Prof. Dr. Tobias Osborne
Quantum information and computation: foundations and current status
In recent years we've seen the birth of an exciting new field known as quantum information (QI) theory. In these lectures I will introduce the basic concepts of QI, namely, qubits, quantum circuits, and quantum algorithms. I will also introduce some of the guiding problems of the field and describe recent applications of QI concepts to the study of strongly correlated physics.
PD Dr. Walter Winter
Neutrino physics
In these lectures, I discuss three aspects of neutrino physics: neutrino
oscillations, neutrino mass, and neutrino astrophysics. In neutrino
oscillations, the recent measurement of the mixing angle theta13 has
opened the possibility to discover leptonic CP violation, which would
motivate the possibility that the baryon asymmetry of the universe is
connected with neutrino physics. I discuss the current understanding of
neutrino oscillations and briefly comment on the future perspectives. As
far as neutrino mass is concerned, I focus on questions such as: Are
massive neutrinos to be interpreted as physics beyond the Standard
Model? What model ingredients are needed if neutrino mass is connected
with physics as the TeV scale, and thus potentially observable at the
LHC? What kind of "new physics" may be showing up in the neutrino sector
only? What does the discovery of a large theta13 mean for the theory of
flavor? In neutrino astrophysics, I highlight the possibility to test
the sources of the ultra-high energy cosmic rays with neutrinos, and I
illustrate how neutrino oscillations in the Sun work.
Prof. Dr. Götz Neuneck
Physics and Nuclear Disarmament: Political and Technical Challenges of a
World free of Nuclear Weapons
After the end of the Cold War, there was much hope that nuclear weapons
can be reduced drastically. Despite some arms control successes, nuclear
weapons still play a major role in world politics. The high nuclear
arsenals between the USA and Russia are still based on Cold War
doctrines facing new challenges such as the introduction of Ballistic
Missile defense and precise conventional strike systems. technical
expertise is necessary to analyse nuclear dismantlement and deep cuts in
nuclear stockpiles, as well as the verification of fissile materials and
the remocal of tactical nuclear weapons. The dispute on Iran´s
ambivalent nuclear programmes reveals the thin line between civilian and
military applications. Additional scientific-technical measures are
necessary to strengthen non-proliferation and arms export control. The
talk presents what scientists have done in the past to apply there
skills for arms control and disarmament. Finally, the talk describes the
scientific challenges of a world free of nuclear weapons and gives some
examples of physical methods.
