Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors

by B. Andrei Bernevig, Taylor L. Hughes (Primary Contributor)

This graduate-level textbook is the first pedagogical synthesis of the field of topological insulators and superconductors, one of the most exciting areas of research in condensed matter physics. Presenting the latest developments, while providing all the calculations necessary for a self-contained and complete description of the discipline, it is ideal for graduate students and researchers preparing to work in this area, and it will be an essential reference both within and outside the classroom.


The book begins with simple concepts such as Berry phases, Dirac fermions, Hall conductance and its link to topology, and the Hofstadter problem of lattice electrons in a magnetic field. It moves on to explain topological phases of matter such as Chern insulators, two- and three-dimensional topological insulators, and Majorana p-wave wires. Additionally, the book covers zero modes on vortices in topological superconductors, time-reversal topological superconductors, and topological responses/field theory and topological indices. The book also analyzes recent topics in condensed matter theory and concludes by surveying active subfields of research such as insulators with point-group symmetries and the stability of topological semimetals. Problems at the end of each chapter offer opportunities to test knowledge and engage with frontier research issues. Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors will provide graduate students and researchers with the physical understanding and mathematical tools needed to embark on research in this rapidly evolving field.

Genres: Science, Physics

260 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2013

Reviews

[Adam Lantos]

This is certainly not a book that's an easy read. Although not truly pedagogical, the material presented here is excellently chosen so that the reader get up to date with all the important developments in the fields of topological insulators and topological superconductors. Many derivations are also omitted and there is a fair amount of typos.
This is definitely not a book for beginners, as they will find it very hard to follow. Even expert researchers that are relatively new to this field will have to supplement this book with other, more pedagogical resources. Supplementing this with the important papers of the field (like the elegant series of papers by Fu and Kane) is also a good idea.
I will not rate this now because it is not intended for people who lack appropriate background. From what it seems, it will be a great book to have once you have covered a substantial amount of the basics, so I am waiting until I am better acquainted with these fields.