Topology & Condensed Matter Physics Course | IIT Guwahati | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 56 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Bridging Two Worlds: A Deep Dive into Topology and Condensed Matter Physics
The landscape of condensed matter physics has undergone a profound transformation. Once focused on conventional phases of matter described by symmetry breaking, the field has been revolutionized by the discovery of topological order. This new paradigm, which classifies materials based on global, non-local properties resistant to smooth deformation, is responsible for some of the most exotic and technologically promising phenomena in modern physics.
This detailed 8-week postgraduate course, instructed by Prof. Saurabh Basu of IIT Guwahati, is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of this fascinating intersection. It is tailored for students and researchers aiming to grasp the fundamental concepts and cutting-edge developments in topological materials.
Course Instructor: Prof. Saurabh Basu
Prof. Saurabh Basu is a leading researcher in theoretical condensed matter physics at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. His expertise spans a wide array of frontier topics, including:
- Graphene and two-dimensional Dirac materials
- Quantum Hall effect and topological insulators
- Ultracold atoms in optical lattices
- Non-Hermitian quantum systems
- Higher-order topology and skyrmions
With a proven track record of creating highly successful MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on advanced physics topics, Prof. Basu brings both deep knowledge and exceptional teaching skill to this specialized subject.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a specific audience to maximize learning outcomes:
- M.Sc. and Ph.D. Students planning to pursue research in theoretical or experimental condensed matter physics.
- Researchers from academic institutions and national labs seeking to understand the topological perspective.
- Faculty Members who teach solid-state or condensed matter physics and wish to incorporate modern topological concepts into their curriculum.
Prerequisites
To successfully engage with the course material, participants should have a solid foundation in:
- Quantum Mechanics
- Solid State Physics (Band Theory, Electronic Structure)
For those needing a refresher, Prof. Basu recommends several foundational NPTEL courses, ensuring all learners are well-prepared.
Detailed 8-Week Course Layout
The course is structured to build knowledge from fundamental concepts to advanced applications and current research frontiers.
Week 1: Foundations
Introduction to topological concepts, their relevance in physics, and the crucial relationship between symmetry and topology.
Week 2: Classification
Exploration of the "ten-fold way" and the periodic table of topological insulators, providing a systematic framework for classifying topological materials.
Week 3: Topological Invariants & QHE
Deep dive into key mathematical tools: Berry curvature, Chern numbers, and their manifestation in the iconic Quantum Hall Effect. Introduction to the Hofstadter model.
Week 4: Models & Majoranas
Study of canonical models like the SSH (Su-Schrieffer-Heeger) and Kitaev models, leading to the concept of Majorana fermions and the fundamental bulk-boundary correspondence.
Week 5: 2D Topological Materials
Focus on two-dimensional systems: electronic properties of graphene, the Haldane model, and models for the quantum spin Hall effect (BHZ, Kane-Mele), including their protected edge modes.
Week 6: Quantum Spin Hall Effect
Detailed discussion of the Quantum Spin Hall Effect, its experimental discovery in strained semiconductors, and the essential concept of band inversion.
Week 7: 3D Systems & Weyl Semimetals
Extension of concepts to three dimensions, covering 3D topological insulators and the fascinating gapless Weyl semimetals.
Week 8: Experimental Frontiers
Review of the experimental journey, from the discovery of topological insulators to the latest progress and ongoing challenges in the field.
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
The course draws from a rich set of literature to provide multiple perspectives. Key recommended books include:
| Book Title | Author(s)/Editor(s) | Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Topological Insulators: Fundamentals and Perspectives | F. Ortmann | Wiley-VCH |
| Topological Insulators: The Physics of Spin Helicity... | G. Tkachov (Ed.) | CRC Press |
| A Short Course on Topological Insulators | J.K. Asbóth, L. Oroszlány, A. Pályi | Springer |
| Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors | B. Andrei Bernevig | Princeton University Press |
| Beyond band insulators: Topology of semi-metals... | A.M. Turner, V. Ashwin | arXiv Preprint |
Why This Course is Essential
Topology in condensed matter physics is no longer a niche topic; it is central to understanding next-generation materials for quantum computing, low-power electronics, and spintronics. This course offers a structured, expert-led path to mastering the concepts—from the elegant mathematics of Chern numbers to the real-world implications of topologically protected edge states. For anyone aspiring to contribute to this vibrant field, this 8-week journey is an invaluable investment.
Enroll Now →