Topological physics at the light matter interface

Topological phases have been appearing everywhere in the past 10 years. 
They may provide a pathway to protected topological quantum computing, 
as well as reduced dissipation electronics. Their potential for new 
quantum devices, however, has been untapped so far. In my talk I will 
review the principles behind topological insulators, and then show how 
these ideas take a new life when applied to systems where light and 
matter interact. As I will show, the combination of photonics and 
topology gives rise to topological-polaritons, new paradigms for 
infra-red detectors and energy harvesting, and new methods for 
conversion and amplification of law frequency EM radiation.