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.

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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."

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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!"

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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

  • Ghn-Physkol-Slider-Vorlage

    28 Apr 2025

    Thus the Proof Runs in a Circle: Grete Hermann and Her Refutation of No Hidden Variables Arguments

    Grete Hermann was ahead of her time: as early as the 1930s, she critically examined key arguments against hidden variables in quantum mechanics—decades before the debate was revived by Bell and others. In this talk, Prof. Thomas Filk revisits her groundbreaking analysis and explores its continued relevance today.

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  • Colourbox10160965-16zu9a

    02 – 06 Jun 2025

    CORPES workshop at the MPI on strong correlations and angle-resolved photoemission

    CORPES is an international series of workshops, held biennially since 2005 and dedicated to recent experimental and theoretical advances in the electronic structure of strongly correlated systems and quantum materials. The workshops bring together scientists working in the broad areas of many-body electronic structure theory and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES).

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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News

  • 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 +++

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  • 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.

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

    19 Mar 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 is to receive the University of Würzburg’s 2025 Gender Equality Award.

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  • 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.

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  • Dsc06313-1920x1080

    07 Mar 2025

    Quantum Power for International Women’s Day: Exhibition RETHINKING PHYSICS at Technische Sammlungen Dresden

    +++ Travelling exhibition RETHINKING PHYSICS by the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat opens March 8, 2025, at Technische Sammlungen Dresden +++ Launch event highlights gender equality in science +++ Impressive portraits of female physicists inspire diversity and equal opportunity in research +++ Exhibition to tour 50+ locations worldwide as part of Quantum2025 – the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology +++

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  • Kulturpalast-1920x1080-Fotokatjalesser

    17 Jan 2025
    05:30 pm

    Exhibition “RETHINKING PHYSICS: A Century of Quantum Mechanics – Time for a Female Perspective!” Opens in Dresden

    +++ Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat celebrates Quantum2025 with impressive portraits of female physicists +++ Traveling exhibition RETHINKING PHYSICS debuts in Dresden and Würzburg as part of the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology +++ Role models promoting diversity and equal opportunities in science +++ Around 50 international stops planned for 2025 +++

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  • P1012850a-Verbessert-Rr-186-Tpz-Sharpen-Face-Crop-1920x1080

    17 Jan 2025
    05:30 pm

    Exhibition “RETHINKING PHYSICS: A Century of Quantum Mechanics – Time for a Female Perspective!” Opens in Würzburg

    +++ Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat celebrates Quantum2025 with impressive portraits of female physicists +++ Traveling exhibition RETHINKING PHYSICS debuts in Würzburg and Dresden as part of the United Nations International Year of Quantum Science and Technology +++ Role models promoting diversity and equal opportunities in science +++ Around 50 international stops planned for 2025 +++

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  • Vorschau-4-X-Best-Of-1

    25 Nov 2024

    ct.qmat Celebrates Four Among World’s Most Cited Researchers

     At ct.qmat four esteemed members have been named among the world’s most frequently cited scientists, solidifying the cluster’s status as a forefront leader in global topological and quantum matter research.

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  • Ctqmat24-Conference-Web-Header-Neu

    22 Nov 2024

    CT.QMAT24: International Conference Puts Dresden at the Forefront of Quantum Physics

    Around 250 scientists from 15 countries gathered in Dresden from September 23 to 27, 2024, for the International Conference on Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter (CT.QMAT24) to discuss pioneering global research and key topics in condensed matter physics.

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