Project Grant 2313858

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) provides $290,000 in funding from August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2026 to the Regents of the University of Minnesota to conduct theoretical research on novel phases of matter and physical phenomena arising from constraints in many-particle quantum systems.

The research has two main focus areas: 1) exploring the interplay between topology and highly constraining symmetries, such as subsystem symmetry, to understand different classes of gapless boundary modes and topological defect networks, and 2) examining how constraints impact the dynamics of open quantum systems, with a focus on understanding when slow dynamics can arise to preserve quantum coherence. The project also supports the principal investigator's efforts to modernize the undergraduate quantum mechanics curriculum, transition a quantum computation and information course to a regular offering, train graduate students in analytical and numerical skills, and coordinate events to attract women and minorities to the physics major.