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The Aharonov–Berry Symposium in Quantum Physics
Acknowledging the conceptual foundations that continue to influence modern quantum theory.
Chapman University, in Orange County, California,
Monday, September 28 – Wednesday, September 30
The Aharonov–Berry Symposium in Quantum Physics is an annual international event dedicated to the foundational, conceptual, and emerging frontiers of quantum physics. The symposium honours the scientific legacy of Yakir Aharonov and Sir Michael Berry, whose pioneering contributions to quantum phases, topology, weak measurements, superoscillations, and the geometric structure of physical theories have profoundly shaped modern physics.
The symposium aims to provide an intellectually rigorous, interdisciplinary forum where leading theorists, experimentalists, mathematicians, and philosophers of physics engage in discussions of the deepest questions surrounding quantum mechanics and its applications. Topics span quantum foundations, geometric and topological phenomena, quantum information science, quantum technologies, structured waves, nonlocality and contextuality, measurement theory, and emerging directions at the interface of physics and mathematics.
A central goal of the symposium is to foster meaningful interaction between internationally recognised scientists and the next generation of researchers. By bringing together senior leaders, early-career scientists, students, and policymakers, the event seeks to cultivate an environment that encourages mentorship, collaboration, and critical discussion about the future directions of quantum science and the broader importance of fundamental research.
Through invited lectures, panel discussions, and interdisciplinary exchanges, the symposium aspires to become a distinctive platform for advancing both the conceptual understanding and technological future of quantum physics.
Key Topics
· Foundations: The Aharonov-Bohm, Berry, and Pancharatnam phases and their generalisations.
· Applications in Materials and Optics: Geometric and topological phases in optics, condensed matter, topological materials, and photonics inspired by Berry curvature.
· Experimental Realisations: Modern implementations, new forms of geometric control, and quantum simulation of geometric effects.
· Quantum Technologies: Applications of geometric phases in quantum communication, computation, and sensing.
Speakers
· Yakir Aharonov (Chapman University / Tel Aviv University)
· Sir Michael Berry (University of Bristol)
· Mark Dennis (University of Birmingham)
· Erez Hasman (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology)
· Andrew Jordan (Chapman University)
· Ebrahim Karimi (Chapman University)
· Tomoki Ozawa (Tohoku University)
· Sandu Popescu (University of Bristol)
· Tadashi Tokieda (Stanford University)
· Lev Vaidman (Tel Aviv University)
· Lorenza Viola (Dartmouth College)*
· Paolo Zanardi (University of Southern California)*
* To be confirmed.