Quantum Frontiers in Network Science (QNET)

This year the biggest annual network science conference, NetSci will take place in Berkeley California on 2-6 June. We are organizing a one-day Satellite Workshop on Quantum Frontiers in Network Science (Qnet). The Satellite will be held on June 2, from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Clark Kerr Campus.

QNet is a satellite workshop at:

NetSci2014 | Call For Abstracts | Program | Registration

Abstract:

tensor network invariants A grand challenge in contemporary complex network science is to reconcile the staple “statistical mechanics based approach”, with a theory based on quantum physics. When considering networks where quantum coherence effects play a non-trivial role, the predictive power of complex network science has been shown to break down. A new theory is now being developed which is based on quantum theory, from first principles. Network theory is a diverse subject which developed independently in several disciplines to rely on graphs with additional structure to model complex systems. Network science has of course played a significant role in quantum theory, ranging from methods of “tensor network states”, “chiral quantum walks on complex networks”, “categorical tensor networks” and “categorical models of quantum circuits”, to name only a few. However, the ideas of complex network science are only now starting to be united with modern quantum theory. From this respect, one aim of the workshop is to put in contact two big and, generally not very well connected, scientific communities: statistical and quantum physicists.

The topic of network science underwent a revolution when it was realized that systems such as social or transport networks could be interrelated through common network properties, but what are the relevant properties to consider when facing quantum systems? This question is particularly timely as there has been a recent push towards studying increasingly larger quantum mechanical systems, where the analysis is only beginning to undergo a shift towards embracing the concepts of complex networks.

For example, theoretical and experimental attention has turned to explaining transport in photosynthetic complexes comprising tens to hundreds of molecules and thousands of atoms using quantum mechanics. Likewise, in condensed matter physics using the language of “chiral quantum walks”, the topological structure of the interconnections comprising complex materials strongly affects their transport properties.

An ultimate goal is a mathematical theory and formal description which pinpoints the similarities and differences between the use of networks throughout the quantum sciences. This would give rise to a theory of networks augmenting the current statistical mechanics approach to complex network structure, evolution, and process with a new theory based on quantum mechanics.

Topics of special interest to the satellite include:

Quantum transport and chiral quantum walks on complex networks
Detecting community structure in quantum systems
Tensor algebra and multiplex networks
Quantum information measures (such as entropy) applied to complex networks
Quantum critical phenomena in complex networks
Quantum models of network growth
Quantum techniques for reaction networks
Quantum algorithms for problems in complex network science
Foundations of quantum theory in relation to complex networks and processes thereon
Quantum inspired mathematics as a foundation for network science

Info:

QNET will be held at the NetSci Conference venue at the Clark Kerr Campus of the University of California, on June 2nd morning (8am-1pm).

Organizers:

Mauro Faccin (ISI Foundation)
Filippo Radicchi (Indiana U.)
Zoltan Zimborás (UCL)

The Quantum Network