Solid State Physics seminars

Carolina Paiva develops exact matrix product states for strongly interacting electrons in lattice bands. Conformal-field-theory correlation functions already provide exact representations of fractional quantum Hall trial wavefunctions, including Laughlin states. Extending the construction to fractional Chern insulators is obstructed by the lattice length scale. The talk shows how ideal Chern bands overcome that obstruction and derives an exact representation of Laughlin model states in a hybrid Wannier basis on a torus.

Quantum networks require links between stored qubits and information carried by travelling waves. This lecture compares interfaces coupling atoms, spins and superconducting circuits to optical or acoustic signals. It also introduces quantum memories, the measurements used to assess their performance, recent experimental results and applications that combine communication with quantum processing.

Vibrations can destroy quantum coherence, but they can also carry useful quantum information. This lecture examines both roles of phonons, including methods for reducing unwanted coupling to solid-state qubits. It introduces optical control of mechanical motion in the quantum regime and discusses applications to precision sensing, connections between different quantum systems and fundamental physics.

Audrey Bienfait describes experiments using superconducting qubits to generate and absorb individual surface-acoustic-wave phonons. These travelling vibrations transfer quantum states and entangle separated qubits. The seminar also covers entanglement between two phonons and an acoustic quantum-eraser experiment, illustrating how controlled sound waves can contribute to quantum connections and sensing.

Mete Atatüre examines semiconductor quantum dots as interfaces between photons, electron spins and ensembles of nuclear spins. Optical control can turn the nuclear environment from a source of noise into a useful quantum system. The seminar follows this progression through collective nuclear states toward a register capable of storing quantum information.

Defects in diamond provide optically readable electron spins that can sense magnetic fields under demanding conditions. This seminar connects nitrogen-vacancy centres to diamond growth and defect engineering, then examines sensing applications. A particular focus is the study of superconducting materials under high pressure using diamond-anvil cells.