Moduli stacks of algebraic structures and deformation theory

We connect the homotopy type of simplicial moduli spaces of algebraic structures to the cohomology of their deformation complexes. Then we prove that under several assumptions, mapping spaces of algebras over a monad in an appropriate diagram category form affine stacks in the sense of Toen-Vezzosi's homotopical algebraic geometry. This includes simplicial moduli spaces of algebraic structures over a given object (for instance a cochain complex). When these algebraic structures are parametrised by properads, the tangent complexes give the known cohomology theory for such structures and there is an associated obstruction theory for infinitesimal, higher order and formal deformations. The methods are general enough to be adapted for more general kinds of algebraic structures.Comment: several corrections, especially in sections 6 and 7. Final version, to appear in the J. Noncommut. Geo

Categorical Quantum Dynamics

We use strong complementarity to introduce dynamics and symmetries within the framework of CQM, which we also extend to infinite-dimensional separable Hilbert spaces: these were long-missing features, which open the way to a wealth of new applications. The coherent treatment presented in this work also provides a variety of novel insights into the dynamics and symmetries of quantum systems: examples include the extremely simple characterisation of symmetry-observable duality, the connection of strong complementarity with the Weyl Canonical Commutation Relations, the generalisations of Feynman's clock construction, the existence of time observables and the emergence of quantum clocks. Furthermore, we show that strong complementarity is a key resource for quantum algorithms and protocols. We provide the first fully diagrammatic, theory-independent proof of correctness for the quantum algorithm solving the Hidden Subgroup Problem, and show that strong complementarity is the feature providing the quantum advantage. In quantum foundations, we use strong complementarity to derive the exact conditions relating non-locality to the structure of phase groups, within the context of Mermin-type non-locality arguments. Our non-locality results find further application to quantum cryptography, where we use them to define a quantum-classical secret sharing scheme with provable device-independent security guarantees. All in all, we argue that strong complementarity is a truly powerful and versatile building block for quantum theory and its applications, and one that should draw a lot more attention in the future.Comment: Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Oxford University, Michaelmas Term 2016 (273 pages

The Absolute Relativity Theory

This paper is a first presentation of a new approach of physics that we propose to refer as the Absolute Relativity Theory (ART) since it refutes the idea of a pre-existing space-time. It includes an algebraic definition of particles, interactions and Lagrangians. It proposed also a purely algebraic explanation of the passing of time phenomenon that leads to see usual Euler-Lagrange equations as the continuous version of the Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov monodromy. The identification of this monodromy with the local ones of the Lorentzian manifolds gives the Einstein equation algebraically explained in a quantized context. A fact that could lead to the unification of physics. By giving an algebraic classification of particles and interactions, the ART also proposes a new branch of physics, namely the Mass Quantification Theory, that provides a general method to calculate the characteristics of particles and interactions. Some examples are provided. The MQT also predicts the existence of as of today not yet observed particles that could be part of the dark matter. By giving a new interpretation of the weak interaction, it also suggests an interpretation of the so-called dark energy