Recently, physicists have been able to create “topological states” localised on the boundary of a 2D system, which have rather crazy properties: they fill up spectral gaps in the boundary-less 2D problem, and have quantised propagation along the boundary regardless of its shape. I will exhibit how operator K-theory can be used to explain this phenomenon.
About Pure mathematics seminars
We present regular seminars on a range of pure mathematics interests. Students, staff and visitors to UQ are welcome to attend, and to suggest speakers and topics.
Seminars are usually held on Tuesdays from 2 to 3pm.
Talks comprise 45 minutes of speaking time plus five minutes for questions and discussion.
Information for speakers
Researchers in all pure mathematics fields attend our seminars, so please aim your presentation at a general mathematical audience.
Contact us
To volunteer to talk or to suggest a speaker, email Ole Warnaar or Ramiro Lafuente.