Radiations Newsletter

Volume 26, Issue 15 (Feb 3, 2020)

Do you remember what this is??  I know it’s been a busy term– but we’re ready to head back to the LDC for a social lunch.  Join us at noon Tuesday in the Class of ’51 Dining Room.

Rina Tanaka
Wednesday, Feb 5^th 2020
3:10 pm in Anderson 036

The Physics of Bees

 Bees are fascinating creatures, and it turns out that there are many bee-related fascinating physics questions we can ask such as: How can bumblebees expel pollen out from inside a flower’s anthers simply by vibrating the anthers? How can bees know where the sun is even when it is obscured by clouds? What’s the most dominant physical phenomenon that puts a limit on the eyesight of bees? If you find yourself curious about these questions, come to my comps talk!  I will explain some physical phenomena that are relevant to the life of bees, including buzz pollination, vision, and flight.

Ann Isaacs
Friday Feb^st 2020
3:30 pm Anderson 036

Gamma Ray Bursts

Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) are some of the most energetic events we observe in outer space. These brief, intense observations of high-energy photons can reach us from across great reaches of space. Discovered entirely by accident by Cold War satellites looking for nuclear detonation in space, there is much we still do not know about GRBs. We have only recently learned what we need to look for. In this talk, I will cover the general story of what GRBs are, including the initial bursts and the longer-lived afterglows. I will also discuss what processes produce such high-energy light and what that means for GRB sources. Finally, I will explore the leading theories of what produces GRBs, studying such extreme environments as newly-born black holes and neutron stars with magnetic fields trillions of times that of the Earth. I will conclude by asking why we study GRBs, and what they can tell us about our universe.

Mid-term break!
Monday, Feb 10^th 2020

When: Friday, February 7, 7:00 – 9:00 PM to  if clear

The Department of Physics at Montana State University will offer six undergraduate research positions for ten weeks from June through August of 2020. These positions are funded through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program.Projects will focus on Quantum Physics, Quantum Materials, Condensed Matter, and Optical Physics. Examples include: levitated quantum optomechanics; nano-optics of quantum materials; studies of phase transitions in superconductors, magnetic materials, and H2O ice; experiments on magnetic films and nanostructures; biofilm, corrosion research using imaging and chemical analysis techniques; applied optics and optical storage; quantum computing; and theory of superfluids.
Surrounded by spectacular mountains, Bozeman is a town of 46,000 at an elevation of 5000 feet in the Gallatin Valley, 80 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Summers in Bozeman offer unparalleled opportunities for biking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, fly fishing, river floating, whitewater rafting and camping.
Dates – 10 weeks (1 June – 7 August 2020). Applications due March 2, 2020.
Financial Support – Stipends are $6,000 for the ten-week program. Round-trip travel costs to Bozeman, on-campus housing accommodation, and a food allowance will be provided.
Eligibility – Participants must be full-time undergraduates majoring in physics or a related discipline, typically finishing their sophomore, junior, or senior years, and must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcomed.
For more information about this REU program, contact: Prof. Brian D’Urso (durso@montana.edu) or Prof. John Neumeier (neumeier@montana.edu).

Apply Here

Technical Writing Scientist

Thorlabs is currently seeking applications from highly motivated individuals to inform and educate the photonics’ community about Thorlabs’ products and their applications. The ideal candidate will be a recent or upcoming graduate with an undergraduate or master’s degree in physics, optics, lasers, imaging, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
The successful candidate will work to strengthen Thorlabs’ position as a leading manufacturer of Photonics products. In support of that mission, he or she will develop effective product presentations for our website and for use at tradeshows. Technical marketers work closely with graphic artists to create presentations. Original content is based on basic information provided by Thorlabs’ engineers and business unit leaders. Hence, this position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.  Laboratory experience beyond basic laboratory courses [i.e., participation in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), senior honors project, or the like] is highly desirable. The candidate should also have strong writing and presentation skills in English, excellent organizational skills, the ability to work under time constraints, and a desire to learn about new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Develop effective content and application images for use in various forms of marketing collateral
Create tutorials, sales sheets, monitor presentations, posters, and brochures
Develop application images based on Thorlabs’ products
Partner with the graphics staff to create product videos and animations
Learn and implement best practices for building website content
Develop and implement search engine optimization projects for various product lines
Participate in defining and developing new product and/or product enhancements
Additional responsibilities may include participating in and leading marketing projects and attending tradeshows

Requirements

Bachelors or Masters Degree in Physics, Optics, Lasers, Engineering, or a closely related field
Strong writing and presentation skills in English
Strong organizational and planning skills
Ability to multitask, be detail oriented, and solve problems, all while under tight time constraints

The Technical Writing Scientist position is located in Newton, NJ. Interested candidates can send their resumes to
caragona@thorlabs.com.