Conferences  >  Physics  >  Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Information Theory  >  Canada

Banff International Research Station (BIRS) for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery

The workshop deals with the behaviour of quantum objects (atoms, molecules...) which are subjected to external noises (light, vibrations...). The objects are very `tiny'; they react drastically to the slightest contact with their surroundings. Understanding and modelling the dynamical processes is the central task of the theory of open quantum systems. Examples of open systems are molecules in plants exposed to sunlight (→ photosynthesis), or basic building blocks (quantum bits) in a quantum computer, mounted on a substrate. We focus on the role of memory in the open system dynamics, a situation occurring in many physically/chemically/biologically relevant situations. Information between the objects and the surroundings is passed back and forth (and not forgotten) during the interaction. This leads to challenging mathematical models and analytical problems, as well as to potentially very useful practical applications.

Condensed Matter Physics and Materials,    Complex Systems, Chaos and Self-Organisation

Banff International Research Station (BIRS) for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery

Quantum information theory is the foundation of quantum computers. Participants including leading physicists from Canada and across the globe will discuss the role of quantum information theory to tackle fundamental questions in Physics about our Universe. This five day workshop will hold morning and afternoon sessions with ample time for discussions with leading physicists in the field. The workshop will feature an evening public lecture by an internationally renowned physicist, to be attended by members of the local community, high school students and anyone interested in getting an insider's overview of the current state of theoretical physics at the forefront. It will also feature two panel discussions focused on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the academia.

Banff International Research Station (BIRS) for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery

The symmetries of classical mathematical objects form a group. In the past several decades, we have seen new quantum mathematical objects like von Neumann algebras and quantum field theories whose symmetries are best described by tensor categories. One reason for this is that these mathematical objects naturally form higher categories, and thus their endomorphisms naturally form higher monoidal categories. In this sense, we view fusion categories as objects which encode quantum symmetries. Subfactors are a rich source of examples of exotic unitary fusion categories, and conversely, every unitary fusion category arises from a subfactor. This correspondence leads to deep mathematical connections between these fields. These mathematical objects are also intimately related to conformal field theory and topological phases of matter, which give topological quantum field theories, in which higher categories play an important role. The purpose of this workshop is built on the 2014 and 2018 BIRS workshops on subfactors and fusion categories, with the goal of studying these objects through a higher categorical lens. To do so, we will bring together world experts from subfactors, fusion categories, higher categories, and mathematical physics to further develop the deep and rich connections between these fields.