Past Events

Time-of-flight quantum tomography of single atom motion in an optical tweezer

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Abstract: Quantum control of mechanical motion has been achieved in a surprising range of platforms in the past decades. These mechanical quantum systems have both piqued the curiosity of physicists, and enabled new approaches to difficult tasks in manipulating quantum information. Trapped particles offer one opportunity to study isolated quantum motion. Laser-cooled ions routinely demonstrate intriguing phonon control, and recent experiments have now brought trapped dielectric nanoparticles to their quantum ground state.

Fracton Dynamics

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Abstract: I will introduce a new class of quantum states of matter, known as ‘fracton phases.’ I will explain how these phases provide a new frontier for non-equilibrium quantum dynamics, offering novel routes to ergodicity breaking, and new classes of hydrodynamic phenomena. I will also comment on how insights gleaned from the study of fractons can be applied to quantum dynamics in broader contexts.

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Refreshments @ 3:30 p.m.

Mid-circuit measurements as a tool for many-body physics

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Abstract: The ability to selectively measure and reset qubits in real time during a quantum circuit is a crucial ingredient in most approaches to quantum error correction.  I’ll review the quantum computer architecture being pursued at Quantinuum and its technical capabilities, and then will discuss how mid-circuit measurement may enable other more near-term algorithms.

Immobile topological quantum matter: fractons

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Abstract: I will discuss a bourgeoning field of "fractons" — a class of models where quasi-particles are strictly immobile or display restricted mobility. Focussing on just a corner of this fast-growing subject, a will explain how one class of such theories — symmetric tensor gauge theories surprisingly emerge from seemingly mundane elasticity of a two-dimensional quantum crystal. The disclination and dislocation crystal defects respectively map onto charges and dipoles of the fracton gauge theory.

The Dispersal of Gas in Circumstellar Disks Based on Observations of H_2 in the FUV

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Abstract: Planets form in circumstellar disks. However, the main component of these disks, H_2, is extremely hard to detect. We have developed a new technique that increases our sensitivity to warm H_2 emission in medium resolution FUV spectra taken with HST using COS or STIS by better than a factor of 10.

Ultrafast and ultracold quantum simulator/computer with attosecond precision

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Abstract: Many-body correlations govern a variety of important quantum phenomena including the emergence of superconductivity and magnetism in condensed matter as well as chemical reactions in liquids. Understanding quantum many-body systems is thus one of the central goals of modern sciences and technologies. Here we demonstrate a new pathway towards this goal by generating a strongly correlated ultracold Rydberg gas with a broadband ultrashort laser pulse.

Climate and Sea Level Change: Are U.N. Trouble?

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Abstract: There are many aspects of climate change that are now well-known: it's happening, human activities cause it, and some observed changes in many places can already be attributed to it (heat waves, sea level rise, fires, droughts & floods). I will talk about the science behind the best-understood global changes, and what's happened and what's to come in the US. In particular, I'll link what we scientists call "very, very small" phenomena like eddies, turbulence, and cloud microphysics to their impacts on global change.

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