CPT

Calendar of Physics Talks Vienna

Extreme fluids: From field theory to hydrodynamics and back
Speaker:Pavel Kovtun (Victoria University)
Abstract:Hydrodynamics is a well-established field with a venerable history. In this talk, I will focus on foundational questions in hydrodynamics which one has to understand in order to describe matter at very high temperature and very high density. Do the equations of hydrodynamics even make sense? To what degree can the crudeness of hydrodynamics be improved? What about the phenomena that hydrodynamics should describe but fails to? And why is hydrodynamics secretly a field theory? [Job interview talk]
Date: Mon, 24.02.2025
Time: 09:00
Duration: 75 min
Location:Fachgruppenraum of the Faculty of Physics, Wiedner Hauptstr. 8, Freihaus, yellow area, 1st floor, opposite the Mensa
Contact:Daniel Grumiller

Infinite symmetries, black holes and holography: new pathways to quantum gravity
Speaker:Laura Donnay (SISSA Trieste)
Abstract:Spectacular progress in uncovering the enigmatic quantum nature of gravity and black holes has been achieved thanks to the holographic principle, which posits that quantum gravity is encoded in a theory living at the boundary of spacetime. However, concrete realizations of this principle have so far been restricted to spacetimes with a negative cosmological constant. In this talk, I will present novel symmetry-based approaches that extend the holographic principle beyond its traditional setting, bringing us closer than ever to a holographic description of quantum gravity in realistic spacetimes, including those hosting black holes such as the ones we observe in the sky. [Job interview talk]
Date: Tue, 25.02.2025
Time: 09:00
Duration: 75 min
Location:Fachgruppenraum of the Faculty of Physics, Wiedner Hauptstr. 8, Freihaus, yellow area, 1st floor, opposite the Mensa
Contact:Daniel Grumiller

Transforming Particle Physics with Machine Learning
Speaker:Tilman Plehn (ITP Heidelberg)
Abstract:LHC as one of the most data-intensive scientific endeavors provides the perfect link between fundamental physics research and modern data science. As machine learning is transforming our lives, literally, no aspect of LHC physics is left untouched. This starts with identifying data for classic or optimal analyses and extends to anomaly searches and powerful simulations based on perturbative quantum field theory. I will give a few examples for the transformative power of modern machine learning in particle physics, show how our understanding of uncertainties adds new flavors to machine learning, and explain how generative neural networks allow us to realize our dream of making LHC data available to a broad scientific community.
Date: Tue, 25.02.2025
Time: 11:00
Duration: 60 min
Location:PSK (Postsparkasse) meeting rooms 3A 1/2 (in the 3rd floor)
Contact:Claudius Krause (HEPHY)

Higgs Bison Party Time
Speaker:Paul Romatschke (Colorado University)
Abstract:The discovery of the Higgs Boson in high energy physics and Parity-Time reversal symmetry in quantum mechanics feature among the most important physics discoveries of the 21st century. In this talk, I will argue that the two are in fact linked, which leads to surprising predictions for the Standard Model of Particle Physics. [Job interview talk]
Date: Wed, 26.02.2025
Time: 09:00
Duration: 75 min
Location:Fachgruppenraum of the Faculty of Physics, Wiedner Hauptstr. 8, Freihaus, yellow area, 1st floor, opposite the Mensa
Contact:Daniel Grumiller

Finding exact results in quantum field theory and string theory
Speaker:Alessandro Sfondrini (Padua University)
Abstract:Much of our physical insight relies on understanding in full detail some key models which are simple enough to be solved, but rich enough to be interesting - like the Kepler problem, the Lenz-Ising model, or the hydrogen atom. The key to solving such models is discovering and exploiting their symmetries. In this talk I will explain how this strategy can be applied to certain quantum field theories in two spacetime dimensions, and in some cases even to string theory. Finally, I will discuss the obstacles in generalising this approach to higher-dimensional QFTs, and propose a way to overcome them. [Job interview talk]
Date: Thu, 27.02.2025
Time: 09:00
Duration: 75 min
Location:Fachgruppenraum of the Faculty of Physics, Wiedner Hauptstr. 8, Freihaus, yellow area, 1st floor, opposite the Mensa
Contact:Daniel Grumiller

TBA
Speaker:Michal Heller (Gent University)
Abstract:TBA [Job interview talk]
Date: Fri, 28.02.2025
Time: 09:00
Duration: 75 min
Location:Fachgruppenraum of the Faculty of Physics, Wiedner Hauptstr. 8, Freihaus, yellow area, 1st floor, opposite the Mensa
Contact:Daniel Grumiller