Conference

Ordered phases of matter have close connections to computation. Two prominent examples are spin glass order, with wide-ranging applications in machine learning and optimization, and topological order, closely related to quantum error correction. Here, we introduce the concept of topological quantum spin glass (TQSG) order which marries these two notions, exhibiting both the complex energy landscapes of spin glasses, and the quantum memory and long-range entanglement characteristic of topologically ordered systems. Using techniques from coding theory and a quantum generalization of Gibbs state decompositions, we show that TQSG order is the low-temperature phase of various quantum LDPC codes on expander graphs, including hypergraph and balanced product codes. Our work introduces a topological analog of spin glasses that preserves quantum information, opening new avenues for both statistical mechanics and quantum computer science.

Quantum computing and sensing represent two distinct frontiers of quantum information science. Here, we harness quantum computing to solve a fundamental and practically important sensing problem: the detection of weak oscillating fields with unknown strength and frequency. We present a quantum computing enhanced sensing protocol, that we dub quantum search sensing, outperforming all existing approaches. Furthermore, we prove our approach is optimal by establishing the Grover-Heisenberg limit -- a fundamental lower bound on the minimum sensing time. The key idea is to robustly digitize the continuous, analog signal into a discrete operation, which is then integrated into a quantumalgorithm. Our metrological gain originates from quantum computation, distinguishing our protocol from conventional sensing approaches. Indeed, we prove that broad classes of protocols based on quantum Fisher information, finite-lifetime quantum memory, or classical signal processing are strictly less powerful. We propose and analyze a proof-of-principle experiment using nitrogen-vacancy centers, where meaningful improvements are achievable using current technology. This work establishes quantum computation as a powerful new resource for advancing sensing capabilities.

**Title:** The Next Frontiers of Particle Physics: Linking Theory, Experiment, and Other Disciplines **Abstract:** Particle physics stands at a pivotal moment. While high-energy colliders have long been the primary tool for discovery, new ideas and technologies are opening complementary paths. In this talk, I will survey some of the most pressing open questions in particle physics, including the nature of dark matter and the possible existence of axions. I will highlight recent developments that bridge theory with experiment, such as the DarkQuest beam-dump experiment at Fermilab (that I started developing as a postdoc at Perimeter), novel dark matter detection strategies using condensed matter systems, and the potential of quantum sensing and gravitational wave observatories to probe dark sectors. This interdisciplinary perspective reflects a broader shift in the field: breakthroughs are increasingly likely to emerge from the interplay of particle physics with other disciplines. I will also reflect on my own journey, from a postdoc at Perimeter Institute to a professor leading a research group at the University of California, Santa Cruz, emphasizing how creativity, cross-field connections, community engagement, and mentoring are shaping the next frontiers of discovery.