Dr. Ryan MacLellan, University of Kentucky

Title: TBA

Abstract: TBA

Dr. Emmanuel Momjian, National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Title: The Highest Redshift Quasars at the Highest Angular Resolutions 

Abstract: Quasars at the highest redshifts offer laboratories to study the interplay among supermassive black holes, the host galaxies and their larger environments during one of universe's most transformative epochs. In recent years, optical surveys revealed large samples of quasars out to z ≥ 7, and studies have shown that at such high redshifts we are effectively within the Epoch of Reionization, when the first stars and massive black holes were formed. Despite the large number of quasars discovered at high redshifts, observations at radio wavelengths show that only some are radio loud.

In this talk, I will present very high angular resolution studies on various radio-loud and radio-quiet quasars at redshifts z > 4. I will showcase results on extreme infra-red emitters at z > 4,  the most extended radio source discovered at z~6 and the highest redshift radio-loud source known-to-date within the Epoch of Reionization, at z=7. Throughout the presentation, I will briefly overview the radio-mm instruments used for these studies and conclude with some remarks on the next generation radio interferometer that will revolutionize this field of research and astronomy in general. 

Dr. Charles Cao, Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Title: From quantum error correction to quantum gravity -- and back again

Abstract: Recent advances in quantum computing have generated tremendous excitement. Quantum bits, however, are easily corrupted and protocols called quantum error correction are essential for maintaining quantum coherence during the computation process. Although quantum error correction may sound like a purely engineering concept, it bears a surprising connection to quantum gravity. In this talk, I will discuss how techniques developed to protect quantum information against decoherence have reshaped the way we think about spacetime and gravity. Conversely, insights from quantum gravity have inspired powerful “quantum Lego” design principles, allowing us to construct quantum error-correcting codes piece by piece, much like playing with Lego blocks.

Dr. Kate Scholberg, Duke University

Title: How to Spot a Supernova from Deep Underground

Abstract: Stellar core collapses create enormous bursts of 10ths-of-MeV neutrinos on a timescale of a few 10ths of seconds after collapse and preceding optical fireworks by hours or days. These neutrinos can be observed in underground neutrino detectors worldwide. The neutrinos themselves carry directional information that can be exploited to determine the position of the supernova (or of the compact remnant, in the case of failed explosion) on the sky. I will give an overview of methods for low-latency pointing to core-collapse events with neutrino detectors.

Title: Quantum Twisting Microscopy of Moiré Flat Bands: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract: Moiré materials with tunable flat bands provide an exceptional platform for realizing strongly correlated and topological phases. Achieving a detailed understanding of their electronic structure, however, remains a major challenge. The recently developed quantum twisting microscope introduces a new tunneling probe for van der Waals materials. In this talk, I will present a theoretical framework for both elastic and inelastic tunneling spectroscopy of moiré flat bands using the quantum twisting microscope. I will discuss how this technique can enable momentum-resolved measurements of electronic spectral functions, neutral collective excitations and superconducting gap structures in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene.