BIMSA-Tsinghua Quantum Symmetry Seminar

2025

About

This is a seminar organized by Zhengwei Liu, Linzhe Huang, Sebastien Palcoux, Yilong Wang and Jinsong Wu. The topics range in the broad area of quantum mathematics and physics, including but not limited to

  • Topological Quantum Field Theory
  • Tensor Categories
  • Subfactor Theory
  • Vertex Operator Algebras
  • Quantum Information
  • Quantum Computation
  • Low-Dimensional Topology
Jun 25, 2025
Speaker:
David Reutter, University of Hamburg
Title:
Minimal nondegenerate extensions (title TBC)
Time:
15:00 ~ 16:30 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

TBD

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1090/jams/1023

May 21, 2025
Speaker:
Sijie Luo , Central South University
Title:
Noncommutative Functional Inequalities and their Applications to the Quantum KKL-conjecture
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:
This talk will focus on our recent advancements in noncommutative functional inequalities. Firstly, I will provide an overview of the background and motivations behind the development of functional inequalities. Some well-known results, such as Poincare inequality, log-Sobolev inequality, and Talagrand inequality, will be recalled. Next, I will discuss our recent results on the noncommutative functional inequalities, including the noncommutative Eldan-Gross inequality and the p-log-Sobolev inequality for general noncommutative hypercontractive semigroups. Finally, I will conclude the talk by showing how our results can be applied to provide an alternative answer to the quantum KKL conjecture. This talk is based on the joint work of J. Yong, D. Zanin, and D. J. Zhou
May 14, 2025
Speaker:
Cédric Arhancet, Lapérouse high school in Albi, France
Title:
Entanglement-assisted classical capacities of some channels acting as multipliers on fermion algebras
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

In this talk, we will present a precise computation of the (optimal) rate at which classical information can be transmitted through some quantum channels from a sender to a receiver when they share an unlimited amount of entanglement. The channels under investigation belong to a new class of unital quantum channels acting on matrix algebras, which act as multipliers when the matrix algebra is identified with a finite-dimensional fermion algebra. Our approach relies on an ergodic action of the discrete hypercube \(\{−1, 1\}^n\) on the fermion algebra.

If time permits, we will also discuss how this method can be greatly generalized to encompass any ergodic action of a compact abelian group, thereby introducing a broad class of quantum channels for which the aforementioned transmission rate can be explicitly computed for each ergodic action.

References:

https://arxiv.org/abs/2008.12019

and

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfa.2024.110790 (Journal of Functional Analysis)

Speaker Intro:

Cédric teaches to second-year students while also conducting research in Functional Analysis. He has already published over 20 papers, many of which appear in prestigious journals such as Advances in Mathematics, Journal of Functional Analysis, Transactions of the AMS.

Apr 09, 2025
Speaker:
Mateusz Wasilewski, Institute of Mathematics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Title:
A quantum Frucht’s theorem and quantum automorphisms of quantum Cayley graphs
Time:
15:00 ~ 16:30 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-2-201
Online:
Zoom 928 682 9093 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

TBD

Reference: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.11149 (by Michael Brannan, Daniel Gromada, Junichiro Matsuda, Adam Skalski, Mateusz Wasilewski)

Paper’s abstract: We establish a quantum version of Frucht’s Theorem, proving that every finite quantum group is the quantum automorphism group of an undirected finite quantum graph. The construction is based on first considering several quantum Cayley graphs of the quantum group in question, and then providing a method to systematically combine them into a single quantum graph with the right symmetry properties. We also show that the dual Γˆ of any non-abelian finite group Γ is ``quantum rigid’’. That is, Γˆ always admits a quantum Cayley graph whose quantum automorphism group is exactly Γˆ.

Speaker Intro:

Mateusz is an assistant professor at the Institute of Mathematics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. From 2018 to 2021, he was a postdoc at KU Leuven (his supervisor was Stefaan Vaes). In June 2018, he obtained a PhD from the Institute of Mathematics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (under the supervision of Adam Skalski).

Apr 02, 2025
Speaker:
Qing Zhang (张庆), University of California, Santa Barbara
Title:
Realizing modular data from centers of near-group categories
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

In this talk, I will discuss the modular data arising from the Drinfeld centers of near-group categories. I will begin by discussing a near-group category of type \(Z\)/4\(Z\)×\(Z\)/4\(Z\)+16 and explain how the modular data of its Drinfeld center can be computed by solving Izumi’s polynomial equations. I will then show that modular data of rank 10 can be obtained via condensation of its Drinfeld center and present an alternative realization of this data through the Drinfeld center of a fusion category of rank 4. Finally, I will discuss the modular data of the Drinfeld center of a near-group category of type \(Z\)/8\(Z\)+8 and demonstrate that the non-pointed factor of its condensation coincides with the modular data of the quantum group category \({C}\)(\({g}\)_2, 4). This talk is based on joint work with Zhiqiang Yu.

Reference: https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.20763

Speaker Intro:

Qing Zhang received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her primary research focuses on tensor categories, with an emphasis on the classification and construction of modular and super-modular categories.

Mar 26, 2025
Speaker:
Takehiko Mori (森孟彦), Chiba University
Title:
Application of Operator Theory for the Collatz Conjecture
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

The Collatz map (or the 3n+1-map) f is defined on positive integers by setting f(n) equal to 3n+1 when n is odd and n/2 when n is even. The Collatz conjecture states that starting from any positive integer n, some iterate of f takes value 1. In this study, we discuss formulations of the Collatz conjecture by C∗-algebras in the following three ways: (1) single operator, (2) two operators, and (3) Cuntz algebra. For the C∗-algebra generated by each of these, we consider the condition that it has no non-trivial reducing subspaces. For (1), we prove that the condition implies the Collatz conjecture. In the cases (2) and (3), we prove that the condition is equivalent to the Collatz conjecture. For similar maps, we introduce equivalence relations by them and generalize connections between the Collatz conjecture and irreducibility of associated C∗-algebras.

References: arXiv:2411.08084

Speaker Intro:

Takehiko Mori was born and grew up in Japan. After receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chiba University, he enrolled in the doctoral program at the same university and continued. The area of expertise is operator algebras and their applications. He has been studying connections between operator algebras and dynamical systems.

Mar 19, 2025
Speaker:
Alexei Davydov, Ohio University
Title:
Witt group of non-degenerate braided fusion categories
Time:
14:00 ~ 15:30 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-2-301
Online:
Zoom 230 432 7880 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

The collection of non-degenerate braided fusion categories possesses a certain equivalence relation, the so-called Witt equivalence (invertible morphisms in the higher Morita category). The set of equivalence classes form an abelian group (the Witt group). Although this group has been calculated as an abstract group (as a direct sum of cyclic groups) not much is known about its generators.

Speaker Intro:

Professor Alexei Davydov got his PhD from Moscow University 1992, and worked at Moscow University as assistant professor from 1990 to 1998. After working at National University of Singapore, Macquarie University and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, he became a visiting professor at University of New Hampshire. Professor Davydov have been working at Ohio University since 2012, and became a professor there since 2019. Professor Davydov is interested in algebra, representation theory and their connections to mathematical physics, specializing in Hopf algebras, quantum groups, tensor categories and their applications in conformal field theory.

Mar 19, 2025
Speaker:
Keshab Chandra Bakshi, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
Title:
A pair of Hadamard matrices and subfactors
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

Given a pair of inequivalent complex Hadamard matrices of order 4, we construct a potentially new class of infinite depth subfactors. We also examine `two subfactor theory’ when the complex Hadamard matrices of order n are equivalent. We apply our results to explicitly construct the value of the corresponding relative entropy and angle operators between the spin model subfactors. Joint work with Satyajit Guin and Guruprasad.

References:

https://doi.org/10.1142/S0129167X2450071X (International Journal of Mathematics)

and

https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.01664

Speaker Intro:

Keshab is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. He earned his Ph.D. from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (HBNI), under the supervision of Prof. V. S. Sunder. His research focuses on topics in C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras, with a particular emphasis on Jones’ subfactor theory.

Mar 13, 2025
Speaker:
Alexei Davydov, Ohio University
Title:
Braided tensor categories:Definition and basic properties
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 482 240 1589 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

This talk is a continuation of the previous lecture. We will go over the following topics: Operadic formulation of the definition (introduction to operads, cat-operad models of e_2 and e_3), examples (pointed categories, Eilenberg-MacLane cohomology), basic constructions (monoidal centre, commutative algebras, local modules) and completely anisotropic categories (symmetric, braided)

Speaker Intro:

Professor Alexei Davydov got his PhD from Moscow University 1992, and worked at Moscow University as assistant professor from 1990 to 1998. After working at National University of Singapore, Macquarie University and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, he became a visiting professor at University of New Hampshire. Professor Davydov have been working at Ohio University since 2012, and became a professor there since 2019. Professor Davydov is interested in algebra, representation theory and their connections to mathematical physics, specializing in Hopf algebras, quantum groups, tensor categories and their applications in conformal field theory.

Mar 12, 2025
Speaker:
Sk Asfaq Hossain, IISER Bhopal, India
Title:
Quantum symmetry in multigraphs
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

Quantum symmetry in simple graphs is a well-explored topic within noncommutative mathematics. It has also gained increasing significance in quantum information theory in recent years. In this talk, we will introduce various notions of quantum symmetry in finite multigraphs in the category of compact quantum groups, naturally extending the well-known constructions done by Banica and Bichon in the context of simple graphs. Towards the end of the talk, we will discuss some examples and applications of our constructions.

References:

arXiv:2302.08726, arXiv:2403.00481 (with Debashish Goswami)

Speaker Intro:

Asfak completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Professor Debashish Goswami at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, on December 1, 2023. His research primarily focuses on quantum symmetries of finite spaces and their applications across various areas of mathematics and physics. He is also exploring other areas of noncommutative mathematics as well. Currently, he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal. The talk he will be presenting at the BIMSA-Tsinghua Quantum Symmetry Seminar is based on his doctoral research.

Mar 05, 2025
Speaker:
Alexei Davydov, Ohio University
Title:
Monoidal (tensor) categories
Time:
15:00 ~ 16:30 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-4-301
Online:
Zoom 293 812 9202 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

This is a first lecture in a series introducing the basic notions and facts needed for the Witt group of non-degenerate braided fusion categories. This introduction will be motivated (and guided) by the language of E_n-operads.

Speaker Intro:

Professor Alexei Davydov got his PhD from Moscow University 1992, and worked at Moscow University as assistant professor from 1990 to 1998. After working at National University of Singapore, Macquarie University and Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, he became a visiting professor at University of New Hampshire. Professor Davydov have been working at Ohio University since 2012, and became a professor there since 2019. Professor Davydov is interested in algebra, representation theory and their connections to mathematical physics, specializing in Hopf algebras, quantum groups, tensor categories and their applications in conformal field theory.

Mar 05, 2025
Speaker:
Adrian Ioana, University of California, San Diego
Title:
Wreath-like product groups and their von Neumann algebras: W*-superrigidity and outer automorphism groups
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

Wreath-like products are a new class of groups, which are close relatives of the classical wreath products. Examples of wreath-like product groups arise from every non-elementary hyperbolic groups by taking suitable quotients. As a consequence, unlike classical wreath products, many wreath-like products have Kazhdan’s property (T).

In this talk, I will focus on two main rigidity results for von Neumann algebras of wreath-like product groups obtained in joint work with Ionut Chifan, Denis Osin and Bin Sun. First, we show that any ICC group G in a natural family of wreath-like products with property (T) is W*-superrigid: the group II1 factor L(G) remembers entirely the isomorphism class of G. This provides the first examples of W*-superrigid groups with property (T), confirming Connes’ rigidity conjecture from the early 1980s for these groups.

Second, for a wider class wreath-like products with property (T), we show that any isomorphism of their group von Neumann algebras arises from an isomorphism of the groups. As an application, we prove that any countable group can be realized as the outer automorphism group of L(G), for an ICC property (T) group G. This gives the first calculations of outer automorphism groups of II1 factors arising from property (T) groups, and can be viewed as a converse of Connes’ 1980 result showing that any such outer automorphism group is countable.

References:

arXiv:2111.04708 (Ann. of Math. 2023)

arXiv:2304.07457

arXiv:2402.19461

Speaker Intro:

Adrian Ioana is a Professor at the University of California, San Diego, acclaimed for his groundbreaking work in functional analysis, operator algebras, and ergodic theory, with a particular focus on von Neumann algebras and group actions. He was an invited speaker at the International Congress of Mathematicians in 2018.

Feb 26, 2025
Speaker:
Hanbin Zhang (张汉斌), Sun Yat-sen University, School of Mathematics
Title:
Zero-sum sequences in algebraic combinatorics
Time:
10:30 ~ 12:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:
Let G be an additive finite abelian group. A sequence S (with elements from G) is called a zero-sum sequence over G, if the sum of all elements of S is the identity of G. Besides its importance in additive number theory (due to classical works of Erdos-Ginzburg-Ziv, Davenport, Olson, Alon, et al.), the studies of zero-sum sequences arose naturally in many topics in algebraic combinatorics: group permanent, invariant theory, cyclic sieving phenomenon, coding theory, et al. In this talk, we will present our recent progress on these topics.
Feb 19, 2025
Speaker:
Matthew Yu, Oxford University
Title:
The Classification of Fusion 2-Categories
Time:
16:00 ~ 18:30 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:

Fusion 2-categories are used to describe the fusion of 2-spacetime-dimensional surface operator, and describe the symmetries in (2+1)d quantum field theories. I will explain how to classify fusion 2-categories using braided fusion categories and group cohomological data. This is the crux of the classification, and what makes it homotopy coherent, is an equivalence between the 3-groupoid of (multi)fusion 2-categories up to monoidal equivalences and a certain 3-groupoid of commuting squares of BZ/2-equivariant space. I will present the data of these such commuting squares, and finally touch on a few applications of the classification.

Reference: arXiv:2411.05907

Speaker Intro:

Matthew Yu is a postdoc at the mathematical institute at the University of Oxford. Before that, he earned his PhD at the University of Waterloo, while working at the Perimeter Institute for theoretical physics. He focuses on studying mathematical aspects of quantum field and string theory, bringing in ideas of homotopy theory and higher (fusion) categories.

Jan 10, 2025
Speaker:
Fei Wei (魏菲), University of Sussex
Title:
On joint moments of characteristic polynomials from the CUE
Time:
16:00 ~ 17:00 (Beijing Time)
Venue:
A3-3-301
Online:
Zoom 242 742 6089 (BIMSA)
Abstract:
In this talk, I will firstly introduce some background on the problem of joint moments of the characteristic polynomial of a random unitary matrix. Secondly, I will discuss the connections between joint moments and integrable systems, specifically, connections to solutions of the sigma-Painleve V and the sigma-Painleve III’ equations, respectively. Thirdly, I will talk about the applications of these results, including explicit formulae for joint moments of finite matrix size, an efficient way to compute the expectation of some random variables arise from a determinantal process.