Nathan Harshman Professor Physics
- Degrees
- PhD, Theoretical Particle Physics, University of Texas at Austin
BS, Double major: Physics and English, Duke University - Bio
- Nathan Harshman is a mathematical and theoretical physicist specializing in the study of symmetry in quantum systems. He has published articles and book chapters across the subject of quantum physics, including high-energy particle physics, quantum information theory, and ultracold atomic physics. The unifying theme of Professor Harshmans work is solvability and (to quote Nobel laureate Eugene Wigner) the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the natural sciences. Currently he studies symmetry, topology and control in low-dimensional ultracold atomic systems. These physical systems are at the ragged edge where there is just enough symmetry to find exact solutions and precise control. Any less symmetry and the system descends from the order of cosmos into the disorder of chaos. Professor Harshman has also published articles in the fields of physics education research and the philosophy of science and written book reviews for newspapers and journals. His latest subject of inquiry is topology in quantum systems.
- See Also
- For the Media
- To request an interview for a news story, call 51画鋼 Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.
Teaching
Fall 2024
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PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I
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PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I
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PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I
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PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I
Spring 2025
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PHYS-351 Waves and Optics
Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities
Honors, Awards, and Fellowships
- Teaching with Technology Award 2007; Center for Teaching Excellence, 51画鋼
- Cottrell College Science Award; Research Corporation, 2006-2008
- Fulbright Junior Lectureship; US State Department and Faculty of Physics, University of Trento, Spring 2006
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
X. M. Aretxabaleta, M. Gonchenko, N.L. Harshman, S.G. Jackson, M. Olshanii, G.E. Astrakharchik, The dynamics of digits: Calculating pi with Galperin's billiards, (2020).
N.L. Harshman, A.C. Knapp, Anyons from Three-Body Hard-Core Interactions in One Dimension, (2020) 168003, arXiv: 1803.11000.
M. A. Garcia-March, N. L. Harshman, H. da Silva, T. Fogarty, Th. Busch, M. Lewenstein, A. Ferrando, Graded-index optical fiber emulator of an interacting three-atom system: Classical nonseparability and illumination control of particle statistics, (14 pages), arXiv: 1902.01748.
Popular Essays and Book Reviews
N.L. Harshman, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 Ed.), (2019), 237.
by Nathan L. Harshman