Watson Lecture - Quantum Matter: Why it Matters

Quantum effects are usually thought to be too delicate to manifest in the macroscopic world. However, recent physics breakthroughs have revealed that, in carefully engineered materials, such as metals, insulators, or magnets, quantum effects not only show up but also fundamentally change the way these materials behave. In this lecture, Chen will cover superconductivity, topological order, and a range of phenomena in quantum matters that may hold unprecedented power for quantum computers and even for our fundamental understanding of the universe.

The 2021-2022 Watson Lecture Series will be presented virtually at caltech.edu/watson. Register online to add this event to your calendar and to receive an email reminder.

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Each Watson Lecture will begin at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Each lecture runs approximately 40 minutes, followed by audience Q&A.

About the Speaker

Xie Chen is Professor of Theoretical Physics in Caltech's Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.

About the Series

Since 1922, The Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series has brought Caltech's most innovative scientific research to the public. The series is named for Earnest C. Watson, a professor of physics at Caltech from 1919 until 1959. Spotlighting a small selection of the pioneering research Caltech's faculty is currently conducting, the Watson Lectures are geared toward a general audience, as part of the Institute's ongoing commitment to benefiting the local community through education and outreach. Through a gift from the estate of Richard C. Biedebach, the lecture series is able to highlight assistant professors' research each season.

Many past Watson Lectures are available in a playlist on YouTube.