Active quantum matter (C04)

• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 277146847

Driving quantum materials out of equilibrium is generically hard. We suggest to target soft modes as a solution to this problem. Under the header ‘active quantum matter’, we explore their universal phenomenology: (i) We study the impact of dynamically activated Goldstone modes and topological defects on paradigms such as the Mermin-Wagner theorem and the Kibble-Zurek scenario, including the effects of disorder. (ii) We propose solid state realizations of the famous non-equilibrium Kardar-Parisi-Zhang universality class, e.g. for experiments on planar Josephson junctions. (iii) We break new ground by establishing the universality class for time crystalline phases of matter.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1238: Control and Dynamics of Quantum Materials
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Sebastian Diehl; Professor Dr. Achim Rosch