Topological insulators

Topological insulators are materials that possess the properties of both insulators and conductors. This is because the electrons at the edges of the material follow different bands; the electron bands are knotted there. According to programme leader Prof. Mark Golden (University of Amsterdam) the twist in the electron bands yields a new and extremely exciting branch of physics. The FOM Programme is aimed at creating, investigating and controlling 2D and 3D topological insulators. Ultimately this knowledge could lead to energy-efficient spintronics and a powerful platform for topological quantum computation.

Programme leader Mark Golden: "We combine theoretical and experimental knowledge to develop systems based on topological electronic states. Therefore we also hope to be the first to realise the fantastic theoretical predictions in this field." The programme consolidates the strengths of university research teams from Amsterdam, Leiden, Delft and Twente.