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A central question in quantum chaos is how classical chaotic dynamics influence quantum behavior. On compact Riemannian manifolds, pure quantum states correspond to Laplacian eigenfunctions. The quantum unique ergodicity (QUE) conjecture of Rudnick and Sarnak predicts that on hyperbolic manifolds, all high-energy eigenfunctions become uniformly distributed. The asymptotic behavior of eigenfunctions can be formulated in terms of semiclassical measures, which describe the microlocal distribution of eigenfunction mass. One approach towards the QUE conjecture applies microlocal analysis and uncertainty principles to characterize the support of semiclassical measures. I will discuss recent work that uses the breakthrough higher-dimensional fractal uncertainty principle of Cohen. Using this uncertainty principle, we prove the first result on the support of semiclassical measures on real hyperbolic n-manifolds. To explain some of the main proof ideas, we will discuss work on the toy model of quantum cat maps. This is joint work with Nicholas Miller.

We will examine the multiplicative structure of two skein algebras—the usual Kauffman bracket skein algebra of a surface (generated by loops) and a generalization of it due to Roger-Yang (generated by loops and arcs).  In joint work with Chloe Marple, we found an unexpected homomorphism between the usual skein algebra for a closed torus and the Roger-Yang skein algebra for a twice-punctured annulus.  In this talk, I’ll discuss how we  used the homomorphism to help compute representations and structural constants of the Roger-Yang skein algebra for a twice-punctured annulus, and  whether there might be similar relationships between skein algebras for other surfaces.