Fredagskollokvium: Non-trivial topology in quantum condensed matter

I will give an introduction to concepts in topology and how they influence physical properties of quantum condensed matter. In particular I will review briefly the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition and the nontrivial topological character of the Haldane model, before going on to  giving a brief introduction to a new class of condensed matter systems: topological insulators. These systems show great potential for applications in quantum technology. Research on topological matter and topological phase transitions form an integral part of the newly established Center of Excellence on Quantum Spintronics in the Department of Physics at NTNU.