Welcome to ct.qmat

We are the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat – Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter. Established in 2019, the Würzburg-Dresden Cluster ct.qmat is a leading international center for research on topological and complex quantum matter. Our aim is to develop a deep understanding of quantum phenomena in general and to identify materials in which those phenomena are observed in the laboratory. This is supported by educating and attracting top-level students and scientists as well as by supplementing infrastructure in both Würzburg and Dresden.

ct.qmat in a Nutshell

 

ct.qmat unites two of the leading research hubs in condensed matter physics: Dresden and Würzburg.

Ctqmat-Ralph-Claessen-Jmu-Wuerzburg

Powerful Network for Cutting-Edge Research. ct.qmat’s Würzburg spokesperson Ralph Claessen highlights its remarkable achievements:

 

"At the heart of our research are complexity and topology, two exciting key areas in modern condensed matter physics. We’ve developed quantum materials with unprecedented features, such as manganese bismuth telluride. Our team has made significant strides in superconductivity, topological insulators, and topological lasers. From two universities and our external partners, a network has grown that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts."

Ctqmat-In-A-Nutshell-2025
Ctqmat-In-A-Nutshell-Countries

Continuing the Quantum Revolution. ct.qmat is leading the way, says its Dresden spokesperson Matthias Vojta:

 

"We’re leading the field with our discoveries. Developing a wide variety of materials using state-of-the-art synthesis techniques, we’ve firmly established Würzburg and Dresden as Germany’s premier centers of topological materials physics. We’re driven by curiosity and a commitment to systematically understanding topological physics. We also reach out to the public, including by launching an escape room for kids in 2024. That’s something we’re really passionate about!"

Ctqmat-Matthias-Vojta-Tu-Dresden
ct.qmat Report Reveals Trends in Quantum Materials Research
In its Mid-Term Report, the ct.qmat Cluster of Excellence offers a snapshot of its research activities and highlights key developments. The publication illustrates the strong connections fostered by the collaborative project between JMU Würzburg and TU Dresden, linking two leading research centers in condensed matter physics. New ideas are already in the works.

Download (pdf, 4.42 MB)

Events

  • Colourbox-Triest-16zu9aaa

    18 Aug – 05 Sept 2025

    ICTP School on Quantum Dynamics of Matter, Light, and Information

    The school aims to teach a modern course in condensed matter and statistical physics, combining basic concepts with recent structural and interdisciplinary developments, and placing a special focus on the interactions between information, light, and matter.

    more

  • Leshouches-16zu9-Bearbeitet2

    15 – 26 Sept 2025

    SUCCESS-2025: School on UV and X-ray spectroscopies of correlated electron systems

    Strong electron correlations and topology lie at the heart of quantum materials and their exotic states of matter. These are best understood by studying their electronic structure. This school, addressed to graduate early-career researchers, will introduce the recent experimental and theoretical developments in UV and X-ray spectroscopies, from their basic principles to their applications in the study of correlated materials.

    more

  • Z6breitbild-Editiert3

    15 – 19 Sept 2025

    Summer School on Correlated Quantum Materials & Solid State Quantum Systems

    Held jointly by the SFB Q-M&S and the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, the Summer School 2025 at the University of Würzburg is primarily designed to train the SFB's and Cluster's PhD students and postdocs, but is open to researchers from other institutions as well.

    more

  • Colourbox10160965-16zu9a

    15 – 19 Sept 2025

    Korrelationstage 2025: International workshop at the MPI PKS

    The Korrelationstage workshop has a long-standing tradition in bringing together researchers working in the field of strongly correlated quantum many-body systems and related areas. The main focus of the event, hosted by the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden, is to capture new developments in this evolving field.

    more

  • 3713-Dom-Und-Severi-Barbara-Neumann-1920x1080

    24 – 26 Sept 2025

    Cluster Retreat 2025 (Erfurt)

    Junior and senior cluster-affiliated scientists will meet in Erfurt for three days of scientific exchange and networking.

    more

  • Lec-Houches-View-2-Cctiiamonto-Scaled

    28 Sept – 03 Oct 2025

    FERMI SCES 2025: WE Heraeus school on new phases, superconductivity and emerging electronic properties of quantum materials

    The aim of the school is to deepen the understanding of the physics of quantum materials with a focus on superconductivity. The lectures will address materials growth, measurement techniques, experimental results, theory, computation, and general understanding. We attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental ideas, the current status, the recent developments, and the perspective future directions in the field.

    more

News

  • Sa-Chsischerverdienstorden-Karlleo-Fotopawelsosnowski

    18 Jun 2025

    Karl Leo Awarded Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony

    Karl Leo, professor of optoelectronics at TU Dresden and a principal investigator of the Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, has been awarded the Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the region’s research landscape. The honor was presented by Minister President Michael Kretschmer to 13 individuals closely connected to Saxony during a ceremony at Dresden’s Royal Palace on June 17, 2025.

    more

  • Claudiafelser-Rethinking-Presse2-1920x1080

    12 Jun 2025
    08:00 pm

    Claudia Felser Receives For Women in Science Award from L’Oréal and UNESCO

    Claudia Felser, one of the principal investigators of the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat and a scientific vice president of the Max Planck Society, has been awarded the prestigious international For Women in Science prize by the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO. The award ceremony took place today in Paris.

    more

  • Slider-Ctd-Qmat-1920x1080-Eilmeldung2

    22 May 2025
    10:00 pm

    Cluster Renewed! 7 More Years!
    2nd Funding Period Approved by DFG

    +++ The Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence is officially heading into its second funding period starting in 2026, as just announced by the German Research Foundation (DFG). +++ Our groundbreaking research into topological quantum materials will continue – now with an exciting new focus on dynamics. To reflect this expanded scope, the cluster will relaunch under a new name in the upcoming funding phase: ctd.qmat. +++

    more

  • Oberfla-Chen-Exzitonen-Bildthinkdesignjochenthamm-1920x1080

    19 May 2025

    Luminous Magnets: Quasiparticles Discovered on the Surface of Semiconductor Magnets

    A research team from ct.qmat, in a collaboration with an international team, has detected optical quasiparticles on the surface of an antiferromagnetic quantum material for the very first time. Previously, scientists only knew that these excitons could form inside these materials. The breakthrough results have been published in Nature Materials.

    more

  • Rs11402-Final-N6z-8696-1-Lpr-1920x1080

    12 May 2025

    Outstanding Diversity! Physics Team Wins JMU Würzburg’s 2025 Gender Equality Award

    The Equal Opportunities in Physics Taskforce is committed to promoting diversity in science by raising the visibility of role models. The Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat is a proud partner in this initiative, which received the University of Würzburg’s 2025 Gender Equality Award.

    more

  • Pressebild-Escaperoomgeburtstag-Dsc03354-Fotobytobiasritz-1920x1080web

    30 Apr 2025

    Kitty Q – A Quantum Adventure: Dresden Escape Room Celebrates its First Birthday and Launches Mission 2.0

    +++ Escape Room “Kitty Q – A Quantum Adventure” hosted by the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat and Technische Sammlungen Dresden celebrates its first birthday +++ Around 6,000 visitors in its first year +++ Mission 2.0. launched for even more excitement +++ “KittyToks” – a series of short videos – released as a birthday treat for fans +++

    more

  • Rethinking-Physics-Dsc01119-Fototobiasritz-Web

    14 Apr 2025
    07:00 pm

    Quantum Power on World Quantum Day: RETHINKING PHYSICS Exhibition Opens at Nuremberg Planetarium

    +++ Traveling exhibition RETHINKING PHYSICS by the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat opens April 14, 2025, at the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium in Nuremberg +++ Launch event features a lecture on electronic quantum music +++ Impressive portraits of female physicists promote diversity and equal opportunity in science +++ Part of Quantum2025 – the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the exhibition will tour more than 50 locations worldwide +++

    more

  • Spatenstich-Ctqmat-Nilseisold-1920x1080

    02 Apr 2025

    Groundbreaking ceremony for new joint research facility of IFW Dresden and TU Dresden

     Construction is now officially underway on a new research building that will house both the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat and the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden – creating a world-class hub for international research into quantum materials.

    more

  • Quantentornado-Pyro-Final-4000x2500-2

    08 Mar 2025

    Quantum Tornadoes in Momentum Space: Würzburg-Dresden Research Team Delivers First Experimental Proof of a New Quantum Phenomenon

    A breakthrough that’s turning heads in the scientific community: A young research team from Würzburg has experimentally demonstrated a quantum tornado for the first time by refining an established method. The discovery has now been published in Physical Review X.

    more

Our website uses cookies and Google Analytics to guarantee you the best possible user experience. You can find more information in our privacy policy.