Mark Hirsbrunner
The primary goal of my research is understanding the subtle relationship between topological quantum matter and lattice geometry. In my work I utilize crystalline gauge fields and numerical techniques to study responses to lattice defects in topological semimetals and insulators. Much of this work is inspired by recent advancements in quantum simulator technology that enables — for the first time — the study of isolated lattice defects in a laboratory setting. Using practical experiments on publicly-accessible quantum simulators in tandem with DMRG calculations, I have also recently started investigating critical phenomena in Rydberg atoms arrays. I am also excited by parallel advancements in quantum computing technology, and am actively developing improvements to hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, with a particular focus on the variational quantum eigensolver and quantum chemistry applications.
(updated October 2023)
Contact Information
Anthony J Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Office 4133 Engineering Sciences Building
1110 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Research Interests
Geometric aspects of topological quantum matter
Topological semimetals
Higher order topological insulators
Critical phenomena
Quantum simulation technology
Hybrid quantum-classical algorithms