CMP/AMO Special Seminar - Prof. Shiwei Zhang - Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation

Speaker: Prof. Shiwei Zhang - Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation

Title: Magnetic orders, stripes, and superconductivity - recent progress in computational studies of the Hubbard model

Host: Carlos Sa de Melo

Abstract: The Hubbard model has been a focal point of research in condensed matter physics, and more recently also in ultracold atoms. The physics of this model is often the outcome of a delicate balancing act between multiple competing or co-existing tendencies, which makes it highly challenging to determine. Robust predictions are difficult to obtain. Recently, significant progress has been made via advances in computational methods, and the combined use of complementary methods through collaborative efforts. I will share some of the lessons learned and insights gained, and what these computations have revealed about the properties of the Hubbard model. I will also discuss how these advances in computation can and are being applied to realistic strongly correlated electron systems. Many opportunities are rapidly emerging for synergy between computation and experiment, thanks to recent advances in cold atoms and in two-dimensional moire materials.

Short Bio: Shiwei Zhang is a Senior Research Scientist/Group Leader at the Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ), Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation. He is recognized as a world leader in computational quantum physics, known for broad contributions in computational algorithm innovations and developments, especially in Monte Carlo methods, and their applications. Methods he pioneered have been applied in diverse areas including in condensed matter physics, quantum chemistry, ultra-cold atoms, and nuclear physics. He has led a number of international collaborative teams on major research projects in computational quantum physics.

Zhang received his Ph.D in Physics from Cornell University. After three years of postdoctoral appointments, first at Los Alamos National Lab and then at Ohio State under an NSF postdoctoral fellowship, he joined the faculty of William & Mary, where he remained for over 20 years, holding the position of Chancellor Professor of Physics before he moved to Flatiron in 2018. He was recipient of multiple awards including an NSF CAREER award and the Cottrell Scholar Award. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society.