Bridging Classic and Contemporary Perspectives on Open Quantum Systems – May 4-8, 2026

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Organized by:

• Zhen Bi, Penn State University
• Fiona Burnell (University of Minnesota Twin Cities)
• Zhu-Xi Luo (Georgia Institute of Technology)
• Thomas Scaffidi (University of California)

Advances in the ability to create and dynamically control quantum many-body systems have catalyzed new and theoretically profound questions about collective quantum phenomena in real-world conditions. For instance, while the classification of quantum phases in thermal equilibrium is relatively mature, only recently has progress been made on the question of how one should define such phases in systems that are simultaneously coupled to an environment and far from thermal equilibrium. Tools for classifying and realizing such phases are still very much under development. In closed quantum systems, entanglement — one of the defining characteristics distinguishing quantum systems from their classical counterparts — can be studied with a variety of well-understood probes. They provide critical insights into phases of matter, revealing underlying structure and universal properties. For open quantum systems, the connection between entanglement and phases of matter is even more fundamental: there are dynamical phase transitions, such as the measurement-induced phase transition, that can only be detected through entanglement measures, which are non-linear in density matrices uniquely sensitive to the quantum nature of mixed states.

In the context of open systems, our tools are much more limited. Developing robust theoretical and computational tools to study entanglement in open systems is therefore essential for advancing our understanding of their phases, and vice versa. A promising avenue for progress lies in leveraging classic results from the study of disordered systems and classical statistical mechanics. In certain limits, open quantum systems exhibit behavior that can be mapped onto these well-established domains. By combining these classical approaches with modern questions inspired by high-precision quantum experiments, we can develop new methodologies to tackle open-system challenges as well as reveal new connections between known classical systems. Our workshop aims to bring together researchers from diverse technical backgrounds—including condensed matter physics, quantum information theory, and statistical mechanics — with a shared interest in open quantum systems. This interdisciplinary gathering will foster valuable cross-pollination of ideas and facilitate the development of the crucial tools needed to address the aforementioned challenges of open quantum systems.