SFB 1170:  Topological and Correlated Electronics at Surfaces and Interfaces ("ToCoTronics")

Subject Area Physics
Term since 2015
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 258499086
 

Project Description

The SFB 1170 on “Topological and Correlated Electronics at Surfaces and Interfaces” aims at combining two of the most active and exciting fields of modern condensed matter physics: topological phases of matter and strong electronic correlations. In recent years, the combination of the two fields, in particular, the emergent physics due to the presence of both spin-orbit interaction and strong electronic correlations develops in exciting directions. In the previous funding periods, we have accomplished major scientific breakthroughs. Prime examples thereof are: measurement of a 4pi-periodic Josephson supercurrent in topological Josephson junctions, identification of spin-polarized midgap states in the topological crystalline insulator (Pb,Sn)Se, discovery of bismuthene as a novel quantum spin Hall material, discovery of the antiferromagnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4, discovery of indenene as a real-space obstructed topological insulator, identification of interacting helical edge states in two complementary materials (Bi and HgTe), and prediction of correlated kagome materials. These and other achievements of our principal investigators constitute ideal seeds for further research developments in the three project areas: (A) Topological insulators; (B) Hybrid systems and topological superconductivity; (C) Spin-orbit coupling in correlated electron systems. We are now in the position to address the following research questions in the third funding period. First, we aim to explore both new phenomena and devices using established topological materials (such as HgTe). Second, we plan to design and synthesize new topological materials of high quality (such as MnBi2Te4 or elemental atomic monolayers). Third, we add the investigation of kagome metals/superconductors to our research agenda. Spectroscopically, we plan to investigate particular charge, spin and orbital properties of the boundary states of topological matter. As far as electron and heat transport is concerned, we aim to understand the limiting scattering mechanisms. Superconductor hybrid structures play an important role in the research objectives of the third funding period. The focus is put on a thorough study of topological superconductivity with emerging bound states such as Andreev bound states, Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states, and Majorana zero modes. Moreover, we plan to predict and develop strongly correlated topological systems, for instance, based on kagome metals or complex oxides. From a fundamental physics perspective, we aim to understand deeply the interplay of many-body physics and topology. From a more applied point of view, we target at the prediction and realization of innovative device concepts of topological matter, for instance, related to spintronics and quantum computing.
DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres
International Connection Norway

Current projects

Completed projects

Applicant Institution Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Spokespersons Professor Dr. Ralph Claessen, until 6/2019; Professor Dr. Björn Trauzettel, since 7/2019