The Cluster of Excellence Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter (ctd.qmat) aims to understand, control and apply novel quantum materials to create the long-term basis for future technologies. Its interdisciplinary research program—a collaboration of chemists, materials scientists and condensed matter physicists—interweaves theoretical and experimental studies in materials search and preparation; discovery and modeling of new physical phenomena; control and manipulation of quantum states; device design for innovative applications; and synthesis of a deeper understanding of the field. The cluster investigates novel materials where, from quantum mechanics at the atomic scale, topology as well as chemical and physical complexity emerge to generate unprecedented properties and phenomena.

Topological physics has become one of the largest branches of condensed matter physics worldwide, with Würzburg and Dresden arguably the strongest locations in Germany. Leveraging their complementary scientific expertise and infrastructure, ctd.qmat has evolved into a cohesive, hugely productive and globally visible research effort, also successful in attracting the best minds as well as reaching out to society.

ctd.qmat is structured into four research areas, three devoted to different platforms of topological physics: electron transport, magnetism, photonics & metamaterials. The fourth serves as bridge to technological applications; examples from our first funding period include topological lasers, topological catalysts, and quantum sensors.

Progress in the field unfolds at breathtaking speed. As questions are answered, new ones arise which are more detailed, but above all broader and deeper. In parallel, advances in experimental and theoretical methods enable us to explore properties and regimes that were previously barely accessible. We have discovered new materials, designed entirely new platforms, discovered new phenomena, generated conceptual advances, and combined these into new topology-based applications. In particular, our investigations have unearthed a matrix of interesting quantum dynamical phenomena, spanning a vast range of length- and timescales. Offering an innovative route to novel functionalities, dynamics has thus been added to the cluster’s guiding themes, as reflected in its new title. With its integrated, multi-faceted bottom-up research strategy, ctd.qmat is ideally positioned to continue making fundamental contributions to the field as it advances along different axes.

Involved Institutions:

• Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW)
• Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids (MPI CPfS)
• Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems