Mike Shubrook 
Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training

Abstract: "There’s no such thing as a box: introduction to open quantum systems theory"

You’re probably interested in quantum mechanics because it's our most fundamental theory - in some sense you think it’s ‘right’, right?

The juxtaposition between what we experience reality to be, and what quantum mechanics tells us reality is, leads to a lot of confusion. If you’re attending this event, I assume you want to get rid of your confusion and to understand what is actually going on at a fundamental level.

While the concepts about quantum mechanics you have learned so far in your undergraduate degree are a good foundation, there are some important nuances that are missing. Forget all that ‘particle in a box’ stuff – there’s no such thing as boxes!

In this talk you will see what happens when the idealistic approximations that are made in undergraduate quantum mechanics meet the messy reality of the real world, through the theory of ‘open quantum systems’. I’m also going to talk about all the opportunities that my PhD has brought me that you might not associate with a PhD in theoretical quantum physics: travelling, music festivals, creating a podcast and learning how to strangle people*.

*(safely and consensually – don’t worry).