Robijn Vanhove

Robijn Vanhove is a Research Fellow and Visiting Associate in the Department of Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), supported by the FWO Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship. His research focuses on theoretical physics, particularly in topological phases of matter, conformal field theories, and quantum information science. He explores connections between topological systems and critical lattice models using advanced tools like tensor networks and quantum circuit analysis.

His work bridges abstract mathematical frameworks (e.g., Galois conjugated tensor categories) with computational methods (matrix product states) to study phase transitions, critical phenomena, and quantum symmetries. Notable research includes investigations into Haagerup conformal field theories, Potts models, and symmetry-protected topological phases. He is affiliated with Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, and potentially collaborates with research centers like the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM).

Research Highlights:

• Develops novel mappings between topological phases and critical systems using tensor networks.
• Applies quantum circuit models to analyze gapped phase transitions.
• Explores nonunitary conformal field theories through lattice realizations and Cardy states.

Awards:

• FWO Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship (Belgian Research Foundation).

Collaborations: Likely involves interdisciplinary projects with IQIM and other theoretical physics groups at Caltech, focusing on quantum computing applications and topological materials.