Topic: The Landau-Siegel Zero Problem in Number Theory

Speaker: Prof. Yitang Zhang

Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Time: 3:15pm-4:30pm

Venue: Governing Board Meeting Room, Dao Yuan Building

Language: English

        Abstract:

        As a special and (probably) much weaker form of the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis, the Landau-Siegel zero problem has its own interest and amazing applications in number theory. In this talk we will introduce its history and applications. In particular, it will be explained why such a problem is important and difficult to solve. Some new attempts will be described.

        In this talk, we will avoid technical details as possible so that it can be open to people who are not in the number theory major.

        Speaker Profile:

        Prof. Yitang Zhang is currently a Professor of Mathematics at University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a Chinese-born American mathematician working in the area of number theory. While working for the University of New Hampshire as a lecturer, Prof. Zhang submitted an article to the Annals of Mathematics in 2013 which established the first finite bound on the least gap between consecutive primes that is attained infinitely often. This work led to a 2014 MacArthur award and his appointment as a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prof. Zhang received his Ph.D degree from Purdue University in 1991. He received his M.S. and B.S. degree from Peking University in 1984 and 1982.

        Prof. Zhang was awarded the 2013 Morningside Special Achievement Award in Mathematics, the 2013 Ostrowski Prize, the 2014 Rolf Schock Prize in Mathematics, and the 2018 AAEOY Lifetime Achievement Award, etc.