PLEASE NOTE THIS COLLOQUIUM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Prof. Liang Fu, Physics Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"From Dirac equation to topological materials and quantum transport"

Coffee and cookies will be served at 3:45pm in RLM 4.102

Abstract: The Dirac equation is the foundation of the quantum theory of relativistic spin-1/2 particles. While electrons in solids are far from being relativistic, the Dirac equation takes a new life as effective theory in describing electronic properties of a vast number of quantum materials. This talk will describe the key role of Dirac equation combined with electronic band theory in understanding topological insulators, strange phases of matter which cannot be smoothly taken apart into atomic limit. I will also discuss novel transport phenomena of Dirac electrons and their potential technological applications.