Barr Systems Distinguished Lecture Series 2003-2004



Dr. Charles H. Bennett, IBM Research, 10.40-11:40AM, Reitz Union 361, Nov. 12, 2003

Title: Quantum Information

Abstract: Information and computation theory have recently been extended to
include the transmission and processing of intact quantum states,
and feats such as quantum cryptography, quantum teleportation and
fast quantum computation.  Although progress toward a practical
quantum computer is slow, the theory of quantum information
processing has developed to the point where it can be viewed as
the most natural and complete formulation of the notions of
information and computation, extending classical information and
computation theory in much the way the complex numbers extend
the real numbers.

Prof. Laurence F. Abbott, Brandeis University, 4-5PM, CSE E121, Nov. 21, 2003

Title: Scale-Invariant Dynamics in Neural Systems

Abstract: Neurons, synapses, and neural circuits exhibit temporal dynamics on
time scales ranging from milliseconds to years.  Furthermore, these
dynamics appear to be scale-invariant rather than being characterized
by fixed time constants.  I will discuss ways of modeling and thinking
about such systems, and explore the functional implications of
scale-invariant dynamics for adaptation and memory.

Prof. Shing-Tung Yau, Harvard University, 1:55-2:45PM, CSE E119,  Jan. 16th, 2004

Title: Application of Geometry to Computer Graphics and Medical Imaging

Abstract: We describe a way to organize three dimensional computer graphics using methods of
differential geometry and algebraic curve theory. From a large set of points in space, we need to
compute the geometry of a surface. We proceed by computing the conformal structure of the
surfaces and also all the conformal invariants associated with the surfaces. In particular, we
compute their period matrices and related holomorphic quadratic differentials. These are used
to identify and reconstruct the surfaces. The method is good for recognition registration and data
compression; since the parameterization is global, it is also good for the problem of constructing texture.

Prof. Ken Kennedy, Rice University,  Time TBA, Room TBA, Feb. 13, 2004


Prof. Sankar Sastry, Univ. of California,  Berkeley, Time TBA, Room TBA, Spring 2004


We acknowledge Barr Systems located in Gainesville, FL for their ongoing support of the Barr Systems distinguished lecture series.