A quantum information theorist and a self-described "antsy pants" with boundless curiosity, Eduardo Martin-Martinez thrives amid the endless puzzles provided by theoretical physics.
He is a professor in mathamatical physics at the University of Waterloo and associate professor at Perimeter Institute and the Institute for Quantum Computing, where he and his team tackle deep topics ranging from quantum computing to the structure of spacetime.
His most recent work explores the hypothetical black holes known as kugelblitze, and the laws of physics that prohibit them from occurring in reality (read What are kugelblitze — and why can't they exist?).
Martin-Martinez earned his PhD in Madrid, where he received the "extraordinary PhD thesis award" before moving to Canada for his postdoc, supported by the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship.
FirstPrinciples: Your latest paper proves that kugelblitze — hypothetical black holes created from light — are impossible. Is it fair to call you the kugelblitze killer?
Eduardo Martin-Martinez: Oh my goodness, I hope not. First of all, if I were to be put on trial for that crime it would have to be with my co-conspirators José, Álvaro and Luis, as this was a joint effort (see "No black holes from light").
Second, I don’t think that we have completely killed kugelblitze. We only showed that they can’t be created artificially or naturally in the conditions of our current universe. Perhaps in the extraordinarily extreme conditions of the early universe such entities could have formed. But it is also true that our results suggest that it is extremely unlikely that these objects are feasible.
FP: Your research seems hard to pinpoint into a single "field" — is that by design?
EMM: I do have many different interests mostly within the realms of quantum theory, quantum thermodynamics, the structure of spacetime, and information theory. It’s less by design and more a natural consequence of my curiosity and passion for exploring.
If you ask me what my expertise is, I would say I work in the field of relativistic quantum information. This field sits at the intersection of quantum theory, general relativity (and other approaches to describing the structure of spacetime) and quantum information theory. However, this field itself is very diverse and difficult to categorize neatly.
I consider myself a bit of an “antsy pants” driven by a love for physics and a job that allows me to explore many different questions at my leisure (within the constraints of grants and funding, of course). This motivates me to delve into a variety of interconnected topics and gives me the freedom to wonder about a number of topics in physics, mathematics and sometimes even philosophy.
FP: Why theoretical physics? Did you know from childhood what you wanted to be when you grew up?
EMM: I’d always been a curious kid, the type to bombard adults with questions to the point of annoying them. So I chose a career path that I believed would help me uncover the most answers. Physics, and theoretical physics in particular, seemed like the perfect choice.
As it turns out, instead of providing answers, this path generated even more questions. While you do find answers along the way, the real joy lies in the thrill of the endless stream of new questions that keep the adventure going.
FP: What fundamental questions are you ultimately hoping to answer?
EMM: This is a difficult question because there are so many intriguing topics I'm passionate about.
I want to better understand the foundations of quantum theory when we account for the dynamics of spacetime. Specifically, how the flow of information can help us unravel the mysteries of gravity, the most puzzling of the fundamental interactions. Perhaps along the way we can also learn a couple of tricks from how the universe works for future technology.
One fundamental question that still baffles us is: What does it even mean to make a measurement? When someone in a lab measures a physical quantity and gets a value and writes it down in their lab notepad, what exactly happens to the system? While it sounds basic, it becomes incredibly complex when you try to define it in a way that's compatible with both quantum theory and our understanding of spacetime. In the context of quantum mechanics, making a measurement is already tricky in itself. When you add the requirement of integrating quantum and relativistic effects, and that the measurements need to happen at a finite time in a finite amount of space, the concepts we often hear about in popular science, like the collapse of the wavefunction or even the notion of particles used in high energy physics start to break down.
Another captivating question is: How does quantum matter gravitate? I'm particularly interested in the gravitational properties of quantum matter, especially in cases where this matter violates traditional energy conditions. Such quantum matter could theoretically create exotic spacetimes, leading to effects like repulsive gravity or producing solutions like the Alcubierre warp drive or traversable wormholes. Currently, we lack a satisfactory framework to fully understand how such states of matter, which can be created in a lab, would actually deform spacetime.
From a more applied perspective, I'm curious to determine what advantages we can gain by leveraging both quantum and relativistic effects. Just as quantum mechanics allows us to achieve more than classical physics for handling information and computing, I'm exploring how combining quantum mechanics with relativity can enhance information processing. Together with my colleagues, I am investigating how information is processed, transmitted, and transformed in relativistic settings, which could lead to breakthroughs in both fundamental physics and advanced technologies.
FP: What keeps you up at night?
EMM: I’m a bit of a night owl, and I have to admit that sometimes I don’t get as much sleep as I should because my mind is occupied with thoughts about my work. It’s definitely not something I would recommend, as sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy brain. The nature of the job often means that problems and solutions tend to stick around in your mind after the work day ends. On top of that, being a professor comes with many responsibilities towards other people. The excitement and frustration of these moments can make it hard to switch off.
FP: What hobby or pastime do you have that’s least related to science?
EMM: I’m a tinkerer at heart. I love working on custom-made home improvements, electrical systems, and computers. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking on a DIY project around the house. It is a bit of a contrast with theoretical physics, and a nice change of pace that allows you to see immediate tangible results. Whether I’m troubleshooting a tricky wiring problem or configuring a new software setup, I find these activities both relaxing and intellectually stimulating. They keep me grounded and continually learning.
I am also teaching myself to play the flute. I always wanted to learn to play an instrument but never had the chance. Now, I’m just picking it up on my own in my free time and I find it very relaxing.
FP: What keeps you motivated when problems seem unsolvable and you hit a dead end?
EMM: Remembering that it’s simply the nature of the beast. Research in theoretical physics often means venturing into uncharted territory where answers don’t come easily. The challenge itself is a testament to the complexity and depth of the problems we’re tackling. Knowing that I’m a tiny part of a global community of researchers pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and that we all face these challenges together keeps me driven.
On a personal note, I wish the world were a bit more understanding of this. From the general public to funding agencies, it’s important to recognize that often, not finding an answer is actually progress and part of the path we need to walk in order to advance and grow. It's valuable to avoid over-emphasizing short-term rewards at the expense of long-term goals.
