Cátedra Bogdan Mielnik

Quantum technologies:

A bridge between quantum physics and general relativity

Prof. Ivette Fuentes

Professor of Physics

School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Southampton

Emmy Fellow at Keble College, University of Oxford

Abstract

Quantum information science and metrology are transforming how we explore the fundamental nature of reality. This course bridges quantum theory, gravity, and analogue simulations to provide a modern understanding of how quantum technologies can probe the fabric of spacetime.

About the course

How can quantum systems help us test and understand the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity? This 10-hour course, delivered over five days (2 hours each), introduces key concepts and cutting-edge research at the interface of quantum information, metrology, and gravitational physics.

You will gain a solid grasp of theoretical tools, experimental platforms, and analogue gravity simulations, exploring how quantum phenomena like entanglement behave in curved spacetime and how novel metrological techniques push the boundaries of fundamental physics.

By the end of this course, you will have learned:

• The motivation and technical tools underpinning quantum information and metrology in fundamental physics

• How entanglement manifests and is characterized in quantum field theory

• The covariance matrix formalism for describing quantum states in relativistic contexts

• Concepts and methods in quantum metrology relevant to gravity and spacetime

• How analogue gravity simulations with Bose-Einstein Condensates (BECs) help mimic curved spacetime phenomena

• Applications such as phononic detectors for gravity and tests of gravitationally induced wavefunction collapse

• The role of precision clocks at the quantum-gravity interface

Course syllabus

Part one: Motivation & Technical Tools. Understanding the importance and methods of quantum information and metrology in fundamental physics research.

Part Two: Entanglement and Quantum Field Theory. Exploring quantum correlations in field theory frameworks and curved spacetime settings.

Part Three: Covariance Matrix Formalism. Mathematical description of quantum states in relativistic and continuous-variable systems.

Part Four: Quantum Metrology. Techniques for high-precision measurements in the quantum regime relevant to gravity.

Part Five: Studying Gravity with Bose-Einstein Condensates. Simulating curved spacetime and measuring gravitational phenomena using BEC systems.

Part Six: Applications in Quantum Gravity Research. Entanglement behavior in flat and curved spacetime. Simulations of gravitational waves in analogue systems. Phononic detector concepts for gravity sensing. Experimental tests of gravitationally induced collapse. Quantum clocks probing the interface between quantum mechanics and general relativity

Bibliography

1. Quantum Computation and Quantum Information. Michael A. Nielsen and Isaac L. Chuang. The standard reference for the fundamentals of quantum information.

2. Quantum Optics. Marlan O. Scully and M. Suhail Zubairy. For field quantization and entanglement.

3. Modern Quantum Mechanics. J. J. Sakurai and Jim Napolitano. For foundational quantum theory.

4. Quantum Fields in Curved Space. N. D. Birrell and P. C. W. Davies. The classic reference on QFT in curved spacetime.

Prerequisites

Basic quantum mechanics and special relativity. Familiarity with linear algebra and classical physics concepts. No prior knowledge of quantum field theory or general relativity required; foundational material will be introduced

About the professor

Ivette Fuentes is a Professor of Physics at the School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Southampton and Fellow of the Emmy Network and Fellow by Special Election of Keble College, Oxford. She is External Examiner for Imperial College London.

Ivette obtained her PhD at Imperial College London (advisor: Peter L. Knight). Her postdoctoral experience includes a Glasstone Fellowship and Junior Research Fellowship (Mansfield  College) at the University of Oxford and a position at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada. 

Ivette was Assistant Professor at UNAM Mexico, Professor of Mathematical Physics at the School of  Mathematical Sciences in Nottingham and Professor of Theoretical Quantum Optics at the University of Vienna. 

Other distinctions include an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (Experienced Researchers) at the Technical University of Berlin and EPSRC Career Acceleration Fellowship, New Directions Award and Inspire Award. 

Her main research interest is understanding physics at scales where quantum theory and general relativity interplay.  

Información del curso

Las Cátedras Bogdan Mielnik se impartirán en inglés como parte del entrenamiento para nuestro estudiantes, aunque es posible hacer preguntas en español.

El curso tendrá lugar entre el lunes 1 y el viernes 5 de septiembre de 2025 de 15 a 17h en la Auditorio José Ádem del Cinvestav Zacatenco. También será posible asistir en formato virtual en la plataforma Zoom, las sesiones no serán grabadas.

Inscripción

Para acceder al curso y al Cinvestav, les pedimos que llenen el formulario que está al final de esta página o en esta liga. La inscripción no tiene costo. La fecha límite de inscripción es el lunes 25 de agosto.

Constancias

Se enviará una constancia de participación a quienes asistan a todas las sesiones del curso y así lo hayan solicitado en el formulario de inscripción. 

Dudas

Cualquier duda o comentario pueden escribir a david.bermudez (at) cinvestav.mx.

Formulario:

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