CT.QMAT24: International Conference Puts Dresden at the Forefront of Quantum Physics

Overview

CT.QMAT24, the International Conference on Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter, brought around 250 scientists from 15 countries to Dresden from September 23 to 27, 2024, to explore key topics in condensed matter physics, such as quantum dynamics. The conference featured more than 60 talks presenting cutting-edge research findings from around the world. A preview of the RETHINKING PHYSICS exhibition, which highlights the contributions of established and emerging female scientists and is set to tour in 2025, the UN Year of Quantum Science and Technology, also attracted great interest.

Successful Blend of Theory and Experimentation 

“The 18 sessions at the international conference CT.QMAT24 offered an exciting mix of theory and experiment. I listened to every single talk, and I’m delighted that our concept paid off: the exchange was lively, the discussions were passionate, the talks were outstanding, and some topics were truly surprising—it doesn’t get any better than that!” said Matthias Vojta, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee and Dresden Spokesperson of the Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat—Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter. This event was co-organized by Dresden’s Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1143 “Correlated Magnetism: From Frustration to Topology.” “Scientific predictions and theories for novel experiments were presented, as were analyses of previously unexplained experimental data. Both are fundamental to progress in solid-state physics,” emphasizes Matthias Vojta, Professor of Theoretical Solid-State Physics at Technische Universität (TU) Dresden.

Some Real Eye-Openers

CT.QMAT24 addressed novel quantum phenomena arising in various areas of quantum matter due to interactions between topological physics and many-body effects, i.e., interactions between particles such as electrons and photons (light particles). Originally a branch of mathematics, topology has emerged as a crucial area of solid-state physics worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on quantum phenomena. “I was particularly struck by the spectacular findings on the manipulation of topological quantum materials by means of strain, which can be used to precisely control their properties. The aim is to create new functionalities,” Vojta explains. “The new insights into topological edge states were especially eye-opening. It was revealed that, contrary to previous assumptions, current doesn’t only flow along the edge, but also moves in a complex pattern through the interior,” he adds. “Additionally, I was impressed by the recent work on quantum simulation, which gave us an understanding of the latest advances in quantum processors.”

Speakers from 4 Continents and 100 Posters

Speakers from fifteen countries across four continents, including China, Finland, France, the UK, India, Israel, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and the USA, presented at the conference. “We discussed, for instance, preprints—advance publications of research findings—from around the world, and examined fresh experimental data that have yet to be theoretically explained and published. This paves the way for new insights,” explains Vojta. Approximately a hundred posters were displayed, above all by young international scientists from ct.qmat, at the two poster sessions designed to foster debate about their research.

Quantum2025 Preview

To mark the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, the Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat—Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter is developing a traveling exhibition entitled RETHINKING PHYSICS. Featuring portraits of both established and aspiring female scientists, the exhibition highlights the contributions of women to this field and will go on tour in 2025. A preview was showcased at the international conference CT.QMAT24.