Condensed Matter Physics Seminar

In this talk I will argue that certain symmetry breaking quantum phase transitions in topological phases provide a natural platform to realize a "supersymmetric" state of matter. Specifically, I will focus on the transition associated with the destruction of Majorana modes in two and three dimensional topological superconductors, as magnetic order develops spontaneously along the boundary. I will show that an interplay of dynamics and topology leads to emergent space-time supersymmetry at the quantum critical point, that is accessed by tuning only one parameter. I will discuss the numerical and analytical results that support this conclusion, and elucidate the physical consequences of the supersymmetric critical point. Finally, I will discuss possibility of realizing such a transition in He-3 films.