J.E. Sipe
Department of Physics, University of Toronto

Abstract

The response of solids to incident electromagnetic fields is often heuristically described in terms of macroscopic polarization and magnetization fields. In condensed matter physics, the “modern theory of polarization,” and its extension to magnetization, gives this a new level of rigour for time independent and uniform applied fields. We review the philosophy and main results of that strategy, and report on a new approach based on introducing microscopic polarization and magnetization fields. This “post-modern” approach can be used to address the response of crystals to electromagnetic fields varying arbitrarily in space and time, and connects that response to aspects of the underlying topology of the band structure. We compare it to earlier work on atoms and molecules, identifying important similarities and differences.

A. W. Peet
University of Toronto

Abstract

A grand goal in modern theoretical physics is to figure out the operating system of the universe - for subatomic particles and their interactions, and for the fabric of spacetime itself. Quantum Mechanics is great for describing small things, and General Relativity is great for describing heavy things, but deep puzzles remain about how to combine them together. I will give an accessible introduction to recent advances in understanding black hole physics using ideas from string theory and holography toolkits. I will also offer experience-based reflections on how to make physics more welcoming to people from rainbow communities and to people managing physical/mental health conditions. No previous experience with any of these topics will be expected, and all are welcome.

Kate Scholberg
Duke University

Abstract

When a massive star collapses at the end of its life, nearly all of the gravitational binding energy of the resulting compact remnant is released in the form of a brilliant burst of neutrinos. I will discuss the nature of the core-collapse neutrino burst and what we can learn about particle physics and about astrophysics from the detection of these neutrinos. I will cover supernova neutrino detection techniques in general, current supernova neutrino detectors, and prospects for specific future experiments.

Prof. Leonardo Midolo
Copenhagen

Abstract

Photons are essential for securely transmitting information over long distances and realizing quantum entanglement on a global scale. Recent advances in photonic quantum technologies provide the fundamental tools for generating and manipulating photons within a chip. Yet, performing large-scale experiments, involving many quantum bits (or qubits), remains a major challenge.

In this talk, I will introduce the field of integrated quantum photonics and present the current advances in building a new class of integrated devices based on mechanical motion at the nanoscale, known as nano-opto-electromechanical systems (NOEMS). Unparalleled by other methods, NOEMS enable full control over light propagation in optical circuits with low loss, which makes them fully compatible with single-photon emitters. With such an efficient strategy to control light, a fully integrated platform for quantum information processing with several qubits and logical gates, can be built.

Tami Pereg-Barnea
Associate Professor, Department of Physics
McGill University

Abstract

It has been known for decades that properties of solids stem from the microscopic/quantum behaviour of ions and electrons. However, while every system is microscopically different unifying parameters like dimensionality and symmetry sort systems into universality classes with similar properties. However, this traditional classification ignores the notion of topology which has been altering our view of quantum materials over the past decade.

In this talk we will walk through the basics of topological condensed matter and survey known examples such as topological insulators, Weyl semimetals and topological superconductors. The latter systems can host Majorana fermions which are of special interest due to their promise for topologically protected qubits.