Theory of optical probes of topological insulators

拓扑绝缘体是一种新的物质状态，其特征是体隙和扩展的表面态受到拓扑保护。最近的实验旨在通过一系列光学探头来探测表面态。该项目侧重于对光电流产生的理论描述，它最近也在当前优先计划的框架内进行了重大的实验活动，但在理论上仍然只有部分了解。我们的目标是阐明基本过程，了解特定材料系统中的光电流，并探索可能的应用。

Topological insulators are novel states of matter that are characterized by a bulk gap and extended surface states which are topologically protected. Recent experiments aim at probing the surface states by a series of optical probes. This project focuses on the theoretical description of photocurrent generation, which enjoyed significant recent experimental activity - also in the framework of the current priority program - but remains only partially understood theoretically. We aim to elucidate the elementary processes, to understand photocurrents in specific material systems, and to expore possible applications.