Fortnightly Seminar Series
Title : Topological Phases of Matter : From the Hall Effect to Chern Insulators
Speaker : Mr. Prashanth G C
Date : 23/09/2026, Wednesday
Time : 04:00 PM
Venue : Physics Seminar Hall
Abstract : The study of topological phases of matter has opened new avenues for understanding novel quantum phenomena beyond the conventional framework of symmetry-based phase classification. This presentation provides an introduction to the basic theoretical concepts underlying topological phases of matter, using the Hall effect as a starting point to develop the connection between electronic transport and topology. The discussion begins with the classical Hall effect and proceeds to the quantum Hall effect, highlighting the emergence of quantized Hall conductivity and dissipationless edge transport. The limitations of the conventional Landau paradigm in distinguishing certain quantum phases motivate the introduction of topology as a complementary framework for classifying phases of matter. The geometric and topological properties of Bloch bands are then explored through the Berry phase, Berry curvature, and Chern number. The quantization of the Chern number and its relation to Hall conductivity through the TKNN invariant are discussed, along with the bulk–boundary correspondence. Finally, the role of broken time-reversal symmetry and intrinsic magnetism is introduced in the context of magnetic Chern insulators and the quantum anomalous Hall effect, illustrating how nontrivial band topology can give rise to distinctive electronic transport phenomena.
All Are Welcome.
Title : Understanding Our Dynamic Sun: The Solar Atmosphere, Coronal Heating and Solar Activity
Speaker : Ms. Miftah Faridl
Date : 09/09/2026, Wednesday
Time : 04:00 PM
Venue : Physics Seminar Hall
Abstract : The Sun is a highly dynamic star with a complex atmosphere extending from the cool photosphere to the million-degree corona, shaped continuously by magnetic fields. This presentation introduces the fundamental structure of the solar atmosphere and the evolution of solar magnetic fields. Special emphasis is placed on the coronal heating problem where coronal temperatures unexpectedly rise to several million kelvins. Primary proposed heating mechanisms are examined, including wave heating and magnetic reconnection, with a focus on coronal loops as key observational structures for energy transport and dissipation.
All Are Welcome.
Title : Organic Light Emitting Diodes – From Molecules to Devices
Speaker : Prof. M. N. Satyanarayan
Date : 02/09/2026, Wednesday
Time : 02:00 PM
Venue : Physics Seminar Hall
Abstract : Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have emerged as an important technology for next-generation displays and lighting because of their thin, lightweight, flexible and potentially large-area form factors. Their performance, however, depends critically on the molecular properties of the organic semiconductor, charge injection and transport, exciton dynamics, and the efficiency with which excited states are converted into light. In this talk, I will present an overview of the OLED research activities in our laboratory, focusing on the development and understanding of organic semiconductor materials for light-emitting applications. I will begin by explaining why one should look to OLEDs while conventional semiconductor technology for LEDs is mature and commercialized. I will discuss our approach to OLED device design, thermal and morphological characterization, optical properties, charge-carrier transport and impedance spectroscopy. Particular emphasis will be placed on balanced electron and hole transport, and the development of multifunctional host materials for efficient deep-blue emission. The talk will also highlight the OLEDs made in our laboratory in the past, current research and will conclude with the future directions of our OLED research.