Future Seminars And Colloquia

We use tensor network methods to construct an approximate Hamiltonian for the lattice Abelian Higgs model. Using numerical methods, we show that for small systems in 1+1 dimensions, the real-time evolution of a particle-antiparticle initial state has features that can be interpreted as string breaking. We present analog implementations of this evolution using arrays of Rydberg atoms and compare with the target model.

Our long term goal is to integrate the quantum simulation in event generators like Pythia.

Recently, ladder-shaped arrays of Rydberg atoms have been used to simulate scalar QED in 1+1 dimensions. This type of analog quantum simulator has a rich phase diagram which has been explored experimentally using QuEra facilities. We report recent results regarding the observation of a floating phase (2401.08087) and the derivation of an effective Hamiltonian (2312.04436) for the simulator. Entanglement entropy plays a crucial role in the determination of the phase diagram. We describe a recent proposal (2404.09935 ) to extract the entanglement entropy with user-driven QuEra measurements of a single copy of the system instead of the twin copy method. We show empirically that this estimation provides a lower bound which becomes tighter when the empirical probabilities are filtered. 

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Black holes are utterly simple to describe---regions of space from which nothing can escape---but nevertheless have profound implications across widely disparate fields of physics.  The study of quantum effects near black holes challenges our most basic notions of quantum information, while observational astronomy demands black holes as an energizing power source for a huge variety of spectacular displays.  After reviewing the history of the black hole idea and describing their role in modern astronomy and quantum gravity, I will turn to two recent developments in the two fields.  On the astronomy side, I will discuss black hole imaging and a proposed space mission, the Black Hole Explorer, that will measure light that has orbited the black hole before arriving at the detector.  On the fundamental physics side, I will discuss the recent discovery that black holes decohere all quantum superpositions, even those held far outside the horizon.  These topics are united by the remarkable conceptual depth that emerges from the simple underlying description of a black hole.

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Over the last few decades physicists have delved deeply into student learning and applied this understanding to create curricula and environments that dramatically improve student outcomes that: increase student mastery of the subject, broaden who participates in and succeeds in physics, and advance pathways to success for our major.  More recently, we have built on these successes of knowing what to do by developing novel tools, technologies, and models for how we might create sustainable and scalable approaches. In this talk, I discuss examples of educational innovations that have dramatic impacts, the promises and pitfalls of new technologies (including generative artificial intelligence), and how we, at the departmental scale, might systematically build these improvements into our programs. 

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The goal of this seminar is to provide an overview of our recent work. We will discuss connections between operator space entanglement of unitary dynamics, OTOCs, and entropy production as introduced in [1]. How to 'disentangle' contributions from decoherence vs. scrambling for open quantum systems [2]. How finite temperature 'regularized' OTOCs are related to spectral form factors and the entanglement of the time-evolved thermofield double state [3]. An intermezzo about the connection between the quantum coherence-generating power of a unitary, OTOCs of random diagonal unitaries, and distances between maximally abelian subalgebras [4]. A unifying operator algebraic framework for scrambling that is useful for both closed and open quantum systems [5]. How OTOCs behave in local non-Hermitian Hamiltonians (effective models for measurement-induced phase transitions) [6]. And finally, an application of some of these techniques to a dual-unitary classical shadow tomography scheme [7]

[1] Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 030601 (2021)

[2] Phys. Rev. A 103, 062214 (2021)

[3] Quantum 6, 746 (2022)

[4] Phys. Rev. Research 3, 023214 (2021)

[5] Phys. Rev. A 107, 042217 (2023) [Editors' Suggestion]

[6] Phys. Rev. B 108, 134305 (2023) [Editors' Suggestion]

[7] arXiv:2404.01068 (2024) [quant-ph]

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Do you want to have a career in physics?  Do you want to help others find a career in physics?  Do you want to be a better mentee or mentor?  If you answered “yes” to one of those questions, this presentation is for you! Physics degree holders are highly employable in both the private and public sectors. However, students, early career scientists, and even senior faculty are often unaware of the available career paths. This talk will provide data on the number of physics degree holders and where they typically find employment, give examples of common career paths, and highlight career resources useful for exploring options and searching for and applying for jobs. The importance of mentorship along the career trajectory will be highlighted.  Tips will also be provided on finding mentors and serving as a mentor.  The speaker will also discuss his career and mentee/mentorship path.  Undergraduates are encouraged to attend.  

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