A survey of projection theory & Nanomechanics: from precision sensing to error-correcting dynamics

Speaker: Terry Harris

Affiliation: University of Queensland

Abstract:

Projection theory asks how small a collection of points becomes under a typical projection. This is a broad question which now has connections to sum-product theory, ergodic theory, and computer science. I will outline some of these connections and discuss some recent progress in this area.

Speaker: Nishta Arora

Affiliation: University of Queensland

Abstract:

Nanomechanical systems provide a powerful platform for precision sensing, owing to their low mass, high quality factors, and strong sensitivity to external perturbations. In the linear regime, these properties enable ultrasensitive detection of forces and fields. Moving beyond this regime, nonlinear dynamics, often regarded as a limitation, can instead be harnessed as a resource. In this talk, I will discuss how nonlinearity in nanomechanical systems can be understood, engineered, and exploited to control system response. Engineered nonlinear interactions give rise to mode coupling, energy exchange, and rich dynamical behaviour, enabling functionalities beyond conventional sensing. These ideas naturally extend to nanomechanical networks, where collective dynamics can autonomously restore perturbed states and give rise to error-correcting behaviour, illustrating how nanomechanics can evolve from a platform for precision measurement to one for robust, low-energy computation and information processing.