Related papers: Topological Defects in Amorphous Solids

Plasticity in amorphous solids is mediated by localized quadrupolar instabilities, but the mechanism by which an amorphous solid eventually fails or melts is debated. In this work we argue that these phenomena can be investigated in the…

Amorphous systems have rapidly gained promise as novel platforms for topological matter. In this work we establish a scaling theory of amorphous topological phase transitions driven by the density of lattice points in two dimensions. By…

We use molecular dynamics to study the ordering of a nematic liquid crystal around a spherical particle or droplet. Homeotropic boundary conditions and strong anchoring create a hedgehog director configuration on the particle surface and in…

The physics of disordered media, from metallic glasses to colloidal suspensions, granular matter and biological tissues, offers difficult challenges because it often occurs far from equilibrium, in materials lacking symmetries and evolving…

Two-dimensional (2D) materials display nanoscale dynamic ripples that significantly impact their properties. Defects within the crystal lattice are the elementary building blocks to tailor the material's morphology. While some studies have…

Topological defects play a key role in a variety of physical systems, ranging from high-energy to solid state physics. They yield fascinating emergent phenomena and serve as a bridge between the microspic and macroscopic world. A skyrmion…

A number of basic scientific questions relating to ion conduction in homogeneously disordered solids are discussed. The questions deal with how to define the mobile ion density, what can be learned from electrode effects, what is the ion…

While topological materials are not restricted to crystals, there is no efficient method to diagnose topology in non-crystalline solids such as amorphous materials. Here we introduce the structural spillage, a new indicator that predicts…

In crystals, molecules thermally vibrate around the periodic lattice sites. Vibrational motions are well understood in terms of phonons, which carry heat and control heat transport. The situation is notably different in disordered solids,…

The appealing connection between non-Euclidean geometries and defects in solids is brought forth in this article. Drawing a correspondence between the nature of a defect and a specific geometric property of the material space not only…

We introduce the notion of topological electronic states on random lattices in non-integer dimensions. By considering a class $D$ model on critical percolation clusters embedded in two dimensions, we demonstrate that these topological…

Topological insulators are crystalline materials that have revolutionized our ability to control wave transport. They provide us with unidirectional channels that are immune to obstacles, defects or local disorder, and can even survive some…

Understanding the mechanical response and failure of solids is of obvious importance in their use as structural materials. The nature of plastic deformation leading to yielding of amorphous solids has been vigorously pursued in recent…

Crystalline symmetries have played a central role in the identification of topological materials. The use of symmetry indicators and band representations have enabled a classification scheme for crystalline topological materials, leading to…

Non-equilibrium dynamics of topological defects can be used as a fundamental propulsion mechanism in microscopic active matter. Here, we demonstrate swimming of topological defect-propelled colloidal particles in (passive) nematic fluids…

As symbolized by the Nobel Prize in Physics 2016, "topology" has been recognized as an essential standpoint to understand and control the physics of condensed matter. This concept may be spreading even into application areas such as novel…

In this perspective, we discuss the unique electronic properties of helical liquids appearing at the boundaries of time-reversal-invariant topological materials and highlight the key challenges impeding progress in this field. We advocate…

Tunneling two-level systems (TLSs), generic to amorphous solids, dictate the low-temperature properties of amorphous solids and dominate noise and decoherence in quantum nano-devices. The properties of the TLSs are generally described by…

Research in the field of Materials Science and Engineering focuses on the design, synthesis, properties, and performance of materials. An important class of materials that is widely investigated are crystalline materials, including metals…

Topological defects play a key role in nonequilibrium phase transitions, ranging from birth of the early universe to quantum critical behavior of ultracold atoms. In solids, transient defects are known to generate a variety of hidden orders…