Past Events
Preparing angular momentum eigenstates using engineered quantum walks
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Abstract: Coupled angular-momentum eigenstates are widely used in atomic and
Optical control of topological memory in Chern insulators realized in moiré multilayers
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Abstract: Under suitable conditions, some twisted graphene multilayers and transition-metal dichalcogenides become Chern insulators, exhibiting the anomalous quantum Ha
Economic inequality from a statistical physics point of view
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Abstract: Inequality is an important and seemingly inevitable aspect of the human society. Various manifestations of inequality can be derived from the concept of entropy in statistical physics. In a stylized model of monetary economy, the probability distribution of money among the agents converges to the exponential Boltzmann-Gibbs law due to entropy maximization.
Toward Quantum Imaging of Nuclei
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Abstract: The atomic nucleus emerges from interacting quantum particles called quarks and gluons, but how this happens remains unknown. This might be elucidated with quantum-level "images" of their position, orbital motion, spin alignment, and entanglement. I will describe recent and upcoming experiments at the Thomas Jefferson Laboratory that use a high-intensity, high-energy electron beam to probe a wide range of nuclear targets, from polarized lithium to lead.
Time dependent quantum metrology with control
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Abstract: I will review advances to beat standard metrological limits when the quantum system is explicitly time-dependent. In general both coherent control and adaptive strategies are required to unlock these advantages. Examples will be given in qubit systems and experiments discussed. Recent advanced using variational methods and applications to many-body systems will also be discussed.
Life on an Endless Hill: Making Sense of Up-Side-Down Potentials in Quantum Mechanics and High Energy Physics
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Abstract: In classical physics, unbounded (or "up-side-down")
potentials do not allow for a stable ground state. As a consequence,
unbounded potentials have often been dismissed as not viable for
proper unitary quantum theories. Historically, we have learned that
the quantum world often contradicts dearly held beliefs based on
classical physics. By contrast, mathematics has been recognized as a
good guide even when classical intuition fails. In this talk, I will
use well-developed mathematics to explore physical systems with
Programmable Molecular Tweezer Arrays for Quantum Science
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Abstract: Polar molecules trapped in programmable optical tweezer arrays are an emerging platform for quantum science. In this talk, I will report our group’s work on advancing quantum control of molecular tweezer arrays and our first experiments on using these arrays for quantum information processing and simulation of quantum many-body Hamiltonians.I will first briefly present our work that establishes the essential building blocks for quantum science in this platform.
Rare earth and other critical elements - their physics, resources, and geopolitics
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Abstract: The rare earth elements, hidden at the bottom of the periodic table and long neglected, have risen to prominence at the end of the 20th century. Their unique electronic configuration form the basis for a variety of lasers, photonic applications, strong and exotic magnetism, defining many modern technologies. I will tell a story connecting from the basic science of the geology of Colorado and rare earth and other rare element mineralogy, to our technological and societal dependence and questions of strategic element security.
