RUTGERS CONDENSED MATTER SEMINARSRUTGERS COLLOQUIUM
Center for Complex Quantum Systems
Member, Texas Materials Institute
University of Texas at Austin

Topological insulatorTopological Phases in Transition Metal Oxides


Gregory A Fiete,
Center for Complex Quantum Systems                                                      
Member, Texas Materials Institute                                                               
University of Texas at Austin



In recent years, topological phases have attracted much attention in physics.  However, most of the well known examples barely scratch the surface of the possible varieties that are now known to be theoretically possible. In particular, certain varieties of transition metal oxides possess both significant interactions and strong spin-orbit coupling--key ingredients that underpin a wealth of new phenomenon originating in their interplay.  In this talk I will survey a number of materials-motivated models and materials-specific calculations that predict topological phases in bulk and heterostructured transition metal oxides.  I will finish by summarizing the status of the experimental search for these phases and highlighting some interesting future directions.