Scientific Series

In this talk, I will survey recent developments about the connection between neural networks and models of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. Previous work has shown that the neural network - Gaussian process correspondence can be interpreted as the statement that large-width neural networks share some properties with free, or weakly interacting, quantum field theories (QFTs). Here I will focus on 1d QFTs, or models of quantum mechanics, where one has greater theoretical control. For instance, under mild assumptions, one can prove that any model of a quantum particle admits a representation as a neural network. Cherished features of quantum mechanics, such as uncertainty relations, emerge from specific architectural choices that are made to satisfy the axioms of quantum theory. Based on 2504.05462 with Jim Halverson.

The pseudo-Dirac Higgsino is one of the last surviving electroweak WIMPs. The LHC will not reach the 1.1 TeV target mass even with full luminosity and prospects for its indirect detection depend on a favorable dark matter density profile at the galactic center. Since it has only off-diagonal couplings at tree-level, its direct detection is possible only when the mass splitting is smaller than the initial center of mass kinetic energy. This direct detection loophole is actually more generic; going by the name 'inelastic dark matter'. In this talk I will talk about my recent efforts to reach mass splittings larger than what has been thought to be possible thus far, by invoking interesting astrophysics, elements from the end of the periodic table, and large volume neutrino detectors. 

Helen Hargreaves, MSW, RSW will present a workshop for PI Residents, providing information on the basics of Emotion Theory, how to assess ones own needs and communicate them. This presentation will particularly focus on Autistic and other neurodivergent ways of experiencing emotions and stress and how to better support neurodivergent team members in the workplace. Helen Hargreaves is a Neurodivergent Therapist with over 15 years experience workings with Neurodivergent clients. She is the Director of Rainbow Brain, a social work group practice that focuses on providing queer, trans and neurodivergent affirming therapy. Please note that this will be a 1.5 hour session with presentation and experiential components.

 In this talk, I will describe recent work on holographic correspondences in spacetimes which interpolate from anti-de Sitter space in the deep bulk to asymptotic regions which share some properties with flat space. Examples include the linear dilaton throat in the F1-NS5 solution and the NCOS decoupling limit of the D1-D5 system. In both examples, null geodesics take infinite coordinate time to reach the boundary, the causal structure resembles that of Minkowski space, and we can sensibly study radiation near future null infinity. These spacetimes are good solutions of string theory and thus might be considered candidates for a top-down sort of celestial holography.