As such, it features talks on both fundamental many-body physics as well as their exploitation in devices, covering all aspects of quantum phenomena in condensed matter and synthetic many-body systems, and their theoretical description.
The aim for these colloquia is to be accessible to a wider audience compared to a typical group seminar, and everyone is most welcome to attend them!
Click below to see details of the upcoming and previous talks. Please check this page regularly to keep informed as speakers are confirmed and details of their talks are added to the list.
Venue and time: 07 May 2025 at 16:15 in the Lecture Theatre (RDC)
Title: Quantum Computational Physics
Abstract: Computational physics is shifting from classical computing resources to pivoting towards quantum hardware, allowing for “quantum on quantum” simulations. In this talk we will discuss the “assembler-level” of such quantum computing, asking what kind of quantum many-body phenomena one can induce in digital quantum circuits that employ not only the conventional set of unitary gates, but also mid-circuit measurements and active feedback. In essence, such quantum circuits allow for the dynamical creation, manipulation and decoding of collective entanglement structures. We will discuss quantum criticality in shallow circuits, including Nishimori universality, and map rich phase diagrams through RG flows, supported by simulations on IBM’s 127-qubit quantum processors.
Venue and time: 21 May 2025 at 16:15, Lecture Theatre, RDC
Title: New Frontiers in Superconducting Quantum Hardware
Abstract: Superconducting quantum circuits have made impressive advances, yet face core limitations that hinder coherence, reproducibility, and scalability. Chief among these are decoherence from two-level systems (TLS), the variability of amorphous tunnel barriers, and constraints from low-gap superconductors like aluminum. In this talk, I will present our group’s efforts to overcome these challenges by developing a fully niobium-based fabrication process featuring in-situ trilayer Nb/AlO_x/Nb junctions. This approach yields cleaner interfaces, improved junction uniformity, and enables operation at higher frequencies and temperatures thanks to niobium’s larger superconducting gap. These advances directly address the limitations imposed by the low cooling power available at millikelvin temperatures—typically just a few hundred microwatts at 100 mK—by allowing qubit operation closer to 1 K and reducing thermal sensitivity and constraints. We are also pursuing nanobridge junctions as a promising alternative to tunnel junctions, eliminating dielectric barriers and potentially reducing TLS -related loss. Beyond device-level improvements, our fabrication process is designed with scalability and foundry compatibility in mind, supporting reproducible and manufacturable superconducting quantum technologies. Finally, I will highlight our work on integrating control and readout electronics into the cryogenic environment, a key step toward compact, scalable quantum processors. Together, these developments support the global effort to push superconducting qubit platforms beyond current architectural and material limitations, paving the way toward more robust, scalable, and commercially viable quantum computing systems. Target applications include quantum simulation, combinatorial optimization, materials discovery, and fault-tolerant computing.
Venue and time: 04 June 2025 at 16:15, Lecture Theatre, RDC
Title: The Magic of Moiré Quantum Matter
Abstract:
The understanding of strongly-interacting quantum matter has challenged physicists for decades. The discovery seven years ago of correlated phases and superconductivity in magic angle twisted bilayer graphene has led to the emergence of a new materials platform to investigate strongly interacting physics, namely moiré quantum matter. These systems exhibit a plethora of quantum phases, such as correlated insulators, superconductivity, magnetism, ferroelectricity, and more. In this talk I will review some of the recent advances in the field, focusing on the newest generation of moiré quantum systems, where correlated physics, superconductivity, and other fascinating phases can be studied with unprecedented tunability. I will end the talk with an outlook of some exciting directions in this emerging field.