Advanced Lectures in Physics in Switzerland III

Scientific Programme

Topological phases of matter by Carolyn Zhang (Harvard)

We will begin with symmetry-protected topological phases (SPTs) of bosons and fermions in the context of lattice models. We will then study topologically ordered phases in 2+1d with anyons, some of which can be obtained from SPTs via gauging.

Generalized and non-invertible symmetries in quantum field theory by Lea Bottini (IHES)

In this mini-course, we will explore various notions of symmetry that have been recently introduced, with an emphasis on their role in constraining phases of quantum field theories. We will start by explaining the relation between symmetries and topological defects, and the underlying categorical structure. We will then focus on one-form symmetries and their implications for confinement. Finally, we will move to non-invertible symmetries, both in lower and higher dimensions, and show some of their applications.

Introduction to quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories by Torsten Zache (Innsbruck)

This short lecture series gives an introduction to the quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories. After motivating the need for quantum simulations, we first explain how quantum lattice Hamiltonians with exact gauge invariance are constructed, including the standard Kogut-Susskind formulation as well as variants such as so-called quantum link models. We then discuss implementations with analog quantum simulators, illustrated explicitly with two contemporary examples based on ultracold atoms in optical lattices and Rydberg tweezer arrays, respectively. Finally, we turn to fully digital approaches, where we discuss several strategies for digitizing the dynamics of gauge fields on quantum computers.

Introduction to tensor networks by Natalia Chepiga (Oxford)

2h self-contained introduction to tensor networks.

Colloquium talk by Natalia Chepiga (Oxford)

"The saga of chiral transitions in Rydberg atoms"