Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/04/2006
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Title: Topological Order, Spin Liquid, and Quantum Critical Point

Speaker: Dr. Yong Baek Kim

Institute: University of Toronto

Location: ABB 102

Description:

We used to think that all the possible quantum ground states of interacting many particle systems can be classified by looking at the symmetry breaking patterns. In recent years, however, this old paradigm has met difficulties in explaining the behavior of the strongly interacting electron systems in complex materials. One of the alternative paradigms is the so-called topological order and perhaps the most elementary example is the quantum spin liquid states in frustrated magnets.
In this colloquium, I will attempt to explain what the topological order and quantum spin liquid states are, and when they likely to arise. A possible real world example near a putative quantum critical point will also be discussed.