3d Topological Textures
at Surfaces and Interfaces
- a COST polytopo workshop -

In 3d space, a large variety of topological textures and defects may exist. These include genuinely 3d textures such as hopfions or Bloch points. Moreover, 3d extensions of lower-dimensional textures and defects comprise, for example, 2d skyrmions becoming skyrmion strings or 2d vortices becoming vortex lines. These 3d extensions benefit from the additional dimension and may form new superstructures or disclose new dynamics. Surfaces and interfaces, natural or engineered, alter the energetic landscape and can act as stabilizing anchor points for 3d textures or as catalysts in the creation process of these. 

In this workshop, we discuss
(i) the role of surfaces and interfaces in distinct condensed matter systems, and how they enable or hinder the stabilization or creation of 3d topological textures and
(ii) the derivation, implementation, and validation of boundary conditions at surfaces or interfaces.