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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 Harshman鈥檚 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.
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For the Media
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Teaching

Fall 2024

  • PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I

  • PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I

  • PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I

  • PHYS-110 Principles of Physics I

Spring 2025

  • PHYS-351 Waves and Optics

Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities

Honors, Awards, and Fellowships

  • Teaching with Technology Award 2007; Center for Teaching Excellence, 国产小呦女 聽聽
  • Cottrell College Science Award; Research Corporation, 2006-2008 聽
  • 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, 鈥淭he dynamics of digits: Calculating pi with Galperin's billiards,鈥 (2020).

N.L. Harshman, A.C. Knapp, 鈥淎nyons from Three-Body Hard-Core Interactions in One Dimension,鈥 (2020) 168003, arXiv: 1803.11000.

M. A. Garcia-March, N. L. Harshman, H. da Silva, T. Fogarty, Th. Busch, M. Lewenstein, A. Ferrando, 鈥淕raded-index optical fiber emulator of an interacting three-atom system: Classical nonseparability and illumination control of particle statistics,鈥 (14 pages), arXiv: 1902.01748.

Popular Essays and Book Reviews

N.L. Harshman, 鈥淚ntroduction to Quantum Mechanics (3 Ed.),鈥 (2019), 237.

by Nathan L. Harshman