• Upcoming comps presentations

    Ayaka Moriyama
    Wednesday, February 9, 2022
    8:30 am on zoom
    The Physics of Plasma Gasification with a Plasma Arc

    Plasma gasification, or plasma recycling, is a way to dispose of wastes and can be a solution to our waste and energy problems. A plasma environment created by a plasma arc can achieve as high as 1500–3000 kelvins while incineration, a conventional way of treating wastes, can reach only 800-1200 kelvins. This extremely hot environment can gasify wastes and break down even hazardous chemicals into nonhazardous elemental particles. Unlike incineration, plasma gasification emits few or no toxic byproducts and instead produces syngas, which can be used as a source of power generation. In this talk, I look at how a plasma arc is created to achieve such a high temperature using the physics of electricity and statistical mechanics. I will also cover heat transfer during the process of gasification, which is important in determining the efficiency of a plasma gasifier as a waste-to-energy facility.

    Helen Du
    Wednesday, February 9, 2022
    3:10 pm in Olin 141
    Gate-Based Quantum Computing: Theory and Realization

    You might have heard of the power of quantum computers in news, magazines, and popular science books. Indeed, full-scale quantum computers are promised to be a revolutionary technology if they are realized. Utilizing quantum phenomena such as superposition, interference, and entanglement, quantum computers provide significant speed-ups over classical algorithms for certain classes of problems. However, harvesting the power of quantum computing is no easy task, due to the theoretical challenges in designing quantum algorithms and the engineering challenges in physical implementations. In this talk, you will learn about the basic principles of quantum computing. We will look at the quantum circuit model, the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm, and the physics of nuclear magnetic resonance quantum computers. While I can’t tell you whether quantum computing will be the next big thing, you will have the tools after this talk to begin exploring further and decide whether you should trust the popular science narratives!

    Yunping Wang
    Friday, February 11, 2022
    3:30 pm in Olin 141
    The Physics of Lithography

    Since the inception of semiconductors, our world has been fundamentally changed, with microprocessors being used in every aspect of our lives. In particular, technological advancements have allowed us to make chips smaller and smaller, leading to the boom of mobile devices in the last two decades. Lithography is the most crucial step in microprocessor manufacturing and is also the main driving force behind its innovation. In this talk, I will give an overview of modern microprocessor design and manufacturing. Then I will introduce the technique of photolithography and techniques that can improve its resolution. Lastly, I will explain briefly about next-generation lithography techniques such as electron-beam.

    Dylan Willick
    Monday, February 14, 2022
    8:30 am

    We examine the defining characteristics of chaotic dynamical systems through the lens of three example systems. By analyzing the behavior of the logistic map, double pendulum, and Lorenz system we define chaos as aperiodic, deterministic behavior displayed by nonlinear dynamical systems that exhibit a sensitive dependence to initial conditions. We then develop some of the tools necessary to quantify chaotic behavior, including bifurcation diagrams, strange attractors in phase space, and Lyapunov exponents.  Using the understanding of chaos developed prior, we proceed to study the synchronization of chaotic systems, including a subset of the available methods used to achieve synchronization. Lastly, we look at an example of coupled synchronization in communications applications.

  • Summer research

    “Special Project” / potential summer opportunity
    A research group at the University of Minnesota is designing a telescope to do rapid optical flow up on binary mergers observed by LIGO/Virgo. They are inviting undergrads from the region to participate. The work could include a mix of software development, data analysis, and hardware. They are interested in “special project style” involvement from students during the term (e.g. weekly zoom meeting, then work on your own for a few hours/week). They then expect to hire a few students for paid work over the summer, likely from among those working on the project during the term.  Note that since the work is not with a Carleton faculty member, you can’t get Carleton credit, but it would provide the other (probably more significant) benefits of a special project: opportunity to get involved in research that interests you, resume building, networking, etc.  Ann Isaacs ’20 is a grad student on the team. Discover more information or contact Jay (jtasson@carleton.edu).

  • Summer Internship

    There is still time to secure a PAID summer internship! The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program provides paid 10-week summer internships for up to three consecutive summers for talented undergraduate and graduate students in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and other related fields.

  • Summer research opportunities

    Summer Research Opportunities:
    Applications are now open for these summer (and beyond) research opportunities:
    • Faculty/Student Research via the Towsley Endowment (February 11)
    • Kolenkow-Reitz Fellowship (March 29)
    • Paglia Post-Bac Fellowship (February 25)

  • APS Student ambassadors

    Remember to spread the word! You can apply to the Student Ambassador program and become more involved with APS while embarking on unique leadership and professional development opportunities. What does…

  • APS News articles

    This Week in Physics Magazine — February 7, 2022

    “Tin-Can Telephone” Connects Two Ions

    Christian Tomás Schmiegelow – February 7, 2022

    Two separate teams have demonstrated a way to couple two ions through a metal wire, offering a way to remotely cool ions.

    Speed Limit on Change

    February 4, 2022

    Experiments with a single calcium atom prove that processes of change have a speed limit determined by the rate at which they can dissipate heat.

    Quantum Measurement Strikes a Balance

    February 3, 2022

    An experiment demonstrates that, in a quantum measurement, there is a three-way trade-off between different types of information content.

    Strike Out for Eight-Year Magnetic Monopole Search

    February 2, 2022

    No magnetic monopoles have been found in an analysis of data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, but the analysis method could still help advance the search for these elusive particles.

    Bending Hollow Rods Under High Pressure

    February 1, 2022

    Observing how rod-shaped bacteria deform could indicate their internal pressure.

    Blowin’ in the Galactic Wind

    February 3, 2022

    Nuclear winds expel cold molecular hydrogen gas from the Galactic Center, providing new clues to how star-forming material circulates through the Galaxy.

    3D-Printed Magnets Made from Recycled Materials

    February 2, 2022

    Using recycled materials to make magnets could allow companies to circumvent supply chain issues for sourcing magnetic objects.

  • Foreign Service careers

    Discover opportunities with the U.S. State Department – Foreign Service Careers on Tue, February 22, 2022, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. For more information or to register, see Handshake

  • Life after Undergrad Panel

    The Women in Physics and Astronomy group (WiPA) at UMN is hosting our annual panel Life After Undergrad on Monday, February 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm CT. 

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