Triangle Seminars

Abstract:
As parameters in quantum mechanics are slowly varied, states
undergo a non-Abelian holonomy known as Berry phase. I will review the ideas behind the Berry phase and explain how supersymmetry imposes restrictions on the holonomy. The associated non-Abelian gauge connections must obey certain first order equations which are related to the self-dual
Yang-Mills equations, specifically the Hitchin equations, tt star equations, and Bogomolnyi equations. I will end by showing how one can build a BPS 't Hooft-Polyakov monopole in the lab.

Abstract:
I will discuss the expansion of a Bose-Einstein condensate, released from a harmonic trap, in the presence of a random potential. The potential causes scattering of the condensate, preventing its free propagation. Under appropriate conditions some part of the condensate will get stuck (Anderson localization), whereas the rest will diffuse away. Expansion
of a cold Fermi gas will be also discussed.

Abstract:
Spinorial geometry techniques provide new ways to analyze
supersymmetric solutions of supergravity theories in a systematic fashion. I will describe how one can apply these methods to classify solutions of type IIB supergravity which preserve large amounts of supersymmetry. In particular, this provides a proof that solutions preserving exactly 31/32 of the supersymmetry do not exist, which resolves a long-standing open question.

Abstract:
We consider the large spin expansions of anomalous dimensions for twist
operators in N=4 SYM and their AdS counterpart in terms of energies of
some classical string configurations. Evidence is given, both at weak
and strong coupling in perturbation theory, that they respect a
generalization of the property known in QCD as Gribov-Lipatov
reciprocity.

Abstract:

The seminar had to be cancelled, but will be held next term.