Quantum Field Theory and Physical Mathematics Seminar Speaker: Luuk Stehouwer, Dalhousie University Title: The spin-statistics theorem for TFTs Abstract: In quantum field theory (QFT) the spin-statistics theorem says that in a unitary QFT, a particle has half-integer spin if and only if it is a fermion. I show how to phrase this statement in the […]
Math and Machine Learning Program Discussion
Member Seminar Speaker: Ahsan Khan Title: Formality Theorem and Webs Abstract: The “formality theorem” of Kontsevich was a key result that implies that every Poisson manifold admits a deformation quantization. I will review the ideas behind the formality theorem and discuss a potentially novel viewpoint on it involving webs and twisted masses.
Freedman CMSA Seminar *Note: via Zoom only* 2:00-3:30 pm ET Speaker: Matt Hastings, Microsoft Quantum Program Title: Invertible Phases of Matter and Quantum Cellular Automata: Dimensions One to Three Abstract: A Quantum Cellular Automaton (QCA) is a *-automorphism of the algebra of local operators. While local quantum circuits provide one example of QCA, we are […]
Mathematics and Machine Learning Closing Workshop Dates: October 28 - Oct. 30, 2024 Location: Room G10, CMSA, 20 Garden Street, Cambridge MA The closing workshop will provide a forum for discussing the most current research in these areas, including work in progress and recent results from program participants. We will devote one day to frontier […]
Foundation Seminar (Joint Seminar with BHI) Location: BHI Title: Singularity Theorems, Part II Journal Club Discussion
General Relativity Seminar Speaker: Xuantao Chen, Johns Hopkins University Title: Formation of Trapped Surfaces in Geodesic Foliation Abstract: We reprove the formation of trapped surfaces for the Einstein vacuum equation using the incoming geodesic foliation. All previous results, starting with the seminal work of Christodoulou, make use of the double null foliation. In the new […]
Geometry and Quantum Theory Seminar Speaker: Ben Gammage, Harvard University Title: Boundaries and duality for 3d gauge theories Abstract: 3d N=4 supersymmetric gauge theory has a pair of topological twists, the A-model and B-model, the latter of which is also known as Rozansky-Witten theory. Conjecturally, boundary conditions for these TFTs ought to admit descriptions in […]
CMSA Q&A Seminar Speaker: Michael Freedman, Harvard CMSA Topic: Broad perspective on manifolds: all dimensions, all structures, classification and dynamics
Mathematical Physics and Algebraic Geometry Seminar Speaker: Ju Tan (Boston University) Title: Mirror Construction for Nakajima Quiver Varieties Abstract: Quiver possesses a rich representation theory. On the one hand, it exhibits a deep connection with instantons and coherent sheaves as illuminated by the ADHM construction and the works of many others. On the other hand, […]
Foundation Seminar (Joint Seminar with BHI) Location: BHI Speaker: Christoph Kehle (MIT) Title: On the cosmic censorship conjectures Abstract: I will present the modern formulations of the weak and strong cosmic censorship conjectures and discuss some recent developments in the context of gravitational collapse.
Colloquium Speaker: Martin Nowak (Harvard) Title: The mathematics of evolution Abstract: All living systems are guided by evolutionary dynamics. Evolution is a search process which occurs in populations of reproducing individuals. The three fundamental forces of evolution are mutation, selection and cooperation. I will present basic ideas in the mathematical description of evolutionary dynamics, including quasi-species theory, evolutionary […]