Silke Weinfurtner (Nottingham): Quantum simulators for fundamental physics

Montag, 22. März 2021 17:00

Zoom Meeting: oeaw-ac-at.zoom.us/j/92729781190

 

Analogue gravity summarises an effort to mimic physical processes that occur in the interplay between general relativity and field theory in a controlled laboratory environment. The aim is to provide insights in phenomena that would otherwise elude observation: when gravitational interactions are strong, when quantum effects are important, and/or on length scales that stretch far beyond the observable Universe. The most promising analogue gravity systems up to date are fluids, superfluids, superconducting circuits, ultra-cold atoms, and optical systems. While deepening our understanding of the laboratory systems at hand, the long-term vision of analogue gravity studies is to advance fundamental physics through interdisciplinary research, by establishing and nurturing a new culture of collaboration between the various communities involved. I will discuss recent efforts to explore the quantum origin of the Universe, accelerated observer radiation, and rotating black hole physics in the laboratory.

Foto: Barbara Mair