The search for new phases of matter has been a driving force behind condensed matter research. Among the myriad of electronic phases in solids, topological states of matter exhibit universal and quantized properties that are determined by the topology of electron wavefunctions. The understanding of topological phases often requires concepts and techniques from diverse fields of theoretical physics. Professor Fu has been interested in novel topological phases of matter and their experimental realizations. He has developed/worked on theory of topological insulators and topological superconductors, with a focus on predicting/proposing their material realizations and experimental signatures. A recent example is the theoretical prediction of topological crystalline insulators in IV-VI semiconductors, which possess unique surface states protected by crystalline symmetry. Professor Fu is currently developing theory of topological phase transitions in the presence of disorder and electron interactions. He is also interested in potential applications of topological materials, coherent optical phenomena in solids and electron fractionalization.
