Details
Speaker Name/Affiliation
Ben Lev / Stanford University
When
-
Seminar Type
Location (Room)
JILA Auditorium
Event Details & Abstracts
Spin glasses are canonical examples of complex matter and form a basis for describing artificial neural networks. Repeatable control over microscopic degrees of freedom might open a new window into their structure and dynamics. I will present how we achieved this at the atomic level using a quantum-optical system comprised of ultracold gases of atoms coupled via photons resonating within multimode cavities. The controllability provided by this new spin glass system has allowed us to directly measure spin dynamics and replica symmetry breaking, yielding the first direct observation of ultrametricity in a physical system. We use this spin glass to realize an associative memory with a capacity exceeding that of the Hopfield model.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.