Symmetry in Quantum Materials
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Physics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 5
Special Issue Editors
2. School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Interests: topological materials; unconventional superconductivity; molecular beam epitaxy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Symmetry is a fundamental principle that underlies the behavior of materials and governs various quantum phenomena observed in physics, chemistry, and material science. In quantum materials, symmetry dictates electronic band structures, topological classifications, and collective excitations, while its breaking, whether spontaneous or externally induced, can trigger emergent states such as unconventional superconductivity, charge and spin density waves, and exotic magnetic ordering such as altermagnet. Strategic control of symmetry through crystal engineering, strain, external fields, or moiré heterostructures has become a pivotal approach for designing quantum states with tailored functionalities.
This Special Issue, “Symmetry in Quantum Materials”, highlights recent progress in understanding symmetry and symmetry-breaking mechanisms in quantum materials. It covers a broad range of topics, including symmetry-protected topological phases, exotic magnetic ordering and phase transitions, valley and layer degrees of freedom-dependent anomalous transport, effects of spin–orbit coupling, strongly correlated electron systems, symmetry-breaking-driven electronic and optical phenomena, and flat-band physics in moiré superlattices. By combining theoretical, experimental, and materials perspectives, the Issue aims to illustrate how symmetry serves as a key framework for exploring novel quantum states and guiding the development of future technologies.
Dr. Hemian Yi
Prof. Dr. Lunhui Hu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- symmetry
- quantum materials
- topological state of matter
- unconventional superconductivity
- correlated systems
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.