Seminars

I will discuss the problem of unreasonable effectiveness of random matrix theory for description of spectral fluctuations in extended quantum lattice systems. A class of locally interacting spin systems has been recently identified where the spectral form factor is proven to match with gaussian or circular ensembles of random matrix theory, and where spatiotemporal correlation functions of local observables as well as some measures of dynamical complexity can

For many years, since the beginning of the 19th century, the existence of magnetism in low dimensions has been both desired and controversial. It was long thought, that magnetic orders in low dimensional systems could not be realized at temperatures different from zero. At least, this was what the Mermin-Wagner

Finding the time dependent perturbation that extracts the maximal amount of energy (a.k.a. ergotropy) from a thermally isolated quantum system is a central, solved, problem in quantum thermodynamics. Notably, the same problem has been long studied for classical systems as well, e.g., in the field of plasma physics, but a general solution is still

We will review the research areas currently developed at the Quantum Communication Group in Malta, with the aim of generating collaboration between the groups. Particular emphasis would be placed on novel security proof techniques and the optimization of quantum-classical channel capacity.

I will discuss the integrability property of a stochastic and quantum deformation of the Rule 54 cellular automaton: the simplest microscopic (deterministic) reversible model in 1+1 discrete space and time dimensions with strong local interactions. First, I will introduce the Rule 54 model and its two deformations: In the stochastic

Continuous-variable quantum systems enable encoding complex states in fewer modes through large-scale non-Gaussian states. Motion, as a continuous degree of freedom, underlies phenomena from Cooper pair dynamics to levitated macroscopic objects. Hence, realizing high-energy, spatially extended motional states remains key for advancing quantum sensing, simulation, and foundational tests. In the

Quantum key distribution is well known to be an essentially quantum task, which is not possible by purely classical means. After being suggested on the basis of strongly nonclassical single-photon states and direct photodetection in the discrete-variable approach, it was later extended to continuous variables, using Gaussian states and coherent

The foundations of quantum physics like superposition and entanglement put our everyday understanding of physical reality into question. At the same time, they provide the basis for a host of novel quantum applications. Entanglement will be the key resource for future quantum networks, where it will be used for quantum

Within the last two decades, Quantum Technologies have made tremendous progress, from proof of principle demonstrations to real life applications, such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs). We will discuss the results that we have recently obtained in our group at the University of Padova

It is possible to engineer the properties of photons in an optical medium to have an effective mass and repulsive interactions, so that they act like a gas of atoms These “renormalized photons” are called polaritons In the past decade, several experiments have demonstrated many of the canonical effects of

The study of strongly correlated matter is a central focus in quantum many-body physics. Despite the inherent complexity of systems with numerous interacting components and degrees of freedom, such as Fermi liquids and superfluids, these systems can often be described by relatively simple and elegant quasiparticle models. A key example of

In the fields of optoelectronics and photochemistry there is growing interest in studying the response to optical excitation of organic molecules, films and interfaces, as these systems are of fundamental relevance for the development of the next generation of environmentally sustainable optoelectronic devices and catalysts. In order to probe the

Prime numbers play a crucial role in mathematics being the key elements for the factorization of the integers. The idea to use them for designing a quantum abacus has recently received a new support from the experimental realization of a single-particle quantum Schrodinger Hamiltonian whose eigenvalues are given by the

Diving into the fascinating realm of quantum systems, the seminar will offer a panoramic view of long-range interactions. Starting with an encompassing tour of critical phenomena in systems featuring power-law interactions 1/𝑟𝛼 at 𝛼 < 𝑑, we’ll unveil the intricate equilibrium scaling dependence on the power-law exponent α. We will

Testing the limits of validity of the superposition principle is of crucial importance in the foundations of quantum mechanics and the development of quantum technologies. A way to quantify possible breakdowns of the superposition principle is given by collapse models. These models modify the Schrödinger equation, by adding non-linear and

The physical properties of many complex Quantum Materials (QM), like transition metal oxides, are the results of a complex interplay among electrons, phonons, and magnons. This complexity makes the properties of QM highly susceptible to external factors such as pressure, doping, magnetic fields, or temperature. This leads to the intricate

In addition to the usual projective measurements, quantum mechanics allows for alternative ways to extract information from a quantum system. Some of these lead to a quasi-probability distribution for the observable measured which are not positively defined. In perfect analogy with the Wigner quasiprobability distribution, the presence of negative regions

As the 21st century unfolds, quantum physics and information theory continue to increase their impact on science and modern technology. Today, a frontier of our current knowledge is made by Complex Quantum Systems: many-body, out-of-equilibrium, open quantum systems interacting with highly structured environments. From gauge theories to complex molecules and

Recent experiments with quantum simulators and noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices have demonstrated unparalleled capabilities of probing many-body wave functions, via directly probing them at the single quantum level via projective measurements. However, very little is known about how to interpret and analyze such huge datasets. This represents a fundamental challenge

The so-called second quantum technological revolution is evolving at a rapid pace and promises significant impacts not only on science but also within the industrial sector. Progress in this field critically relies on efficient methods for controlling the quantum properties of systems and their dynamics. In this talk we are

Artificial atoms in solids are leading candidates for quantum networks, scalable quantum computing, and sensing, as they combine long-lived spins with mobile and robust photonic qubits. A central goal is to realize photonic platforms that can scale and individually address and control single atoms. Recently, silicon has emerged as a

CERN has started its Quantum Technology Initiative in order to investigate the use of quantum technologies in High Energy Physics (HEP). A three-year roadmap and research programme has been defined in collaboration with the HEP and quantum-technology research communities. In this context, initial pilot projects have been set up at