When Many-Body Correlations Meet Topology: A New Landscape of Emergent Quantum Phases

In solid-state systems, the collective behavior of many correlated electrons gives rise to remarkable emergent quantum phenomena, such as high-temperature superconductivity and the fractional quantum Hall effect. On the other hand, the quantum wavefunction of individual electrons in a solid can exhibit nontrivial topology, leading to topological phases with quantized physical observables. Recently, the advent of quantum materials with topological flatbands has enabled the interplay of these two fundamental aspects, unveiling a rich landscape of novel quantum phenomena. Understanding these emerging phases stands as a central challenge in quantum materials research and holds great promise for technological advancements.

In this talk, I will elucidate the interplay between many-body correlations and topology in twisted moiré materials, a versatile platform hosting topological flatbands with unprecedented tunability. First, I will discuss the recently discovered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect in semiconductor moiré bilayers and the prediction of a nematic correlated phase that can preempt the QAH transition. In the second part, I will introduce a moiré heterostructure that realizes topological flatbands for bosons, offering a promising platform for exploring correlated bosonic quantum phases. Most significantly, it provides the first solid-state realization of a bosonic Kane-Mele model which has immense potential for quantum simulation and computation.

Bio: Dr. Ming Xie is a theoretical condensed matter physicist focusing on many-body correlation and topological phenomena in quantum materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Austin, where he developed a theory for electrically controlling Bose-Einstein condensates of excitons and established a numerical framework for understanding correlated and topological phases in twisted bilayer graphene. Currently a postdoctoral associate at the University of Maryland, he investigates correlation-driven phenomena in semiconductor moiré superlattices. His research is closely connected to experimental observations and aims to develop theoretical ideas for designing quantum materials with transformative technological applications.