We will consider the inverse problem of determining the sound speed or index of refraction of a medium by measuring the travel times of waves going through the medium. This problem arises in global seismology in an attempt to determine the inner structure of the Earth by measuring travel times of earthquakes. It has also several applications in optics and medical imaging among others.
     The problem can be recast as a geometric problem: Can one determine a Riemannian metric of a Riemannian manifold with boundary by measuring the distance function between boundary points? This is the boundary rigidity problem. We will also consider the problem of determining the metric from the scattering relation, the so-called lens rigidity problem. The linearization of these problems involve the integration of a tensor along geodesics, similar to the X-ray transform.
     We will also describe some recent results, join with Plamen Stefanov and Andras Vasy, on the partial data case, where you are making measurements on a subset of the boundary. No previous knowledge of Riemannian geometry will be assumed. 

Abstract:

I will discuss various geometric gluing constructions. First I will discuss constructions for Constant Mean Curvature hypersurfaces in Euclidean spaces including my earlier work for two-surfaces in three-space which settled the Hopf conjecture for surfaces of genus two and higher, and recent generalizations in collaboration with Christine Breiner in all dimensions. I will then briefly mention gluing constructions in collaboration with Mark Haskins for special Lagrangian cones in Cn. A large part of my talk will concentrate on doubling and desingularization constructions for minimal surfaces and on applications on closed minimal surfaces in the round spheres, free boundary minimal surfaces in the unit ball, and self-shrinkers for the Mean Curvature flow. Finally I will discuss my collaboration with Simon Brendle on constructions for Einstein metrics on four-manifolds and related geometric objects.

Abstract

After briefly reviewing some basic aspects of quantum
probability theory, especially questions surrounding a
celebrated theorem of Gleason, we turn to analogues of
quantum probabilities studied in symplectic geometry
known as quasi-states, which are functions on Lie algebras
which are linear on abelian sub-algebras.

A prototypical (and well-studied) example is the so called
Maslov index. We will discuss the existence of non-linear quasi-states on
various families of finite-dimensional Lie algebras. No fluency
in the language of Lie algebras will be assumed.

Joint work with Tobias Hartnick (Technion).

Phyllotaxis, the arrangement of phylla (leaves, bracts, seeds) near the shoot apical meristems of plants has intrigued and mystified natural scientists for over two thousand years. It is surprising that only within the last two decades have quantitative explanations emerged that describe the wonderful architectures which are observed. I will give an overview of two types of explanation, teleological and mechanistic, one based on rules which posit that each new phyllo be placed according to some optimal packing principle and the other which uses plain old biophysics and biochemistry to build mechanistic models which lead to pattern forming pde's. One of the stunning new results is that, while the latter is richer, both approaches lead to completely consistent results. This may well have broader ramifications in that it suggests that nature may use instability driven patterns to achieve optimal outcomes.

The talk should be accessible to students and colleagues in other disciplines.