Topological Excitations in Quantum Magnets

Quantum magnets provide the ultimate material platform for the emergence of diverse topological and fractional excitations that are extremely relevant for our fundamental understanding of quantum materials and for potential applications. Majorana fermions are one example, particles that simultaneously behave as their antiparticles and whose unusual statistics have great potential for quantum computing. Another example are skyrmions, two-dimensional vortices whose functionalities are promising for nanomagnetism and spintronics. The search for definitive experimental evidence of Majorana fermions in condensed matter is currently attracting major efforts worldwide. Skyrmions, on the other hand, have been convincingly observed in chiral magnets, but many of their properties remain largely unexplored. These are the two topics to be addressed in the current IQ proposal, through coordinated experimental efforts guided by theoretical inputs.