Speaker: Sarah Shandera (Penn State)
Host: Prof. Surabhi Sachdev
Title: Open quantum systems in cosmology
Abstract: The open questions in cosmology have been open for decades: Why is the present-day universe undergoing accelerated expansion? What is the particle physics behind the origin of structure in the universe? What is the dark matter? All of these questions must be answered in the framework of a quantum theory, and at least two also require quantum gravity. I will discuss why open quantum systems, where an unobserved environment affects the evolution of the observed system, are starting to play a more prominent role in cosmology and how they help to generate new ideas for long-standing puzzles.
Event Details
Date/Time:
-
Date:Monday, September 25, 2023 - 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Location:
Marcus Nanotechnology Bldg. Room: 1116-1118
