This seminar was postponed from June 2020 to June 2021 due to the pandemic. Due to the unpredictable development of the pandemic, this will be a hybrid seminar, enabling the attendees either to participate on site (if permitted by regulations), or via Zoom.
Application deadline: 30th April 2021
Applications: https://www.we-heraeus-stiftung.de/veranstaltungen/seminare/2021/collect...

Collective, non-linear dynamics and spontaneous self-organization are abundant in nature, sciences and technology. These processes are found in biology and chemistry, in non-linear optics and condensed matter physics, and across both the classical and the quantum regime. The understanding of such dynamics is important for fundamental sciences, where the non-equilibrium quantum dynamics is a major quest from a fundamental point of view, and for quantum technologies, with the demand for complex systems with robust quantum coherent dynamics.
A promising and versatile platform to study these processes in a highly controlled way is the collective interaction of light with laser-cooled cold or quantum-degenerate matter. This experimental setting explores the innovative control of matter through optomechanical effects, identifying novel quantum phases, investigating light transport in strongly scattering and disordered systems. Additionally, it is advancing our knowledge of long-range coupled systems in the presence of noise and driving fields.
This seminar focuses on collective effects and non-equilibrium quantum dynamics in systems with matter-light interaction. In addition to self-organization of matter in classical and quantized light fields, collective scattering involving coupled dipoles and finite-range interactions, via complex multi-mode light fields or via Rydberg atoms will be central topics in the workshop. The aim is to bring together the different communities working on the crucial topics of this rapidly evolving field. Each topical session is preceded by an introductory talk, followed by several invited and hot-topic talks. The poster and discussion sessions are central elements to the seminar, fostering interaction between junior and senior researchers.
The conference language will be English.
Invited speakers and programme
• Nir Davidson, Weizman Institute of Science
• Davide Dreon, ETH Zurich
• Michael Drewsen, Aarhus University
• Igor Ferrier-Barbut, Laboratoire Charles Fabry Institut d'Optique
• Sonja Franke-Arnold, University of Glasgow
• Robin Kaiser, University of Nice
• Peter Kirton, University of Strathclyde
• Corinna Kollath, University of Bonn
• Igor Lesanovsky, University of Tuebingen
• Benjamin Lev, Stanford University
• Ehud Meron, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
• Giovanna Morigi, University of Saarland
• Andreas Nunnenkamp, University of Cambridge
• Helmut Ritsch, University of Innsbruck
• Gordon Robb, University of Strathclyde
• Monika Schleier-Smith, Stanford University
• Oliver Steinbock, Florida State University
• Oded Zilberberg, ETH Zurich

Applications and programme information
All participants need to apply to attend the seminar. The application includes a brief outline your motivation to participate and the submission of a title and abstract of your contribution. From the submissions, the scientific organizers will select a few contributions for hot topic talks. All other contributions will be presented as posters. As part of their efforts to create equal opportunities the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation and the organizers encourage in particular applications of women.
Please note that the total number of participants is limited.
Applications: https://www.we-heraeus-stiftung.de/veranstaltungen/seminare/2021/collect...
Application deadline: 30th April 2021
Participation will be confirmed (or declined) by the Foundation about two weeks after this deadline.
Scientific organizers
Dr. Tobias Donner, ETH Zürich, Switzerland • Prof. Dr. Thorsten Ackemann, U of Strathclyde, UK • Prof. Dr. Sebastian Slama, U Tübingen