Stefano Negro

Profile

Biography

I was an undergraduate student of physics, with a specialisation in its theoretical and mathematical aspects, at the University of Torino (IT). There, after a visit to the Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris, FR) under a joint-supervision project, I also obtained a Ph.D. in Physics and Astrophysics. Subsequently I held several post-doctoral positions at the University of Durham (UK), École Normale Supérieure de Paris (FR), Stony Brook and New York Universities (US). Since January 2024 I am a Lecturer at the University of York.

Career

2014 | Marie Curie Researcher at the University of Durham (UK)

2015-2016 | Post-doctorant at the École Normale Supérieure de Paris (FR)

2017-2020 | Post-doctoral associate at the Stony Brook University (US)

2020-2023 | Post-doctoral associate at the New York University (US)

2023 | Post-doctoral associate at the Stony Brook University (US)

Departmental roles

Programme Lead for Mathematics and Physics

Research

Overview

My research deals with classical and Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) in low space-time dimensions. In particular, it focuses on the study of Integrable systems, of their deformations and on the relation of these subjects to other areas of theoretical physics and mathematics, such as string theory, algebra and geometry.

To date, I continue to work on two major lines of research: the generalised TTbar deformations and the classical/quantum duality known as ODE/IM correspondence.

Recently, I became interested in two lines of research:

 – Integrable systems in space-time dimensions higher than 2 – such as the KP hierarchy or the Davey-Stewartson equation – in the mathematical structures underlying their integrability and in their connections to hydrodynamics. I am particularly keen in studying the possible quantisation of such systems and to understand if and to what extent the usual notion of quantum integrability applies to them
 – Systems, particularly QFTs, displaying "generalised symmetry structures". These are wide extensions of the usual notion of symmetry, that account for operations that may not be invertible and that can act on non-point-like objects (such as lines or surfaces). Such symmetries are quite widespread, even in familiar theories such as rational CFTs, and can be used to infer a constrain considerably their dynamics. I am particularly interested in exploring the role these symmetries might play in determining the exact solvability of physical systems, potentially extending the usual notion of integrability.

Projects

1/ Analysis of generalised TTbar deformations of 2-dimensional integrable quantum field theories. Specifically, computation of correlation functions using the form factor bootstrap approach.

2/ Development of irrelevant deformations of TTbar type for field theories (both classical and quantum) in space-times of dimension higher than 2.

3/ Application of methods for the exact computation of expectation values in the non-relativistic limit of the sine-Gordon model, with potential applications to cold atom physics.

Research group(s)

Mathematical Finance and Stochastic Analysis Research Group

Mathematical Physics and Quantum Information

Collaborators

1/ International collaboration including: Dr. O. Castro-Alvaredo (Reader, City, University of London), F. Sailis (Ph.D. student, City, University of London) and Dr. I. M. Szécsényi (post-doc, Nordita, Stockholm).

2/ International collaboration including: Prof. R. Tateo (Full professor, University of Torino), T. Morone (Ph.D. student, University of Torino).

3/ International collaboration with Dr. A. Bastianello (post-doc, Technical University of Munich).

Available PhD research projects

I am happy to offer PhD projects in the general area of quantum integrability and exactly solvable systems. The project can be developed according to the student’s interests and preferences.
The specific research lines I listed above provide some general grounds on which a project can be constructed, however they are not constraining. An example of a project not directly pertaining to those specific research direction, which I'd be happy to supervise a student on is

The study of integrable spin chains with spins belonging to non-compact representations of Lie algebras. These have deep relations with the exact solvability of super-conformal QFTs in the planar limit, such as N=4 Super-Yang-Mills and ABJM theory.

Supervision

Current Supervisees:

Henry Bittleston (co-supervising with Dr Benoit Vicedo) - zwx514@york.ac.uk