Topological Phenomena in Quantum Dynamics and Disordered Systems

The Banff International Research Station will host the "Topological Phenomena in Quantum Dynamics and Disordered Systems" workshop from February 3rd to February 8th, 2013.

Recent theoretical and experimental discoveries have unveiled a tantalizing mathematical structure dividing insulators and superconductors into many distinct phases of matter. Different classes of topological insulators and superconductors display novel physical phenomena, the most striking of which are unique modes existing at the boundaries of these systems. Dynamics and non equilibrium conditions, such as those achieved under irradiation by electromagnetic fields, provide a rich and versatile resource for controlling topological phenomena. A complementary approach for a manifestation of a topological phase in otherwise ``trivial'' media proceeds by considering disordered systems. Participants of this workshop will address key theoretical issues related to topological phenomena in these systems, ranging from mathematical methods, theoretical physical models, and possible future applications.

The Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) is a collaborative Canada-US-Mexico venture that provides an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station is located at The Banff Centre in Alberta and is supported by Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology, and Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).

BIRS Scientific Director, Nassif Ghoussoub
E-mail: birs-director[@]birs.ca
http://www.birs.ca/~nassif