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In the original field theoretical scenario of deconfined quantum criticality, the deconfined quantum-critical point (DQCP) separating antiferromagnetic (AFM) and singlet-solid phases of quantum magnets is generic, i.e., does not require fine-tuning. Recent numerical studies instead point to a fine-tuned multi-critical DQCP [1] that is also the end-point of a gapless spin liquid phase [2]. An example is the Shastry-Sutherland (SS) model, where a narrow spin liquid phase was recently detected [2,3], instead of the previously argued direct transition between plaquette singlet solid (PSS) and AFM phases. The multi-critical DQCP, followed by a direct transition without intervening spin liquid, can be reached when other interactions are included. Very recent NMR experiments on the SS compound SrCu2(BO3)2 under high pressures and high magnetic fields are consistent with this scenario [4]. Low-temperature (below 0.1 K) direct PSS to XY-AFM transitions were observed that become less strongly first-order at higher pressures. At the highest pressure, quantum-critical scaling of the spin-lattice relaxation was observed, indicating close proximity to a DQCP. This point may be the end-point of a not yet confirmed quantum spin liquid phase existing at slightly higher pressures. [1] B. Zhao, J. Takahashi, and A. W. Sandvik, PRL 125, 257204 (2020). [2] J. Yang, A. W. Sandvik, and L. Wang, PRB 105, L060409 (2022). [3] L. Wang, Y. Zhang, and A. W. Sandvik, arXiv:2205.02476 [4] Y. Cui et al., arXiv:2204.08133.

The Kitaev model with anisotropic interactions on the bonds of a honeycomb lattice is a paradigmatic model for quantum spin liquids. Despite the simplicity of the model, a rich phase diagram with gapless and gapped quantum spin liquid phases, with abelian and non-abelian excitations, are revealed as a function of a magnetic field and bond couplings. Our results of the entanglement entropy, topological entanglement entropy, and the dynamical spin excitation spectrum, are obtained using exact diagonalization and density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) methods. We provide insights into the phases from the underlying effective field theories. In collaboration with Shi Feng, Cullen Gantenberg, Adhip Agarwala, Subhro Bhattacharjee [1] Signatures of magnetic-field-driven quantum phase transitions in the entanglement entropy and spin dynamics of the Kitaev honeycomb model, David C. Ronquillo, Adu Vengal, Nandini Trivedi, Phys. Rev. B 99, 140413 (2019) [2] Magnetic field induced intermediate quantum spin-liquid with a spinon Fermi surface, Niravkumar D. Patel and Nandini Trivedi, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 116, 12199 (2019). [3] Two-Magnon Bound States in the Kitaev Model in a [111]-Field, Subhasree Pradhan, Niravkumar D. Patel, Nandini Trivedi, Phys. Rev. B 101, 180401 (2020) [4] Symmetry Analysis of Tensors in the Honeycomb Lattice of Edge-Sharing Octahedra, Franz G. Utermohlen, Nandini Trivedi, Phys. Rev. B 103, 155124 (2021)

Higher dimensional models of black hole evaporation can be studied via double holographic constructions, which can be considered as holographic models of conformal interfaces. In string theory these are realized microscopically by appropriate systems of branes, and in particular limits they give rise to a light graviton mass in the effective gravity theory. For a specific model of D3-D5-NS5 branes in type IIB, I will discuss the properties of the lightest graviton and show how this constrains the existence of islands in Anti de Sitter. I will show a numerical study of islands surfaces for finite temperature black holes, and show how they are affected by a varying dilaton. I will finally comment on the EFT cutoff induced by a light graviton mass, in relation to the islands regime, in function of the microscopic parameters of the string theory construction.

Zoom Link: https://pitp.zoom.us/j/97993595112?pwd=dE1xRm42MmY3bEVYZ2c4VURtaWV4dz09

Starting from the Villain formulation with an additional constraint we construct a self-dual lattice version of U(1) field theory with a theta-term. An interesting feature is that the self-dual symmetry gives rise to an action that is local but not ultra-local, similar to lattice actions that implement chiral symmetry. We outline how electric and magnetic matter can be coupled in a self-dual way and discuss the emerging symmetry structure with the theta term. We present results from a Monte Carlo simulation of the self-dual system with electric and magnetic matter and explore spontaneous breaking of the self-dual symmetry.

The sign problem is arguably the greatest weakness of the otherwise highly efficient, non-perturbative Monte Carlo simulations. Recently, considerable progress has been made in alleviating the sign problem by deforming the integration contour of the path integral into the complex plane and applying machine learning to find near-optimal alternative contours. This deformation however requires a Jacobian determinant calculation which has a generic computational cost scaling as volume cubed. In this talk I am going to present a new architecture with linear runtime, based on complex-valued affine coupling layers.

States of Low Energy (SLEs) have been constructed in cosmological spacetimes as the ones that minimize the mode contribution to the regularized energy density. These have been shown to be an adequate choice of vacuum state for primordial perturbations in models that include a period of kinetic domination prior to inflation. This is precisely the case in Loop Quantum Cosmology (LQC). In this talk we will review the construction and properties of SLEs for a general FLRW model and explore their application to LQC.

Zoom Link: https://pitp.zoom.us/j/98112698584?pwd=NkFhMWVNM3gvc1lYQ3cvVDFGL0laUT09