Physics

Abstract: Cusped line defects play an important role in quantum field theory, with applications ranging from scattering amplitudes to quantum quenches and Casimir-energy computations. In this talk, I will discuss general properties of cusped line...

Abstract: In previous work, Chandrasekaran, Longo, Penington, and Witten (CLPW) constructed an algebra for an observer in a de Sitter static patch. I will discuss how this algebra is affected by gravitational corrections. I will work in the eikonal...

Abstract: Cosmic relics such as the cosmic neutrino background (CνB) are among the most compelling and elusive targets in fundamental physics. With conventional detectors, the interaction rate is so small that a 10-cm sphere of matter would see...

Abstract: I will present a class of exactly solvable lattice models of bosonic modes on the square lattice that realize chiral topological phases described by U(1)_{2n}​ Chern-Simons theory. The key ingredient is a factorization of the bosonic...

Abstract: The Lambda-CDM cosmological model predicts a wealth of small-scale structures, including dark matter subhalos residing within more massive halos such as that of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Some of these subhalos may be massive enough to host...

Abstract: We consider the scattering problem of weakly nonlinear gravity waves on the surface of a two-dimensional incompressible fluid of infinite depth. The leading nonlinear dynamics is governed by four-wave interactions; however, a surprising...

Abstract: I will discuss the quantum resource known as magic and its analysis in many-fermion systems such as the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. I will show that the SYK calculation of magic can be quantitatively modeled with a gravity calculation...

Abstract: Gravitational-wave astronomy is entering a regime in which detections are sufficiently numerous to support population-level statistical inference. The standard tool is hierarchical Bayesian inference, which is powerful but does not...

Abstract: What happens when we scatter a large number $n$ of particles, say with $n = 10^1000$? This question is out of reach of all existing approaches to scattering amplitudes, whether directly through Feynman diagrams or recursion relations. In...

Abstract: In this talk, I will survey key geometric and analytic aspects of black hole perturbations, focusing on recent advances in understanding their dynamical stability, with a particular emphasis on the recent proof of the full nonlinear...