Condensed Matter

The Floquet code implements a periodic sequence of two-qubit measurements to realize the topological order. After each measurement round, the instantaneous stabilizer group can be mapped to a honeycomb toric code, thus explaining the topological feature. However, the code also possesses a time-crystal order distinct from a stationary toric code – an e-m exchange after every cycle. In this work, we construct a continuous path interpolating between the Floquet and toric codes, focusing on the transition between the time-crystal and non-time crystal phases. We show that this transition is characterized by a diverging length scale. We also add single qubit noise to the model and obtain a two-dimensional parametric phase diagram of the Floquet code.

Zoom link:  https://pitp.zoom.us/j/95933569447?pwd=UkcrVHdkWERTNVIrcXdCREQ3Y1JUZz09

The backbones of modern-day Deep Learning, Neural Networks (NN), define field theories on Euclidean background through their architectures, where field interaction strengths depend on the choice of NN architecture width and stochastic parameters. Infinite width limit of NN architectures, combined with independently distributed stochastic parameters, lead to generalized free field theories by the Central Limit Theorem (CLT). Small and large deviations from the CLT, due to finite architecture width and/or correlated stochastic parameters, respectively give rise to weakly coupled field theories and non-perturbative non-Lagrangian field theories in Neural Networks. I will present a systematic exploration of Neural Network field theories via a dual framework of NN parameters: non-Gaussianity, locality by cluster decomposition, and symmetries are studied without necessitating the knowledge of an action. Such a dual description to statistical or quantum field theories in Neural Networks can have potential implications for physics.

In this talk, I'll describe new tomographic protocols for efficiently estimating various fermionic quantities, including both local observables (i.e., expectation values of local fermionic operators) and certain global properties (e.g., inner products between an unknown quantum state and arbitrary fermionic Gaussian states). Our protocols are based on classical shadows arising from random matchgate circuits. As a concrete application, they enable us to implement the recently introduced quantum-classical hybrid quantum Monte Carlo algorithm, without the exponential post-processing cost incurred by the original approach.

"One of the central challenges in quantum information science is to design quantum algorithms that outperform their classical counterparts in combinatorial optimization. In this talk, I will describe a modification of the quantum adiabatic algorithm (QAA) [1] that achieves a Grover-type speedup in solving a wide class of combinatorial optimization problem instances. The speedup is obtained over classical Markov chain algorithms including simulated annealing, parallel tempering, and quantum Monte Carlo. I will then introduce a framework to predict the relative performance of the standard QAA and classical Markov chain algorithms, and show problem instances with quantum speedup and slowdown. Finally, I will apply this framework to interpret results from a recent Rydberg atom array experiment [2], which suggest a superlinear speedup in solving the Maximum Independent Set problem on unit-disk graphs. [1] Farhi et al. (2001) Science 292, 5516 [2] Ebadi et al. (2022) Science 376, 6598"

In this talk, I will introduce the so-called entanglement linear response, i.e., response under entanglement generated unitary dynamics. As an application, I will show how it can be applied to certain anomalies in 1D CFTs. Moreover, I will apply it to extract the quantum Hall conductance from a wavefunction and how it embraces a previous work on the chiral central charge. This gives a new connection between entanglement, anomaly and topological response. If time permits, I will also talk about how it inspires some generalizations of the real-space Chern number formula in free fermion systems.

Zoom link:  https://pitp.zoom.us/j/96535214681?pwd=MldXRkRjZ1J6WS95WXQ0cG03cWdCZz09

Many topological phases of lattice systems display quantized responses to lattice defects. Notably, 2D insulators with C_n lattice rotation symmetry hosts a response where disclination defects bind fractional charge. In this talk, I will show that the underlying physics of the disclination-charge response can be understood via a theory of continuum fermions with an enlarged SO(2) rotation symmetry. This interpretation maps the response of lattice fermions to disclinations onto the response of continuum fermions to spatial curvature. Additionally, in 3D, the response of continuum fermions to spatial curvature predicts a new type of lattice response where disclination lines host a quantized polarization. This disclination-polarization response defines a new class of topological crystalline insulator that can be realized in lattice models. In total, these results show that continuum theories with spatial curvature provide novel insights into the universal features of topological lattice systems. In total, these results show that theories with spatial curvature provide novel insights into the universal features of topological lattice systems.

Zoom link:  https://pitp.zoom.us/j/97325013281?pwd=MU5tdFYzTFljMGdaelZtNjJqbmRPZz09

Just seven years after their first detection, gravitational waves (GWs) have revealed the first glimpses of a previously hidden dark Universe. Using the GW signature of distant compact-object collisions, we have discovered a new population of stellar remnants and unlocked new tests of general relativity, cosmology, and ultra-dense matter. Materials with low mechanical loss (and strong constraints on other properties, e.g. reflectivity) are integral to the design and success of the GW detectors making these groundbreaking measurements. I'll summarize recent results from LIGO-Virgo and their wide-reaching implications, and discuss quantum materials advances required to enable future ground-based gravitational wave detectors, including Cosmic Explorer, to sense black hole collisions all the way back to the dawn of cosmic time.