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Seminar
Measurement-Prepared Quantum Phases and Phase Transitions: from Ising Model to Gauge Theory, and Beyond
Speaker Prof. Zhen Bi, The Pennsylvania State University
Date 24 November 2022 (Thursday)
Time 15:00 - 16:30
Venue Mixed-Mode
• To join the talk in person: Room 4475, Academic Building, HKUST (Lifts 25-26)
• To join the talk online: Zoom Link: https://hkust.zoom.us/j/97423194077?pwd=dkFlOE81Y2JTL1kvd3RpRElqN3QwUT09
Meeting ID: 974 2319 4077, Passcode: 709501
Abstract

In condensed matter physics, we usually think about quantum phases and phase transitions in the context of equilibrium many-body system. In this talk, we consider a slightly different setup to prepare quantum phases and phase transitions with shallow quantum circuit and measurements. First, I will talk about ways one can prepare interesting quantum states, including topological order, symmetry breaking state, etc., by measuring a so-called resource state. Then I will show that with post-selection one can tune a phase transition between certain quantum states by changing a continuous parameter in the measurements. This measurement-prepared quantum critical state corresponds to the so-called conformal quantum critical points where the equal-time correlators exhibit spatial conformal invariance. This establishes an exact correspondence between the measurement-prepared critical states and conformal field theories of a range of critical spin models, including familiar Ising models and gauge theories. Without post-selection, we can show the correspondence between the ensemble of quantum states prepared by measurements and the ensemble of the ferromagnetic RBIM along the special path called Nishimori line. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism in which a quantum critical wavefunction emerges, providing new practical ways to study quantum phases and conformal quantum critical points.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS