Physicists quantum simulate topological materials with ultracold atoms
(PHYSorg.com Physics)

Symmetry plays a fundamental role in understanding complex quantum matter, particularly in classifying topological quantum phases, which have attracted great interests in the recent decade. An outstanding example is the time-reversal invariant topological insulator, a relatively new class of material with peculiar electronic properties, that is well understood as a symmetry-protected topological (SPT) material.