Neuromorphic computing or brain-inspired computing is considered as a potential solution to overcome the energy inefficiency of the von Neumann architecture for artificial intelligence applications [1-4]. To realize spin-based neuromorphic computing practically, it is essential to design and fabricate electronic analogues of neurons and synapses. An electronic analogue of a synaptic device should provide multiple resistance states. A neuron device should receive multiple inputs and should provide a pulse output when the summation of the multiple inputs exceeds a threshold. Our group has been carrying out investigations on the design and development of various synaptic and neuron devices in our laboratory. Domain wall (DW) devices based on magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), where the DW can be moved by spin-orbit torque, are suitable candidates for the fabrication of synaptic and neuron devices [2]. Spin-orbit torque helps in achieving DW motion at low energies whereas the use of MTJs helps in translating DW position information into resistance levels (or voltage pulses) [3]. This talk will summarize various designs of synthetic neurons synaptic elements and materials [4]. The first half of the talk will be at an introductory level, aimed at first-year graduate students. The second half will provide details of the latest research

Supergravity solutions with orbifold singularities contribute non-trivially to the quantum gravity path integral, unveiling new holographic correspondences. These solutions relate to supersymmetric quantum field theories (QFTs) defined on orbifolds with conical singularities, whose partition functions capture crucial physical insights such as dualities between different models and the entropy of accelerating black holes. From a mathematical perspective, the path integrals of these theories link to topological invariants of the underlying orbifolds, extending known results from smooth manifolds to singular spaces. This talk will present an investigation into supersymmetric QFTs on orbifolds with conical singularities, focusing on general circle fibrations over spindles.

I will start with a brief introduction to the UV-problems of gravity and how string theory proposes to resolve them. As we will see, this implies extra dimensions and hence the possibility of different "compactifications", leading to very many possible 4d theories. The idea that more or less any 4d model can be found in this huge "Landscape" has more recently been challenged by the "Swampland" paradigm, proposing to search for general criteria for what can or can not occur in 4d effective theories having a consistent UV completion in quantum gravity. I will discuss some of the most important such "Swampland Conjectures": The "No-Global Symmetries", "Weak Gravity" and "Distance Conjecture". Finally, I will briefly review the phenomenologically very important but less established "de Sitter Conjecture".

Quantum computing is moving beyond its traditional mainframe infrastructure with the realization of room-temperature technologies powered by the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. At Quantum Brilliance, we are at the forefront of this innovation, developing compact quantum accelerators based on NV centers—artificial atoms that enable fully functional qubits in a solid-state environment. This innovation holds the potential to make quantum computing not only more accessible but also more practical. Our mission is to deliver room-temperature quantum processors that can be deployed across a variety of environments, from centralized data centers to the network edge. To achieve this, we are overcoming key technological challenges, such as the precise arrangement of NV centers at nanometer scales to enable magnetic coupling for multi-qubit operations across nodes. Quantum Brilliance addresses this using a breakthrough 'bottom-up' fabrication technique, leveraging atomically precise surface chemistry and lithography to build scalable diamond devices. Beyond scalability, we are also focused on advancing the performance, miniaturization, and manufacturability of these devices—crucial for achieving high-speed, high-fidelity spin control and efficient qubit readout in low-power, compact systems. These technological advancements are positioning diamond quantum technologies as a leading force in the transition to compact, high-performance quantum computing and quantum information processing. With pre-production prototypes underway, Quantum Brilliance is on track to develop quantum accelerators with over 50 qubits, poised to outperform classical CPUs and GPUs in critical applications within the next five years. In this presentation, I will explore the key innovations driving the performance, miniaturization, and scalability of diamond-based quantum technologies, and how these breakthroughs are set to transform the quantum computing landscape, enabling scalable, mass deployable quantum compute systems.