Topological insulators (TIs) are one of the hottest topics in condensed matter physics today. They’re a bit strange: their surfaces conduct electricity, yet their interiors do not conduct electricity, instead they act as insulators. Physicists consider TIs to be the materials of the future because they host fascinating new quantum phases of matter and have promising technological applications in electronics and quantum computing. Scientists are just beginning to uncover connections between Ti and magnetism that could open up new uses for these exotic materials.
