The Impact of Electron Physics in High Energy Density Plasmas

The study of high energy density plasmas (HEDP) allows researchers to study the impact of microscopic phenomena on macroscopic scales by using plasmas dense enough to be probed by high energy photons (i.e. visible, UV, X-ray). This probe allows us to use readily available detectors to make precise, two-dimensional measurements of the electron density and infer the electron flow speed and magnetic field.

Radiative Cascade in Rydberg Atoms

This talk is an introduction to the physics of Rydberg atoms. The two complementary flavors of Rydberg atoms, high and low angular momentum states, have contrasting properties as they relate to the correspondence principle that bridges classical behavior to quantum mechanics. Dynamic symmetries allow a unified point of view to investigate this correspondence. Highly excited atoms dissipate their energy in different ways depending on their initial angular momentum: low angular momentum states make transitions in large energy increments, quickly approaching the ground state, while high angular momentum states make small steps, slowly spiraling towards lower states.

Mark Williamsen, Quantum Design, Inc

Applications of AC Bridges in Cryogenic Measurements

AC (alternating current) bridges have proven to be useful in making precise measurements at low temperature, including thermometry as well as length change with respect to either thermal expansion (dilatometry) or applied magnetic field (magnetostriction). Techniques now in use allow one leg of the bridge to be placed at the cryogenic sample site while the other legs remain at room temperature, with the intervening temperature gradient being imposed along a length of coaxial cable.

Dr. Morgan Lynch, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

A Brief History of Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetime

The incorporation of classical general relativity into the framework of quantum field theory yielded a rather surprising result -- thermodynamic particle production. In short, for fundamental deformations in the structure of spacetime, quantum mechanics necessitates the creation of thermalized particles from the vacuum. One such phenomenon, known as the Unruh effect, causes empty space to effervesce a thermal bath of particles when viewed by an observer undergoing uniformly accelerated motion.

In this presentation, we will review the timeline of conceptual discoveries which led to broad classes of these intriguing thermodynamic phenomena. Beginning with the original discovery of particles created by the expansion of the universe, we will cover a brief history of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, culminating in the first experimental observation of the Unruh effect, and other aspects of acceleration-induced thermality, in high energy channeling radiation.

Professor Hari Srikanth, Dept. of Physics - Univ. of South Florida & 2019 IEEE Magnetic Society Distinguished Lecturer

Tuning Magnetic Anisotropy in Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications

Magnetic nanoparticles have been building blocks in applications ranging from high density recording to spintronics and nanomedicine. Magnetic anisotropies in nanoparticles arising from surfaces, shapes and interfaces in hybrid structures are important in determining the functional response in various applications. In this talk, I will first introduce the basic aspects of anisotropy, how to tune it in nanostructures and ways to measure it. I will discuss resonant RF transverse susceptibility, that we have used extensively, as a powerful method to probe the effective anisotropy in magnetic materials.

Miniaturized Microwave & Millimeter Wave Biodetection for Molecular and Cellular Characterization

Dr. Katia Grenier, LAAS – CNRS (Toulouse, France)

This special Physics department colloquium is scheduled for Wednesday 7/20/16 at 1:30 PM in the Kenwood Interdisciplinary Research Complex (KIRC) Room KEN 1150. Coffee and cookies will be available in KEN 3118 (third floor kitchenette located next to the elevators) […]

This special Physics department colloquium is scheduled for Monday 11/23/15 at 3:30 PM in the Kenwood Interdisciplinary Research Complex (KIRC) Room KEN 1150. Coffee and cookies will be available in KEN 3118 (third floor kitchenette located next to the elevators) […]