Title: A Complex Path Around the Sign Problem

Abstract: The sign problem remains the primary obstacle to lattice QCD calculations of the QCD phase diagram. In this talk, we review recent approaches that leverage complex geometry to address this challenge. We discuss the theoretical foundations, algorithmic developments, and key results from low-dimensional field theories. Additionally, we explore the potential role of machine learning in advancing these methods and overcoming computational bottlenecks.

Title: A Complex Path Around the Sign Problem

Abstract: The sign problem remains the primary obstacle to lattice QCD calculations of the QCD phase diagram. In this talk, we review recent approaches that leverage complex geometry to address this challenge. We discuss the theoretical foundations, algorithmic developments, and key results from low-dimensional field theories. Additionally, we explore the potential role of machine learning in advancing these methods and overcoming computational bottlenecks.

Title: (Nuclear) Barriers to precision neutrino oscillation measurements

Abstract: Current and future few-GeV accelerator neutrino oscillation experiments promise to answer important questions: do neutrinos violate charge-parity symmetry; what is the neutrino mass ordering; and, is the three-flavor mixing model sufficient to describe the neutrino sector? Precise measurements of the neutrino oscillation parameters would also turn neutrino oscillations into a potent tool for further discovery.

However, these experiments require a precise understanding of neutrino-nucleus interactions to fulfill their potential. Current uncertainties on the relevant processes are large, and are dominated by subtle details of the pertinent nuclear physics, which are difficult to control.

Title: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Title: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Title: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Title: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Title: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Title: TBD

Abstract: TBD

Title: New Ultra-Fast Scintillators

Abstract: 

Sub-nanosecond scintillation emission has been known for 40+ years in compounds such as BaF2 and CsF and yet there are relatively few applications. More recently our group at the University of Tennessee has demonstrated that the compositional landscape is broader than we previously realized. For example, Cs2ZnCl4 and Cs3ZnCl5 are relatively new scintillator materials that appear to be promising for use in fast-timing radiation detection applications owing to their 1 to 2 nanosecond decay times. Moreover, they offer several advantages over BaF2 which has been the gold standard ultrafast inorganic scintillator since the 1980’s. We have found that advances in crystal growth can lead to significant improvements in scintillation performance that exceed previously accepted theoretical limits. In this presentation we will explore the current state of the art of ultra-fast scintillators and the prospects for further advances. In addition, we will describe early results with some novel materials that display cross valence luminescence and may hold important potential for the future.