Events

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to announce this year’s Physics 123 Line-up.  “What Physicists Do” is our annual series of five lectures by invited speakers, many of whom are Carleton Physics alumni.  It is intended to introduce students to a broad range of real-world physics and to give some perspective on the kinds of work done by people with a physics background.  The course is open to all interested students; those considering a major in physics are particularly encouraged to enroll. Students who are unable to enroll are encouraged to attend the talks that fit their schedule.

The presentations are in AND 036 on Fridays during 6th period (3:30-4:30pm). The only requirement for registered students to receive credit, beyond attending five talks, is to read an assigned article beforehand and then to submit a short (one page) typed essay afterwards commenting on both the talk and the reading. Non-registered students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend any and all talks that fit your schedule!  Speakers will be available for informal discussions over refreshments afterward.  Questions: Arjendu Pattanayak, Olin 237, arjendu@carleton.edu

May 8th   Adam Rutkowski ‘17:  CTO, Marathon Fusion

“Nuclear Physics and the Alchemical Magnum Opus: Chrysopoeia, Medical Isotopes, and Fusion Energy”

Nuclear fusion offers a pathway towards limitless energy while mitigating many of fission's core challenges. While fusion companies are now targeting operation of the first fusion power plants in the early to mid 2030s, many challenges remain in scaling from existing technology to commercial power plants, and the long-term economics remain uncertain. Fortunately, unique characteristics of fusion neutrons enable other high value uses in addition to electricity generation. Near-term application of fusion neutrons to the production of medical isotopes offers a route to validate integrated fusion technology at meaningful scale while meeting global needs for critical lifesaving isotopes. Longer term, fusion neutron-driven transmutation offers a pathway to industrial-scale coproduction of gold via the transmutation of mercury, realizing the ancient alchemical dream of chrysopoeia and dramatically improving the economics of fusion energy systems. In this talk we will discuss both of these technologies, and chart a path over the next ten years for fusion to become the most attractive energy source in human history.