Current exploration of topological materials for futuristic electronics

Area of Science:

• Quantum Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Topological materials exhibit non-trivial topological properties with significant potential for advanced electronic applications.
• Recent breakthroughs have accelerated progress in spintronics, valleytronics, photonics, superconductivity, and magnetoelectronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a pedagogical review of topological quantum materials.
• To explore the fundamental physics and practical applications driving advancements in these materials.
• To highlight the transformative potential of topological materials for future technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of fundamental physics concepts in topological materials.
• Discussion of phenomena in spintronics (spin-orbit torque, skyrmions, magnetic proximity effects).
• Examination of valley photonics and its unique topological properties.
• Highlighting progress in magnetoelectronics (axion insulators, topological magnetoelectric effect).

Main Results:

• Novel topological phases enable phenomena like spin-orbit torque and skyrmions in spintronics.
• Valley photonics demonstrate unique valley-selective physics influencing bulk topology and boundary correspondence.
• Axion insulators and the topological magnetoelectric effect are observed in topological insulators, advancing magnetoelectronics.

Conclusions:

• Topological quantum materials are crucial for next-generation spintronics, valleytronics, photonics, and magnetoelectronics.
• Understanding their fundamental physics is key to unlocking their application potential.
• These materials promise to revolutionize electronic and photonic technologies.