Download Quantum Mechanics - Nanyang Technological University

Sponsored by
Institute of Advanced Studies
Conference on
90 Years of
Quantum Mechanics
23 –26 January 2017
Nanyang Executive Centre
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Contents
Foreword
………………………………………………………….....................2
Organising Committee………………………..………….……..........3
Programme…………………………………………….…………………….....4
Abstracts of Speakers………………….……………………..........12
Poster Presenters & Titles…………………….…….................42
Useful Contacts………………………………………..…………………48
1
Foreword
We would like to welcome all of you to this Conference on 90 Years of Quantum Mechanics!
Quantum Mechanics was born in 1925 and 1926 and by the time of the famous fifth Solvay
Meeting in Brussels in 1927, much of the groundwork had been done. Those two years are
perhaps the most dynamic years in the history of science. When we now look back at Quantum
Mechanics ninety years later, we find that it forms the ground for fundamental physics as well as
for most of the many new fields that have grown up in recent time. Quantum Mechanics has
completely shaped these fields in both the more abstract ones as well as the technological
applications. In this conference, all these threads will be connected and the talks will be
addressing not only the recent developments in the respective subfields, but also the unity among
the various fields and their common roots.
We welcome all interested faculty, researchers and students to actively participate in this exciting
conference!
Professor Kok Khoo Phua
Institute of Advanced Studies
Nanyang Technological University
Professor Lars Brink
Chalmers University of Technology
Professor Marc Henneaux
Université Libre de Bruxelles
Professor Da-Hsuan Feng
University of Macau
Professor Ngee Pong Chang
City College of New York
2
Organising Committee
Co-Chairs
NAME
INSTITUTION
Lars Brink
Chalmers University of Technology
Ngee Pong Chang
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU & City College of New York
Da Hsuan Feng
University of Macau
Marc Henneaux
Université libre de Bruxelles
Kok Khoo Phua
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU
Local Organising Committee
NAME
INSTITUTION
Rainer Dumke
School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, NTU
Shen Yong Ho
School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, NTU
Leong Chuan Kwek
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU & Centre for Quantum Technologies
Choy Heng Lai
National University of Singapore
Hock Lim
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU & National University of Singapore
Hwee Boon Low
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU
Choo Hiap Oh
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU & National University of Singapore
Anh Tuan Phan
School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, NTU
Pinaki Sengupta
School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, NTU
Chorng Haur Sow
National University of Singapore
David Wilkowski
School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, NTU
Shuyan Xu
Institute of Advanced Studies, NTU & National Institute of Education
3
Programme
4
Programme
Day 1 – Monday, 23 January 2017
08.00 – 09.00
Registration
Opening Ceremony
09.00 – 09.10
Welcome Address by:
Kok Khoo Phua (IAS, NTU)
Lars Brink (Chalmers University of Technology)
Session Chair: Kok Khoo Phua (IAS, NTU)
09:10 - 09:15
Chen-Ning Yang (Tsinghua University)
(via video recording)
09:15 - 10:00
Gerard 't Hooft (Universiteit Utrecht)
How Quantum Mechanics Modifies the Space-Time of a Black Hole
10:00 - 10:45
Group Photo & Coffee Break
Session Chair: Lars Brink (Chalmers University of Technology)
10:45 - 11:30
Anthony Leggett (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Quantum Mechanics and the Notion of "Realism" in Physics (via video recording)
11:30 - 12:15
James Hartle (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Quantum Mechanics in the Light of Cosmology
12:15 - 13:30
Lunch
Day 1 – Monday, 23 January 2017
Session Chair: Marc Henneaux (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
13:30 - 14:15
Viatcheslav Mukhanov (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)
The Quantum Universe
14:15 - 15:00
David Gross (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Quantum Mechanics and Its Discontents
15:00 - 15:30
Coffee Break
Session Chair: Kwek Leong Chuan (Institute of Advanced Studies)
15:30– 16:15
Stuart Parkin (IBM Almaden Research Centre)
Spin Orbitronics for Advanced Magnetic Memories
16:15 – 17:00
Michael Graetzel (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
The Fascinating World and First Applications of Semiconductor Quantum Dots
17:00 - 18:00
Poster Session @ Education Wing Atrium
18:30 – 20:30
**Dinner at NTU Peach Garden (by invitation only)
** Dinner at NTU Peach Garden
Two-way transport will be provided. Invited guests please be reminded to gather at the NEC Guest Wing
Lobby (Level 1) by 6.10p.m.
Day 2 – Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Session Chair: Da-Hsuan Feng (University of Macau)
09:00 - 09:45
Thibault Damour (Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques)
Motion of Binary Black Holes: Using Quantum Ideas to Advance Classical
Dynamics
09:45 - 10:30
Alexander Vilenkin (Tufts University)
Quantum Cosmology and the Beginning of the Universe
10:30 - 11:15
Coffee Break
Session Chair: Viatcheslav Mukhanov (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)
11:15 - 12:00
Lars Brink (Chalmers University of Technology)
Maximally Supersymmetric Non-Abelian Gauge Theories, Supergravity and
Superstrings
12:00 - 12:45
Hermann Nicolai (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics)
Quantum Gravity and Unification
12:45 - 14:00
Lunch
Session Chair: Ngee Pong Chang (City College of New York)
14:00 - 14:45
Yakir Aharonov (Tel Aviv University)
On the Two-Vector Approach to Quantum Mechanics (via video recording)
14:45 - 15:30
Tatsu Takeuchi (Virginia Tech)
Quantum Theory of Bi-orthogonal Systems
15:30 - 16:15
Coffee Break
16:15 - 17:00
Matthew P.A. Fisher (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Are We Quantum Computers, or Merely Clever Robots?
18:00
Depart for Conference Banquet at Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel
19:00 - 21:30
**Conference Banquet (by invitation only)
** Conference Banquet at Conrad Centennial Singapore Hotel
Two-way transport will be provided. Invited guests please be reminded to gather at the NEC Guest Wing
Lobby (Level 1) by 5.50p.m.
Day 3 – Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Session Chair: Pinaki Sengupta (Nanyang Technological University)
09:30 - 10:15
Boris Altshuler (Columbia University)
Quantum Mechanics in Thermodynamic Limit
10:15 – 11.00
Shoucheng Zhang (Stanford University)
Discovery of the Chiral Majorana Fermion
11:00 - 11:45
Coffee Break
Session Chair: Per Delsing (Chalmers University of Technology)
11:45 - 12:30
Qikun Xue (Tsinghua University)
Quantization of the Anomalous Hall Effect
12:30 – 13:15
Hideo Ohno (Tohoku University)
Spin on Integrated Circuits: An Emerging Field of Spintronics
13:15 – 14.30
Lunch
Session Chair: Hermann Nicolai (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics)
14:30 - 15:15
Peter Zoller (University of Innsbruck)
Synthetic Quantum Matter with Cold Atoms and Ions
15:15 - 16:00
Ignacio Cirac (Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics)
A Quantum Information Perspective to Quantum Many-Body Physics
16:00 - 16:45
Coffee Break
16:45 - 17:30
Immanuel Bloch (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)
Controlling and Exploring Quantum Matter Using Ultracold Atoms in Optical
Lattices
18:00 - 20:00
Conference BBQ Dinner at Campus Clubhouse (next to conference venue)
Day 4 – Thursday, 26 January 2017
Session Chair: Tan Howe Siang (Nanyang Technological University)
09:00 - 09:45
Arieh Warshel (University of Southern California)
QM/MM and Other Strategies for Quantum Mechanical Simulations of Processes
in Condensed Phases and in Large Biological Molecules
09:45 - 10:30
Rudolph Marcus (Caltech)
Quantum Mechanics and Chemical Reaction Rates, 1928 and Counting
10:30 – 10:55
Coffee Break
Session Chair: David Wilkowski (Nanyang Technological University)
10:55 - 11:40
Per Delsing (Chalmers University of Technology)
Studying Quantum Vacua using Superconducting Circuits
11:40 - 12:25
Jiangfeng Du (University of Science and Technology of China)
Quantum Control of Spins in Solids and Its Applications
12:25 - 13:10
Miles Padgett (University of Glasgow)
Resolution Limits of Quantum Ghost Imaging
13:10 - 13:30
Sixia Yu (University of Science and Technology of China)
Quantum Contextuality: The Smallest State-Independent Proof
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch
Day 4 – Thursday, 26 January 2017
Session Chair: Rainer Helmut Dumke (Nanyang Technological University)
14:30 - 15:15
Jun Ye (University of Colorado)
Measurement at the Quantum Frontier
15:15 - 16:00
William Munro (NTT Basic Research Lab)
New Century Engineering Using the Age Old Principles of Quantum Mechanics
16:00 - 16:30
Coffee Break
Panel Chair: Da-Hsuan Feng (University of Macau)
16:30 - 18:00
Panel Discussion on
Looking to the future of Quantum Science & Technology

Boris Altshuler (Columbia University)

Viatcheslav Mukhanov (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)

Jun Ye (University of Colorado)

Peter Zoller (University of Innsbruck)
End of Conference
Note: All talks include 5 minutes of discussion.
11
Abstracts | Invited Talks
12
Abstracts
Author
:
Yakir Aharonov
Affiliation
:
Tel Aviv University
Title
:
On the Two-Vector Approach to Quantum Mechanics
Abstract
Quantum mechanical systems can be described by two Hilbert state vectors, one propagating
from a past boundary condition and the other propagating backwards from a future boundary
condition. The way to test this state is by employing weak measurements, the outcomes of
which were weak values. This new approach uncovers a host of exciting phenomena, some of
which will be discussed in this talk. I will then propose a straightforward generalization of QM
stemming from this approach, which provides a novel solution to the notorious measurement
problem.
13
Author
:
Boris Altshuler
Affiliation
:
Columbia University
Title
:
To be announced
Abstract
14
Author
:
Immanuel Bloch
Affiliation
:
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Title
:
Controlling and Exploring Quantum Matter Using Ultracold Atoms in
Optical Lattices
Abstract
More than 30 years ago, Richard Feynman outlined the visionary concept of a quantum
simulator for carrying out complex physics calculations. Today, his dream has become a reality
in laboratories around the world. In my talk, I will focus on the remarkable opportunities offered
by ultracold quantum gases trapped in optical lattices to address fundamental physics
questions ranging from condensed matter physics over statistical physics to high energy
physics with table-top experiment.
For example, I will show how it has now become possible to image and control quantum
matter with single atom sensitivity and single site resolution, thereby allowing one to directly
image individual quantum fluctuations of a many-body system or directly reveal
antiferromagnetic and topological order in the fermionic Hubbard model. Finally, I will discuss
our recent experiments on novel many-body localised states of matter that challenge our
understanding of the connection between statistical physics and quantum mechanics at a
fundamental level.
15
Author
:
Lars Brink
Affiliation
:
Chalmers University of Technology
Title
:
Maximally Supersymmetric Non-Abelian Gauge Theories, Supergravity
and Superstrings
Abstract
I will describe how string theory was born from S-matrix theory and then how it led to
supersymmetry, supersymmetric Yang-Mills Theory, Supergravity and then back to the
Superstring Theory and M-Theory leading to a perturbatively finite quantum gravity theory and
to a possible framework for a fully unified theory of all interactions. I will then describe how the
Superstring Theory is dual to the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills Theory, which shows
that this theory also knows about gravity and end with the remarkable result that the square of
it in a sense is the Supergravity theory which is the low-energy limit of the Superstring Theory.
16
Author
:
Ignacio Cirac
Affiliation
:
Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
Title
:
A Quantum Information Perspective to Quantum Many-Body Physics
Abstract
The theory of entanglement offers a new perspective to view many-body quantum systems. In
particular, systems in thermal equilibrium and with local interactions contain very little
entanglement, which allows us to describe them efficiently, circumventing the exponential
growth of parameters with the system size. Tensor Networks offer such a description, where
few simple tensors contain all the information about all physical properties. In this talk I will
review some of the latest results on entanglement and tensor networks, and explain some of
their connections to quantum computing, condensed matter, and high-energy physics.
17
Author
:
Thibault Damour
Affiliation
:
Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques
Title
:
Motion of Binary Black Holes: Using Quantum Ideas to Advance Classical
Dynamics
Abstract
The recently successful search for gravitational waves from coalescing binary black holes has
motivated the development of advanced techniques for accurately describing the motion (and
radiation) of binary systems in General Relativity. We shall review several of these techniques
and display their roots in Quantum Theory. This includes: (i) the relativistic Fokker action and
its link with Feynman diagrams; (ii) regularization and renormalization techniques for dealing
with point masses; (iii) the use of quantum scattering amplitudes to compute a classical
Hamiltonian; (iv) a quantum-inspired correspondence between the dynamics of binary systems
and the dynamics of a test particle in an “effective one-body” metric; and (v) one-loop effects in
a black hole background. The applications of these techniques to the description of coalescing
binary black holes will be briefly described.
18
Author
:
Per Delsing
Affiliation
:
Chalmers University of Technology
Title
:
Studying Quantum Vacua Using Superconducting Circuits
Abstract
Recently it has become possible to do experiments on the quantum vacuum using
superconducting circuits. Both the electromagnetic quantum vacuum and the phononic
quantum vacuum can be studied. Three different experiments carried out at mK temperatures
and at microwave frequencies are described.
First, we use a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device at the end of a microwave
transmission line as a tunable boundary condition for the electromagnetic vacuum. This
boundary condition is equivalent to a mirror moving which allows us to study the Dynamical
Casimir Effect. We observe the generation of photons and show that the radiation is two mode
squeezed [1]. Moreover we measure the full covariance matrix of the emitted radiation and
show that the radiation is entangled [2].
Second, we embed an artificial atom in the form of a superconducting transmon qubit at a
distance from the shorted end of a transmission line, which acts as a mirror [3]. By tuning the
wavelength of the atom, we effectively change the distance between atom and mirror. We
probe the strength of vacuum fluctuations by measuring spontaneous emission rate of the
atom and show that we can cancel the vacuum fluctuations seen by the atom.
Third, we couple an artificial atom to sound in the form of Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) by
placing it on a piezoelectric surface [4]. This coupling is frequency dependent, and on lithium
niobate it can be made very strong. The coupling to the phononic vacuum results in a strong
Lamb shift which is the Hilbert transform of the coupling. Using spectroscopy, we can observe
the Lamb shift caused by the phononic vacuum [5].
Reference
[1] C.M. Wilson et al. Nature, 479, 376 (2011)
[2] B. Schneider et l., In preparation (2016)
[3] I.-C. Hoi et al. Nature Physics, 11, 1045 (2015)
[4] M.V. Gustafsson et al, Science 346, 207 (2014)
[5] T. Aref et al. In preparation (2016)
19
Author
:
Jiangfeng Du
Affiliation
:
University of Science and Technology of China
Title
:
Quantum Control of Spins in Solids and Its Applications
Abstract
The science of quantum control lies at the heart of modern physics. Various applications of
quantum control have emerged and we witness great development in recent years, such as
quantum computation, quantum simulation, and quantum metrology, etc. Spins of electrons
and nuclei are among the most promising physical systems that can realize reliable and robust
quantum control. They have a major advantage since the quantum coherence can be
protected very efficiently against external noise, which represents the main challenge to the
large-scale implementation of quantum control.
My presentation will mainly focus on our recent experimental study of quantum control over
spins in solids. We concern on several respects such as decoherence suppressing with
dynamical decoupling, precise spin control, efficient realization of quantum algorithms and
simulation, and ultrasensitive sensing with single spins in diamond.
20
Author
:
Matthew P.A. Fisher
Affiliation
:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Title
:
Are We Quantum Computers, or Merely Clever Robots?
Abstract
Putative quantum processing with nuclear spins in the wet environment of the brain would
seemingly require fulfillment of many unrealizable conditions. For example, a common
biological element with a long nuclear-spin coherence time to serve as a qubit, a mechanism
for transporting this qubit throughout the brain, a molecular scale quantum memory for storing
the qubits, a mechanism for quantum entangling multiple qubits, a chemical reaction that
induces quantum measurements on the qubits which dictates subsequent neuron firing rates,
among others. My strategy, guided by these requirements, is one of reverse engineering
seeking to identify the bio-chemical substrate and mechanisms hosting such putative quantum
processing. Remarkably, a specific neural qubit and a unique collection of ions, molecules,
enzymes and neurotransmitters is identified, thus illuminating an apparently single path
towards nuclear spin quantum processing in the brain.
21
Author
:
Michael Graetzel
Affiliation
:
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Title
:
The Fascinating World and First Applications of Semiconductor Quantum
Dots
Abstract
Due to their extraordinary opto-electronic properties, semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have
offered a fertile ground for research and continue to attract intense interest both in the
fundamental as well as applied field. One of their most remarkable features is the quantum
size effect allowing us to tune the wavelength their band edge absorption and luminescence by
changing the particle radius. Photoluminescence quantum yields in over 80% along with
excellent stability have been achieved. These properties are presently being exploited in
commercial LED displays where QDs of II-VI semiconductors such as CdTe and CdSe are
used as light emitters. Quantum dots have also attracted wide attention due to the occurrence
of multiple exciton generation from a single photon and the phonon bottlenecks allowing
charge carriers to be maintained in a hot state. This has spured research on using QDs as
light harvesters in mesoscopic solar cells where external quantum efficiencies for electric
current generation of over 100 % have been achieved. My lecture will discuss the latest
developments and applications of this exciting field of quantum research.
22
Author
:
David Gross
Affiliation
:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Title
:
To be announced
Abstract
23
Author
:
James Hartle
Affiliation
:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Title
:
Quantum Mechanics in the Light of Cosmology
Abstract
An inescapable inference from the physics of the last 90 years is that we live in a quantum
mechanical universe. The textbook Copenhagen quantum mechanics of measurement
situations is not general enough for cosmology. But in the 60 years since Everett, a formulation
of quantum mechanics has been developed that is adequate for cosmology --- consistent or
decoherent histories quantum mechanics. Copenhagen quantum theory is an approximation to
decoherent histories appropriate for measurement situations.
Cosmology seeks to understand the past to simplify prediction of the future. Retrodiction is not
possible in Copenhagen quantum theory. But decoherent histories allows observed features of
the universe today to be understood as originating from quantum events in the very early
universe when there were no observers, or measurements, or even classical spacetime.
If the universe is a quantum mechanical system, it has a quantum state. A theory of that state
is a necessary part of any `final theory' of cosmology along with a theory of dynamics like
string theory. Some of the successes of the `no boundary' quantum state of the universe will
be described.
We conclude with a few speculations about further generalizations of quantum theory.
24
Author
:
Anthony Leggett
Affiliation
:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Title
:
Quantum Mechanics and the Notion of "Realism" in Physics
Abstract
Quantum Mechanics (QM) has proved brilliantly successful in describing the behaviour of the
microscopic world of electrons and atoms, but some of its predictions seem to fly in the face of
the "common sense" we use in everyday life. Perhaps the most perplexing aspect of this state
of affairs is that some predictions of QM seem prima facie to violate the common-sense notion
of "realism " - the idea that, crudely speaking, the world is at any given time in a definite state
irrespective of whether or not we observe it to be so. I examine this idea within a physics
context and relate it to the notion of "macroscopic counterfactual definiteness". I then review
some recent tests of QM versus realism so defined at both the microscopic and the (quasi)macroscopic level. I conclude by making contact with some considerations in the
philosophical literature concerning the status of counterfactual statements, and point out that
the extrapolation of the quantum-mechanical world-view to the level of everyday life is likely to
lead eventually to some very bizarre consequences indeed.
25
Author
:
Rudolph Marcus
Affiliation
:
Caltech
Title
:
Quantum Mechanics and Chemical Reaction Rates, 1928 and Counting
Abstract
Some two years after the birth of wave mechanics F. London [1] introduced the idea of a
chemical reaction occurring on an electronically adiabatic potential energy surface, a
cornerstone of the subsequent rapid development [2] of chemical reaction rate theory. One
year later O.K. Rice [3] formulated a quantum mechanical theory for a chemical predissociation reaction, an electronically nonadiabatic process. Developments in the theory of
the rates of electron transfer reactions [4], a large class of chemical reactions that exhibits both
adiabatic and nonadiabatic examples, will be described. The theory has found applications in
many areas, ranging from solar energy conversion to reactions in biological systems. One item
of general interest is how the functional form of the theory applies approximately, with some
limitation on range, to the rates of other quite different types of transfer reactions, such as the
transfer of methyl cations between species. [5]
Reference
[1] F. London, Sommerfeld Festschrift, S. Hirzel, Leipzig (1928), pp 104-113; F. London, Z.
Elektrochem. u. Angew. Phys. Chem. 35, 552 (1929)
[2] H. Eyring, J. Chem. Phys, 3, 107 (1935); M. G. Evans and M. Polanyi, Trans. Faraday Soc,
3, 875 (1935)
[3] O. K. Rice, Phys. Rev. 33, 748 (1929)
[4] R. A. Marcus, J. Chem. Phys. 24, 966 (1956}
[5] E. S. Lewis and D. D. Hu, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106, 3294 (1984); S. Wolfe, D. J. Mitchell,
and H. B.Schlegel, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 103, 7694, (1981)
26
Author
:
Viatcheslav Mukhanov
Affiliation
:
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Title
:
The Quantum Universe
Abstract
I will review the recent development in cosmology and in particular, the relation between the
measurements of Cosmic Microwave Background fluctuations and the theoretical predictions
made more than thirty years ago.
27
Author
:
William Munro
Affiliation
:
NTT Basic research Lab
Title
:
New Century Engineering Using the Age Old Principles of Quantum
Mechanics
Abstract
The last century saw the discovery of quantum mechanics, probably the most fundamental and
far-reaching theory ever developed. Much of the original focus was on its paradoxical nature
(entanglement and nonlocality) but the last quarter century has seen that focus move to how it
can be used for the development of interesting and disruptive technologies. We are at the
stage where the true engineering of quantum devices is taking place. The hybridization of
distinct quantum systems has now reached the stage when we can actually engineer the
properties of the composite system to be better than the individual parts. Such an
improvement of coherence time via a coupling with an unstable system would open a new use
of a hybrid system for the realization of quantum information processing. We will discuss how
this could provide an alternative approach for quantum memories and the generation of nonclassical states such as spins squeezing. There are many quantum systems that have been
used in this hybridization but our focus will be on superconducting circuits coupled with
electron spin ensembles.
28
Author
:
Hermann Nicolai
Affiliation
:
Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics
Title
:
Quantum Gravity and Unification
Abstract
After more than 40 years of an unprecedented collective intellectual effort towards a theory of
quantum gravity reconciling quantum mechanics and general relativity, theoretical physics has
arrived at crossroads as Nature remains tight-lipped about what comes after Einstein and the
Standard Model of particle physics. In this talk I will review recent developments, as well as
perspectives for future progress.
29
Author
:
Hideo Ohno
Affiliation
:
Tohoku University
Title
:
Spin on Integrated Circuits: An Emerging Field of Spintronics
Abstract
The forefront of application of spin in solid state devices, spintronics, is now at integrated
circuits, where spintronics is used to meet the requirement of low power consumption and high
performance, in the wake of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) era where low standby-power is
critical. Spintronics nanodevices, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and its variant, utilize spin
transfer to manipulate the state of magnetization and spin tunneling to read the state of
magnetization in a ferromagnet. The nonvolatile nature along with other favorable properties of
such spintronics devices is considered to be not only critical for making them a viable
candidate to replace the current volatile DRAM and SRAM for power consideration, but also
crucial in making processing more efficient. I will first discuss about the current state of
spintronics nanodevice technology that can be scaled beyond 20 nm with a perpendiculareasy-axis material system. I will then describe recent device studies utilizing spin-orbit
interaction to generate spin polarization in a heavy metal as well as in an antiferromagnet to
exert torque on a ferromagnet placed on it, thereby allowing one to switch magnetization of the
ferromagnet. If time allows, I will add a discussion of electrical manipulation of magnetization
to further reduce the power consumption. Finally, I will touch upon the demonstration of
integrated circuits made on industry standard 300 mm Si wafers, showing significant reduction
of power consumption by utilizing the nonvolatile nature of spintronics nanodevices, which may
change the way integrated circuits are built in the coming years.
30
Author
:
Miles Padgett
Affiliation
:
University of Glasgow
Title
:
Resolution Limits of Quantum Ghost Imaging
Abstract
Ghost imaging and ghost diffraction were first demonstrated by Shih and co-workers using
photon pairs created by parametric down-conversion. A pump beam produces two output
beams with the object placed in one beam and the imaging detector in the other. Information
from either one of the two beams is not sufficient to produce an image, but the measured
correlation between the two beams does.
In this work we present an examination of the resolution limits of the ghost imaging and ghost
diffraction.
In all ghost imaging system, the resolution of the imaging system cannot exceed the resolution
with which the spatial correlations between the down-converted photons can be measured.
This measured correlation is of course limited by the fidelities with which the down conversion
source is imaged to the camera and the object. However, an additional limitation may be
imposed by the underlying strength of the correlation inherent in the down-conversion process
itself, i.e. the number of spatial modes produced by the down conversion crystal (a function of
both the pump beam size and crystal length).
Beyond being a study of the resolution associated with ghost imaging, our diffraction results
are a demonstration of tests of quantum mechanics proposed by Popper. In essence, Popper
thought that conventional diffraction and the ghost diffraction would yield the same patterns.
Our results show that this is not the case and that this discrepancy is a natural consequence of
the limited modal capacity of the down-conversion source. Consequently, the anticipated and
observed experimental results are consistent with the Copenhagen Interpretation.
31
Author
:
Stuart Parkin
Affiliation
:
IBM Almaden Research Centre
Title
:
Spin Orbitronics for Advanced Magnetic Memories
Abstract
Over the past few years there have been remarkable discoveries in spin-based phenomena
that rely on spin-orbit coupling that could spur the development of advanced magnetic memory
devices. These include the formation of chiral spin textures in the form of Néel domain walls
and topological spin textures, skyrmions, that are stabilized by a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya
exchange interaction. The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya exchange interaction is derived from broken
symmetries and spin-orbit interactions at interfaces or within the bulk of materials. Another
important consequence of spin-orbit effects are the unexpectedly high conversion efficiencies
of charge current to chiral spin current from topological spin textures and in conventional
metals, via the spin Hall effect. Such spin currents lead to giant spin-orbit torques that can be
used to switch the magnetization in three terminal magnetic tunnel junction memory elements
or can be used to move domain walls in Racetrack Memory memory-storage devices. Indeed
record-breaking current-induced domain wall speeds exceeding 1,000 m/sec have recently
been reported in atomically engineered synthetic antiferromagnetic racetracks in which the
domain walls are “invisible” with no net magnetization. I will discuss some of these exciting
developments in the emerging field of spin orbitronics in my talk.
32
Author
:
Gerard 't Hooft
Affiliation
:
Universiteit Utrecht
Title
:
How Quantum Mechanics Modifies the Space-Time of a Black Hole
Abstract
Quantisation of a black hole is often thought to require (super)string theory. We argue however
that conventional physics does yield the basic properties of the quantum states. It is observed
that the general coordinate transformations relevant to black holes, only obey unitarity
constraints if unusual boundary conditions are imposed. In the classical limit, these would stay
unnoticed.
33
Author
:
Tatsu Takeuchi
Affiliation
:
Virginia Tech
Title
:
Quantum Theory of Bi-orthogonal Systems
Abstract
We describe how quantum theory would look like for systems where using bi-orthogonal
bases make sense. In this description, the vector space and its dual, necessary for
measurement to be defined, may be different. In particular, we examine the behavior of
quantum operators for such a set-up. We review a simple version of the description using
Galois fields rather than the normal complex fields. The resultant description could be used
to formulate stabilizer states in quantum information theory. We next generalize to complex
fields, with particular attention on how phase correlations and local gauge concepts are
manifested. Related underlying symmetry properties are explored, including those exhibiting
modular invariance. The description is of use for open systems, and where dissipation is a
factor.
34
Author
:
Alexander Vilenkin
Affiliation
:
Tufts University
Title
:
Quantum Cosmology and the Beginning of the Universe
Abstract
The spacetime of an expanding universe cannot be indefinitely extended to the past; it must
have a beginning.
The question is then: what determines the initial state of the universe?
This question is addressed in quantum cosmology, where the entire universe is treated
quantum mechanically and is described by a wave function.
The picture that has emerged from this approach is that a closed universe spontaneously
nucleates out of nothing, where “nothing” refers to a state with no classical space, time, and
matter. I will discuss the key ideas of quantum cosmology and some of its conceptual
problems.
35
Author
:
Arieh Warshel
Affiliation
:
University of Southern California
Title
:
QM/MM and Other Strategies for Quantum Mechanical Simulations of
Processes in Condensed Phases and in Large Biological Molecules
Abstract
The description of large systems should be done in principle by quantum mechanical
approaches. However, in many cases it is close to impossible to performe quantum
mechanical (QM) calculations, due to the enormous requirement of computer power. Thus it is
imperative to find the proper balance between the computer time requirements and the need to
capture the physics of the given system. In this talk I will review several strategies of treating
large systems while retaining the QM descriptions of such systems. We will start by describing
one of the most powerful way to gain an insight on chemical processes in large systems is the
QM/MM method [1] [2]. This embedding approach have become a popular tool in studies of
complex systems [2], yet the use of such approaches in accurate evaluations of reaction rates
in proteins and solutions is very challenging. Unfortunately, quantitative studies require a
combination of accurate (ab intuition based) potential surfaces and the ability of extensive
sampling for proper evaluation of activation free energies and transmission factors. Our
strategies for overcoming these problems are based on the use of an EVB potential surface as
a reference potential for ab initio sampling. This powerful approach will be illustrated in specific
cases.
Another powerful direction in embedding strategies is the so called constraint DFT (CDFT) and
frozen DFT (FDFT) [3] [4] approach, that describe the entire system quantum mechanically but
fix the density of the regions around the key regions. Other strategies are also considered and
evaluated.
Reference
[1] Theoretical Studies of Enzymatic Reactions: Dielectric Electrostatic and Steric Stabilization of
Multiscale Modeling of Biological Functions: From Enzymes to Molecular Machines (Nobel Lecture),
A. Warshel, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 53, 10020 (2014).
[2] Progresses in Ab Initio QM/MM Free Energy Simulations of Electrostatic Energies in Proteins:
Accelerated QM/MM Studies of pKa, Redox Reactions and Solvation Free Energies, S. C. L.
Kamerlin, M. Haranczyk and A. Warshel, J. Phys. Chem. B, Centennial Feature Article 113, 1253 (2009).
[3] Frozen Density Functional Approach for Ab Initio Calculations of Solvated Molecules, T. A.
Wesolowski and A. Warshel, J. Phys. Chem. 97, 8050 (1993).
[4] Constraining the Electron Densities in DFT Methods as an Effective Way for Ab Initio Studies of
Metal-Catalyzed Reactions. G. Hong, M. Strajbel, T. Wesolowski and A. Warshel, J. Comput.Chem.
21, 1554(2000).
36
Author
:
Qikun Xue
Affiliation
:
Tsinghua University
Title
:
Quantization of the Anomalous Hall Effect
Abstract
Quantum Hall Effect (QHE), a quantized version of the Hall effect, was observed in twodimensional electron systems more than 30 years ago, in which the Hall resistance is
quantized into h/ e2 ( is an integer) plateaus. Occurrence of QHE relies on the formation of
well-defined Landau levels, thus is only possible in high mobility samples and strong external
magnetic field. Here, we report the quantization of the Anomalous Hall Effect in thin films of
Cr/V-doped (Bi,Sb)2Te3 magnetic topological insulator grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Our
work concludes a decades-long search for the quantum Hall effect without Landau levels and
paves a way for developing low-power-consumption electronics and studying topological
quantum effects.
37
Author
:
Jun Ye
Affiliation
:
University of Colorado
Title
:
Measurement at the Quantum Frontier
Abstract
Quantum state engineering of ultracold matter and precise control of optical coherence have
revolutionized a new generation of atomic clocks with accuracy at the 18th digit. This progress
has benefited greatly from microscopic understandings of atomic interactions in the quantum
regime. Meanwhile, the unified front of precision metrology and quantum physics has enabled
exploration of many-body spin systems. Our next clock will have at its core a Fermi
degenerate gas of tens of thousands Sr-87 atoms configured as a band insulator in a threedimensional optical lattice. The correlated, high-density atomic system provides a clear path
for improving the clock performance to the next decimal point, and sets the stage to advance
measurement precision beyond the standard quantum limit. These emerging quantum
technologies will allow us to test the fundamental laws of nature and search for new physics
beyond the Standard Model.
38
Author
:
Sixia Yu
Affiliation
:
University of Science and Technology of China
Title
:
Quantum Contextuality: The Smallest State-Independent Proof
Abstract
Contextuality is a most fundamental feature of quantum theory, possibly identifying an
alternative cause that is different from what we have learnt from the theory of relativity. In this
talk I shall present the smallest state-independent proof of quantum contextuality, which is the
main statement of Kochen-Specker theorem. I shall at first give a brief introduction to the
concept of contextuality, which becomes the more familiar notion of quantum nonlocality in the
case of composite systems with space-like separated observers. Next I shall review briefly
previous proofs of quantum contextuality via logical contradiction as well as the so-called
noncontextuality inequalities. Then I shall present a state-independent proof of quantum
contextuality by using only 13 observables, whereas at least 31 observables are involved in
previous state-independent proofs. Interestingly, the configurations of our 13-observable proof
and a 33-observable proof can be identified in an artwork named “Waterfall” (1961) by M.C.
Escher. Our succinct proof makes it possible the experimental test of quantum contextuality for
the smallest quantum system capable of demonstrating quantum contextuality, i.e. a qutrit, in a
state-independent fashion.
39
Author
:
Shoucheng Zhang
Affiliation
:
Stanford University
Title
:
Discovery of the Chiral Majorana Fermion
Abstract
Majorana fermion is a hypothetical fermionic particle which is its own anti-particle. Intense
research efforts focus on its experimental observation as a fundamental particle in high energy
physics and as a quasi-particle in condensed matter systems. I shall report the theoretical
prediction and the experimental discovery of the chiral Majorana fermion in a topological state
of quantum matter. In the hybrid system of a quantum anomalous Hall thin film coupled with a
conventional superconductor, a series of topological phase transitions are controlled by the
reversal of the magnetization, where the half-integer quantized conductance plateau (0.5e2/h)
is observed as a compelling signature of the Majorana fermion.
40
Author
:
Peter Zoller
Affiliation
:
University of Innsbruck
Title
:
Synthetic Quantum Matter with Cold Atoms and Ions
Abstract
In view of remarkable advances in realizing engineered quantum many-body systems with cold
atoms and ions as ‘quantum computers’ and ‘quantum simulators’, we discuss from a theory
perspective proposals and prospects of next generation experiments at the interface to
condensed matter and high-energy physics. Examples to be discussed include quantum
simulation of lattice gauge theories in analog and digital quantum simulation, and we will
illustrate the ability to access novel observables like entanglement entropies and spectra by
describing corresponding protocols and their implementation. We conclude with an outlook on
open quantum systems.
41
Poster Presenters & Titles
42
Poster Presenters & Titles
1
Jin-Shi Xu (University of Science and Technology of China)
Experimental Quantification of Asymmetric Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Steering
2
Darren Ong (Xiamen University Malaysia)
Understanding the Spreading of a Quantum Walk Using the Spectral Theory of Unitary
Operators
3
Vitalie Eremeev (Universidad Diego Portales)
Spin-Mechanical System Under Weak Measurement Approach
4
Sami AL-Jaber (An-Najah National University)
Uncertainty Relations for Some Central Potentials in N-Dimensional Space
5
Fabio Scardigli (Politecnico Di Milano)
Generalized Uncertainty Principle Parameter from Quantum Corrections to the Newtonian
Potential
6
Piyabut Burikham (Chulalongkorn University)
A New Mass Scale, Implications on Black Hole Evaporation and Holography
7
Zong-Quan Zhou (University of Science and Technology of China)
Experimental Violation of Leggett-Garg Inequality with a Light-Matter Interfaced System
8
Chuan-Feng Li (University of Science and Technology of China)
Experiment on Solid State Quantum Memory
9
Yongjian Han (University and Science and Technology of China)
Simulating the Exchange of Majorana Zero Modes with a Photonic System
10
Yi-Tao Wang (University of Science and Technology of China)
Experimental Investigation of the No-Signalling Principle in Parity–Time Symmetric Theory
Using an Open Quantum System
11
Marvin Flores (University of the Philippines)
Mixtures of Maximally Entangled Pure States
12
Michele Dall'Arno (National University of Singapore)
No-Hypersignaling as a Physical Principle
13
Michele Dall'Arno (National University of Singapore)
Device-Independent Tests of Time-Like Correlations
43
14
Kai Sun (University of Science and Technology of China)
Realization of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Steering Game Based on All-Versus-Nothing Proof
15
Sergey Rashkovskiy (Institute for Problems in Mechanics RAS)
Quantum Mechanics: A Theory of Particles or a Classical Field Theory?
16
Leonardo Ermann (CNEA)
Dynamical Thermalization of Chaotic Bose-Einstein Condensates
17
Jirawat Tangpanitanon (Centre for Quantum Technologies)
Topological Pumping of Photons in Nonlinear Resonator Arrays
18
Choon-Lin Ho (Tamkang University)
Prepotential Approach to Rational Extensions of Solvable Potentials and Exceptional
Orthogonal Polynomials
19
Tian Feng See (Centre for Quantum Technologies)
Diagrammatic Approach to Scattering in Many-Body Photonic Systems
20
Ayman Shahin (Nanyang Technological University)
The Synergistic Effect of Plasma Oxygen and Thermal Treatments on the Performance of
Organic Solar Cells
21
Benliang Li (Nanyang Technological University)
Study of the Aharonov-Bohm Effect: A Derivation of One Particle Quantum Mechanics and
Classical Electromagnetic Fields from Quantum Electrodynamics
22
Xiao-Dong Yu (Shandong University)
A Universal Framework for Quantifying Coherence
23
Zhiyuan Wei (University of Science and Technology of China)
Phase Transition of the Schwinger Model: Qualitative Estimation with MPS of Small Bond
Dimension
24
Dahyun Yum (National University of Singapore)
Optical Qubit of Trapped Barium Ion
25
Anna Paterova (Nanyang Technological University)
Infrared Nonlinear Spectroscopy
26
Haryanto Siahaan (Parahyangan Catholic University)
Some Aspects of Extremal Magnetized Black Holes
44
27
Eny Latifah (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Heat Capacity Ratio of Quantum Systems under Non-Carnot Cycle
28
Ekkarat Pongophas (Mahidol University)
One-Photon and Two-Photon Interferences in a Second-Harmonic-Generation Optical Gating
Michelson Interferometer
29
Amit Rai (National Institute of Technology, India)
Quantum Physics in Waveguide Arrays
30
I Wayan Gede Tanjung Krisnanda (Nanyang Technological University)
Revealing Non-Classicality of Unmeasured Objects
31
Tianhai Zeng (Beijing Institute of Technology)
An Explanation of Interference of Double-Slit and Principle of Superposition of States
32
Shi-Dong Liang (Sun Yat-Sen University)
A Nanoscale Window for Probing Planck Scale Phenomena
33
Ewan Munro (National University of Singapore)
Optical Properties of an Atomic Ensemble Coupled to a Band Edge of a Photonic Crystal
Waveguide
34
Thi Ha Kyaw (Centre for Quantum Technologies)
Parity-Preserving Light-Matter System Mediates Effective Two-Body Interactions
35
Victor Manuel Bastidas Valencia (National University of Singapore)
Driven Open Quantum Systems and Floquet Stroboscopic Dynamics
36
Tobias Haug (Centre for Quantum Technologies)
Configuration of Quantized Chiral Currents in Coupled Atomtronic Ring Ladders
37
Fattah Sakuldee (Mahidol University)
Extraction of Irreversible Actions from the Conditioned Open Quantum System Dynamical
Maps
38
Gleb Maslennikov (Centre for Quantum Technologies)
Quantum Absorption Refrigerator in the Single Shot Regime
39
Ying-Yen Liao (National University of Kaohsiung)
Bell States and Entanglement of Two-Dimensional Polar Molecules in Electric Fields
45
40
Zheng Yang Choong (Hwa Chong Institution)
Building a Sub-Nanometre Resolution Grating Monochromator
41
Andy Chia (National University of Singapore)
Hitting Statistics from Quantum Jumps
42
Eny Latifah (Universitas Negeri Malang)
Heat Capacity Ratio of Quantum Systems under Non-Carnot Cycle
43
Mohd Faudzi Umar (Universiti Putra Malaysia)
Two-Dimensional Plane, Modified Symplectic Structure and Quantization
44
Pak Shen Choong (Universiti Putra Malaysia)
Characterizing Three-Qubit Entanglement Types by Higher Order Singular Value
Decomposition
45
Agus Purwanto (Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology)
Multiple-State Quantum Otto Engine, 1D Box System
46
47
Useful Telephone Numbers
Emergency Numbers
Police:
999
Ambulance:
995
Fire Brigade:
995
Tourist Information Hotline: 1800 736 2000
[Toll-free in Singapore only, operates Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays), 9am to 6pm.]
Medical services
36 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639801
Fullerton Healthcare Group @ Gethin-Jones
It is located at the University Health Service Building
(formerly known as International House), beside the
Student Services Centre
Tel: 6793 6974
6793 6828
Blk 690 Jurong West Central 1, #01-193,
Singapore 640690
Healthway Medical Group
(next to Jurong Point Shopping Maill)
Tel: 6792 1812
6791 5719
Blk 502 Jurong West Ave 1, #01-803,
Singapore 640502
Silver Cross Family Clinic
Tel: 6899 2141
Taxi services
City Cab
6552 2222
SMRT Taxis
6555 8888
TransCab
6555 3333
Premier Taxis
6363 6888
48
SYNOPSIS
T
he years 1925-27 was unique in the history of physics. In the span of only a few
years a lot of the modern quantum mechanics was born and quickly matured. From
the first paper by Werner Heisenberg in the summer of 1925 over the long series of
papers by Erwin Schrödinger in 1926 and the remarkable paper also in 1926 by Max Born
where the statistical nature of quantum mechanics was established, the revolution’s first stage
was completed in 1927 with Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. All these developments were
summed up in the perhaps most famous physics conference ever, the fifth Solvay conference
“Electrons and Photons” in Brussels in 1927. All seventeen out of the twenty-nine participants
were or were to be Nobel laureates.
This conference celebrates this magnificent journey that started 90 years ago. Quantum physics
mechanics has during this period developed in leaps and bounds and this conference will be
devoted to the progress of quantum mechanics since then. It aims to show how universal
quantum mechanics is penetrating all of basic physics. Another aim of the conference is to
highlight how quantum mechanics is at the heart of most modern science applications and
technology.
The conference will bring together the leading experts in the world in most of the basic
fundamental fields of physics but also students and delegates from the public. It will serve as
an interaction platform for students, researchers and other participants to keep abreast of the
current scientific trends in these fast growing areas of physics and technology.
Institute of Advanced Studies
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Executive Centre
60 Nanyang View #04-09
Singapore 639673
Tel: (65) 6790 6491
Fax: (65) 6794 4941
Website: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ias