School of Physics CMO/AMO Seminar - Dr. Mahmoud Asmar

The discovery of Dirac and topological materials has revolutionized the study of quantum matter, opening new possibilities for electronic, spintronic, and optoelectronic applications. These materials exhibit unique electronic structures and robust topological properties, making them ideal platforms for exploring novel phenomena.

With the advent of high-intensity, broadband radiation sources, Floquet engineering—the control of quantum systems via periodic driving—has emerged as a powerful method for inducing new quantum phases beyond equilibrium. By modulating a system’s properties in time, this approach enables the creation of exotic states not accessible in static systems.

This presentation explores the impact of Floquet engineering on two-dimensional Dirac materials, focusing on several key phenomena. These include the modification of carrier-mediated magnetic interactions (such as RKKY interactions) under light irradiation, the induction of topological and vortex-like states through optical driving, and the emergence of higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs), where localized corner or hinge modes can be engineered dynamically.