Topological phases

Topological phases refer to states of matter that are distinguished not by their physical properties, like temperature or pressure, but by their global structure. These phases arise in systems with complex arrangements, where the way particles are connected can lead to unique behaviors. For example, a topological insulator conducts electricity on its surface while remaining insulating inside. Unlike traditional states, topological phases are robust against minor disturbances, meaning they can maintain their unique properties even when slightly altered, making them important for advanced technologies like quantum computing.