PQI 2025

Quantum Theory of Solids

Allan H. MacDonald, The University of Texas at Austin
April 9, 2025, 7:30pm
Science Stage

One hundred years ago, people like Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, Niels Bohr, and others introduced a new way of thinking about the way the physical world works: quantum mechanics. This year, we celebrate IYQ, the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The new science invented 100 years ago led to revolutionary new technologies that have changed the lives of everyone now alive, including semiconductor electronics - based on the quantum properties of a simple solid-state crystal - and lasers.  Today we continue to discover strange new quantum phenomena whenever we fabricate a new type of solid-state matter.  I will argue that these discoveries are likely to have as much impact on people living through the next 100 years as quantum mechanics has had on our lives today.  I will briefly discuss some of the history of the quantum theory of solids and speculate (optimistically) on what lies ahead.  

Allan H. MacDonald received his B.Sc. from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1973, and a Ph.D. degree in physics from the University of Toronto in 1978.  He was a member of the research staff of the National Research Council of Canada and has taught at Indiana University and the University of Texas at Austin. He has contributed to research on electronic structure theory, the quantum Hall effect, magnetism, and superconductivity, among a variety of other topics. Professor MacDonald is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Quantum Science and Technology

Travis Humble, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
4/10/2025 11:30am
Point View Hall

Abstract: The discovery of quantum mechanics over a century ago launched many new fields of physics that have led to equally many remarkable and often surprising advances in science and technology. Some of these unintuitive discoveries are now the basis of new technologies like quantum computers that are poised to disrupt the course of human understanding. Here, we will unravel the mysteries behind quantum science and technology and examine the impacts expected for the century ahead. Walking across today’s technology landscape, we survey the latest developments in quantum computing, some of the critical challenges to see their promise realized, and the changes we may find as the field continues to progress. 

Travis Humble is a Distinguished Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and director of the US Department of Energy Quantum Science Center. 

PQI Best Poster Awards
Posters should be submitted using the registration form by Wednesday, April 2nd. Posters submitted following this date should be sent directly to Krista Zottola (kmz41@pitt.edu). 

PQI will honor the three best posters presented by current CMU, Duquesne, and Pitt graduate students at the event! The top three posters will win $1000 of funding for travel related to their work. In addition, winning students will get a signed copy of "Interpretating Quantum Mechanics," by David Snoke.  

Students presenting posters for the best poster awards should check in at the registration table for their poster number. PQI will provide easels and foam boards, students are responsible for printing their own posters at 36x48 in. Posters should be set up during breakfast or lunch on April 9, 2025. Create your poster now using the PQI Template!