Minimal instances for toric code ground states

A decade ago Kitaev's toric code model established the new paradigm of topological quantum computation. Due to remarkable theoretical and experimental progress, the quantum simulation of such complex many-body systems is now within the realms of possibility. Here we consider the question, to which extent the ground states of small toric code systems differ from LU-equivalent graph states. We argue that simplistic (though experimentally attractive) setups obliterate the differences between the toric code and equivalent graph states; hence we search for the smallest setups on the square- and triangular lattice, such that the quasi-locality of the toric code hamiltonian becomes a distinctive feature. To this end, a purely geometric procedure to transform a given toric code setup into an LC-equivalent graph state is derived. In combination with an algorithmic computation of LC-equivalent graph states, we find the smallest non-trivial setup on the square lattice to contain 5 plaquettes and 16 qubits; on the triangular lattice the number of plaquettes and qubits is reduced to 4 and 9, respectively.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figure

Constant mean curvature surfaces

In this article we survey recent developments in the theory of constant mean curvature surfaces in homogeneous 3-manifolds, as well as some related aspects on existence and descriptive results for $H$-laminations and CMC foliations of Riemannian $n$-manifolds.Comment: 102 pages, 17 figure

Coloring Graphs Drawn with Crossings

This dissertation will examine various results for graph colorings. It begins by introducing some basic graph theory concepts, focusing on those ideas relevant to graph embeddings, and by introducing terminology to allow a formal discussion of drawings of graphs. Chapter 2 focuses on results for proper colorings of graphs with good drawings, using a previous result from Král and Stacho as inspiration. Chapter 3 expands on the ideas of Chapter 2 and focuses on cyclic colorings of embedded graphs. Chapters 5 and 6 examine results for total and list colorings, respectively, of drawings of graphs. Finally, Chapter 6 introduces generalized pseudosurfaces and examines results for proper and cyclic colorings of graphs embedded in generalized pseudosurfaces

Metascientific aspects of topoi of spaces

This thesis presents a study of the importance of topoi for Science. It is argued that whenever the concept of space enters the practice of Science then formal (mathematical) theories should be interpreted in a topos of spaces. It is claimed that these topoi encode knowledge of space arising directly out of the needs of Science, in that the constitutive questions of the Sciences can be traced back to their leading knowledge interests and these determine the role of mathematics as a methodical device. In the Natural Sciences the constitutive questions involve the study of non-intentional objects, in terms of a causal nexus to be explained geometrically, and this facilitates the introduction of geometric objects as the methodical device for posing questions to Nature. Although the study of intentional subjects in the Human Sciences requires ordinary language, not mathematics, to pose questions to each other, secondary methodological objectifications permit a conception of geometric objects analogous to that of the Natural Sciences. Lawvere*s axioms for the gros and petit topoi illustrate attempts to formalise the idea of topoi of spaces, as a rational reconstruction of categories in which geometric objects satisfying the formal theories of Science can be found. The catalysing function of this knowledge of topoi of spaces can lead to a diagnosis of mathematical difficulties caused by a failure to align mathematical conceptions with these topoi. This is illustrated through Varela's use of self-reference in Biology and Atkin's use of algebraic topology in Social Studies