time and again sparked major technological breakthroughs, has produced a game-changing paradigm termed topology: materials can have remarkable and robust global properties which lie beyond what can simply be measured locally. The Cluster of Excellence Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter (ctd.qmat) aims to understand, control and apply novel quantum materials to create the long-term basis for future technologies. Its interdisciplinary research program—a collaboration of chemists, materials scientists and condensed matter physicists—interweaves theoretical and experimental studies in materials search and preparation; discovery and modelling of new physical phenomena; control and manipulation of quantum states; device design for innovative applications; and synthesis of a deeper understanding of the field. The cluster investigates novel materials where, from quantum mechanics at the atomic scale, topology as well as chemical and physical complexity emerge to generate unprecedented properties and phenomena. Topological physics has become one of the largest branches of condensed matter physics worldwide, with Würzburg and Dresden arguably the strongest locations in Germany. Leveraging their complementary scientific expertise and infrastructure, ctd.qmat has evolved into a cohesive, hugely productive and globally visible research effort, also successful in attracting the best minds as well as reaching out to society. ctd.qmat is structured into four research areas, three devoted to different platforms of topological physics: electron transport, magnetism, photonics & metamaterials. The fourth serves as bridge to technological applications; examples from our first funding period include topological lasers, topological catalysts, and quantum sensors. Progress in the field unfolds at breathtaking speed. As questions are answered, new ones arise which are more detailed, but above all broader and deeper. In parallel, advances in experimental and theoretical methods enable us to explore properties and regimes that were previously barely accessible. We have discovered new materials, designed entirely new platforms, discovered new phenomena, generated conceptual advances, and combined these into new topology-based applications. In particular, our investigations have unearthed a matrix of interesting quantum dynamical phenomena, spanning a vast range of length- and timescales. Offering an innovative route to novel functionalities, dynamics has thus been added to the cluster’s guiding themes, as reflected in its new title. With its integrated, multi-faceted bottom-up research strategy, ctd.qmat is ideally positioned to continue making fundamental contributions to the field as it advances along different axes.

• DFG Programme: Clusters of Excellence (ExStra)
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Dresden
• Participating Institution: Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden (IFW) e.V.; Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Physik fester Stoffe; Max-Planck-Institut für Physik komplexer Systeme
• Spokespersons: Professor Dr. Ralph Claessen; Professor Dr. Matthias Vojta
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Jeroen van den Brink; Professor Dr. Jan Budich; Professor Dr. Bernd Büchner; Professor Dr. Alexey Chernikov; Professor Dr. Vladimir Dyakonov; Professorin Dr. Johanna Erdmenger; Professorin Dr. Claudia Felser; Professor Dr. Jochen Geck; Professorin Dr. Ewelina M. Hankiewicz; Professorin Dr. Elena Hassinger; Professor Dr. Sven Höfling; Professor Dr. Stefan Kaiser; Professor Dr. Sebastian Klembt; Professor Dr. Roderich Moessner; Professor Dr. Laurens W. Molenkamp; Professorin Dr. Adriana Palffy-Buß; Professor Dr. Friedrich Reinert; Professor Dr. Michael Ruck; Professor Dr. Giorgio Sangiovanni; Professorin Dr. Aparajita Singha; Professor Dr. Ronny Thomale; Professor Dr. Björn Trauzettel; Professorin Dr. Yana Vaynzof