Talks

Conformal field theories (CFTs) are ubiquitous in theoretical physics as fixed points of renormalization, descriptions of critical systems and more. In these theories the conformal symmetry is a powerful tool in the computation of correlation functions, especially in 2 dimensions where the conformal algebra is infinite. Discretization of field theories is another powerful tool, where the theory on the lattice is both mathematically well-defined and easy to put on a computer. In this talk I will outline how these are combined using a discrete version of the 2d conformal algebra that acts in lattice models. I will also discuss recent work on convergence of this discretization, as well as on applications to non-unitary CFTs that appear in descriptions of problems of interest in condensed matter physics such as polymers, percolation and disordered systems.

Zoom Link: https://pitp.zoom.us/j/95048143778?pwd=N1hhVHlsZThVYzBWTy9CNlBTUHIydz09

Logarithmic Sobolev inequalities (LSI) were first introduced by Gross in the 1970s as an equivalent formulation of hypercontractivity. LSI have been well studied in the past few decades and found applications to information theory, optimal transport, and graph theory. Recently matrix-valued LSI have been an active area of research. Matrix-valued LSI of Lindblad operators are closely related to decoherence of open quantum systems.  In this talk, I will present recent results on matrix-valued LSI, in particular a geometric approach to matrix-valued LSI of Lindblad operators. This talk is based on joint work with Li Gao, Marius Junge, and Nicholas LaRacuente.

Understanding IP ownership and ensuring that commercialization of research provides broad societal and economic benefit both in Canada and abroad is extremely important.  Perimeter Institute is also acutely aware that entrepreneurial oriented faculty and graduate students want to engage in commercial enterprise (i.e., through contract research and licensing opportunities with industry or independently with their own research outcomes).  In this colloquium you will learn the basics about the different types of IP protection available and some of the most common pitfalls to avoid.  Hear how IP is used to commercialize technology through licensing or start-up creation. 

Zoom Link: https://pitp.zoom.us/j/99022008403?pwd=NmEzdFJkNlJiRzUvY0VDVERuY3FlUT09

Sampling from classical probability distributions is an important task with applications in a wide range of fields, including computational science, statistical physics, and machine learning. In this seminar, I will present a general strategy of solving sampling problems on a quantum computer. The entire probability distribution is encoded in a quantum state such that a measurement of the state yields an unbiased sample. I will discuss the complexity of preparing such states in the context of several toy models, where a polynomial quantum speedup is achieved. The speedup can be understood in terms of the properties of classical and quantum phase transitions, which establishes a connection between computational complexity and phases of matter. To conclude, I will comment on the prospects of applying this approach to challenging, real-world tasks.