Research
The Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat — Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter unites the research strengths of two leading universities: JMU Würzburg and TU Dresden. At the interface of physics, chemistry, and materials science, it lays the foundation for the technologies of tomorrow — from energy-efficient electronics to quantum sensing.
Area A focuses on novel topological phenomena of band electrons. Key goals include designing new topological materials; exploring topological superconducting systems as seeds for emergent quasiparticles such as Majorana fermions and parafermions; and uncovering interaction-driven effects in strongly correlated topological systems. Area A also investigates the distinct properties of non-Hermitian topological systems, and explores how the quantum dynamics of topological electrons can be harnessed to control material behavior far from equilibrium.
Area B investigates materials and models with strongly interacting electrons, particularly systems with local magnetic moments and non-trivial magnetic phenomena. Research focuses on how these moments interact with itinerant charge carriers as well as with orbital and lattice degrees of freedom. Key topics include topological magnets with fractionalized excitations and emergent gauge fields; quantum phase diagrams and criticality in magnets with competing or intertwined orders; novel dynamical phenomena in quantum magnets; the role of itinerant degrees of freedom in exotic magnetic states; and the classification of magnetic materials using concepts from topological quantum chemistry.
Area C investigates synthetic quantum matter across photonic systems, tailored heterostructures, topolectric circuits, and related metamaterials. Its research targets nonlinear and out-of-equilibrium regimes, non-Hermiticity, and dynamical properties of synthetic topological matter, aiming to develop photonic and quantum platforms that reveal, control, and employ topological effects. Key directions include photonic and polaritonic lattices; enhanced entanglement in hybrid photonic–quantum systems; optical control of topological excitonics; and the use of spin defects to probe dynamical processes in novel quantum materials. Further work explores dynamical gauge fields, non-Hermitian dynamics, and Floquet topology, opening pathways beyond conventional solids.
Area D focuses on turning topological phenomena into functional platforms and device concepts. Research spans the design, fabrication, and testing of quantum materials and nanostructures that enable new technological applications. Key objectives include exploiting topologically protected edge transport for spintronics and metrology; developing sensors based on non-Hermitian topology; harnessing surface states for topological catalysis; advancing topological lasers and nonlinear topological photonics; creating spin-defect-based platforms for quantum sensing; and developing novel metal halide perovskites for magnetic and nanophotonic applications.
Recent Publications
Research Data Management
At ctd.qmat, research data — from experimental results and theoretical calculations to images, graphics, and lab notes — are regarded as a valuable scientific resource. Our modern, open data infrastructure ensures that all data remain findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) within the scientific community.