Group for Complex Systems

This group works in both quantum and classical complex systems. From the classical side, we work on complex networks, disordered materials and biological tissues Within the complex network research, we investigate the structure of complex networks, and their dynamics and also apply the theory to different diverse systems. Currently, we are focused on understanding how a quantifiable lack of information about the system affects its predictability. Within the disordered materials and biological tissues research, we investigate the role of biological activity in rheology of yield stress materials, how disorder influences physical properties of biological tissues, and how mechano-chemical interactions allow for self-organised formation of patterns and 3D morphologies of biological tissues. Currently, we are collaborating with experimental groups on fruit fly wing development and on Hydra regeneration.

Quantum many-body systems are considered both from a fundamental and technological point of view. The IRB group has introduced the concept of Topological Frustration, which arises when boundary conditions are chosen to induce geometrical frustration in a quantum system. In this way, the ground state cannot be characterized as a vacuum, but rather hosts delocalized, topological excitations which significantly change the system's static and dynamical properties. The study of these features and of their exploitations is the center of ongoing work, especially following the experimental realization and characterization of topological frustration in a Rydberg-atom based quantum simulator. Additional research is also continuing focusing on various quantum resources, such as entanglement and non-stabilizerness/magic.