Allan MacDonald
University of Texas at Austin

3:30 PM, Wednesday Febuary 16, 2011, Rm 128

Three Surprises in Graphene

Over the past half-decade researchers have learned how to isolate and measure the physical properties of a new type of two-dimensional electron system which consists of layers of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. I will discuss three examples of new physics which has emerged: i) a new type of particle in which electrons are bound to plasmons; ii) a new state with broken time reversal symmetry and a quantum Hall effect in the absence of a magnetic field; and iii) a new type of quasi-crystal controlled by the twist angle between adjacent graphene layers.

Faculty Host: Harold Baranger

Coffee and cookies before the presentation at 3:15 pm, and refreshments after the presentation will both be served in Room 128.