Fri, 20 Jun 2014

14:15 - 15:15
C6

Computable Seismology: Imaging the Earth's interior by numerical waveform modeling and inversion

Tarje Nissen-Meyer
(Oxford)
Abstract

Seismology currently undergoes rapid and exciting advances fueled by a simultaneous surge in recorded data (in both quality and quantity), realistic wave-propagation algorithms, and supercomputing capabilities. This enables us to sample parameter spaces of relevance for imaging the Earth's interior 3D structure with fully numerical techniques. Seismic imaging is the prime approach to illuminate and understand global processes such as mantle convection, plate tectonics, geodynamo, the vigorous interior of the Sun, and delivers crucial constraints on our grasp of volcanism, the carbon cycle and seismicity. At local scales, seismic Earth models are inevitable for hydrocarbon exploration, monitoring of flow processes, and natural hazard assessment.

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With a slight focus on global-scale applications, I will present the underlying physical model of realistic wave propagation, its numerical discretization and link such forward modeling to updating Earth models by means of inverse modeling. The associated computational burden to solve high-resolution statistical inverse problems with precise numerical techniques is however entirely out of reach for decades to come. Consequently, seismologists need to take approximations in resolution, physics, data and/or inverse methodology. I will scan a number of such end-member approximations, and focus on our own approach to simultaneously treat wave physics realistically across the frequency band while maximizing data usage and allow for uncertainty quantification. This approach is motivated by decisive approximations on the model space for typical Earth structures and linearized inverse theory.

Wed, 07 May 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Brady's theorem about subgroups of hyperbolic groups

Yash Lodha
(Cornell)
Abstract

Brady showed that there are hyperbolic groups with non-hyperbolic finitely presented subgroups. I will present a new construction of this kind using Bestvina-Brady Morse theory.

Thu, 19 Jun 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Introduction to Lie algebroids

Brent Pym
(Oxford University)
Abstract

Lie algebroids are geometric structures that interpolate between finite-dimensional Lie algebras and tangent bundles of manifolds. They give a useful language for describing geometric situations that have local symmetries. I will give an introduction to the basic theory of Lie algebroids, with examples drawn from foliations, principal bundles, group actions, Poisson brackets, and singular hypersurfaces.

Thu, 12 Jun 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Spectral Networks and Abelianization

Omar Kidwai
(Oxford University)
Abstract

Spectral networks are certain collections of paths on a Riemann surface, introduced by Gaiotto, Moore, and Neitzke to study BPS states in certain N=2 supersymmetric gauge theories. They are interesting geometric objects in their own right, with a number of mathematical applications. In this talk I will give an introduction to what a spectral network is, and describe the "abelianization map" which, given a spectral network, produces nice "spectral coordinates" on the appropriate moduli space of flat connections. I will show that coordinates obtained in this way include a variety of previously known special cases (Fock-Goncharov coordinates and Fenchel-Nielsen coordinates), and mention at least one reason why generalising them in this way is of interest.

Thu, 05 Jun 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Kitaev's Lattice Model and 123-TQFTs

Gerrit Goosen
Abstract

We give an overview of Kitaev's lattice model in the setting of an arbitrary finite group G (where $G = Z_{2}$ is the famous Toric Code). We also exhibit the connection this model has with so-called 123-TQFTs (topological quantum field theories), making use of ideas coming from higher gauge theory and Hopf algebra representations.

Thu, 29 May 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Topological Insulators and K-theory

Thomas Wasserman
(Oxford University)
Abstract

Topological insulators are a type of system in condensed matter physics that exhibit a robustness that physicists like to call topological. In this talk I will give a definition of a subclass of such systems: gapped, free fermions. We will look at how such systems, as shown by Kitaev, can be classified in terms of topological K-groups by using the Clifford module model for K-theory as introduced by Atiyah, Bott and Shapiro. I will be using results from Wednesday's JTGT, where I'll give a quick introduction to topological K-theory.

Thu, 22 May 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Cancelled

TBA
Thu, 15 May 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Cancelled

Cancelled
Thu, 08 May 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Moment maps in gauge theory

Lucas Branco
Abstract

Since their introduction in the context of symplectic geometry, moment maps and symplectic quotients have been generalized in many different directions. In this talk I plan to give an introduction to the notions of hyperkähler moment map and hyperkähler quotient through two examples, apparently very different, but related by the so called ADHM construction of instantons; the moduli space of instantons and a space of complex matrices arising from monads.

Thu, 01 May 2014

16:00 - 17:00
C6

A Fourier--Mukai transform for Higgs bundles

Jakob Blaavand
Abstract

The first half of this talk will be an introduction to the wonderful world of Higgs bundles. The last half concerns Fourier--Mukai transforms, and we will discuss how to merge the two concepts by constructing a Fourier--Mukai transform for Higgs bundles. Finally we will discuss some properties of this transform. We will along the way discuss why you would want to transform Higgs bundles.

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