Topology and Chirality-Driven Quantum Transport

Topology and chirality represent two fundamental concepts that are reshaping our understanding of quantum materials. When combined in crystalline solids, they give rise to unconventional electronic states and transport phenomena that go beyond the paradigms of conventional semiconductors and metals. The interplay of topological band structures, chiral symmetry, and relativistic effects provides a unique platform to explore spin- and orbital-dependent transport with potential applications in spintronics, orbitronics, and quantum information. Our research integrates first-principles calculations, effective Hamiltonians, and Green’s function methods to uncover how topology and chirality jointly govern the quantum properties of materials. In earlier work, we investigated orbital and spin textures in topological chiral semimetals and demonstrated their impact on magnetoelectric effects and chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) [1–5]. We further extended molecular quantum transport theory to periodic chiral crystals, providing the first theoretical evidence and mechanistic insights into CISS in bulk solids.

Building on these foundations, this project will advance the theoretical framework to tackle outstanding challenges, including spin coherence, temperature effects, and anisotropic electron transport. We will also explore the interplay between topology, chirality, spin-polarized transport and enantioselective reactivity [3, 6–7], paving the way toward a unified understanding of quantum transport and chirality-driven chemistry.

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated PhD student with a background in DFT, model Hamiltonians, quantum transport theory. This project offers the opportunity to work collaboratively across leading research institutes, including TU Dresden, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids and the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (MPI-Halle).