Past Events

The Physics of Vision and Perception

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Abstract: Ever wondered how we perceive the world around us? How do our eyes detect light and how does our brain interpret what our eyes see? In this discussion, we will investigate how human vision and perception works, as well as how it can be manipulated through visual illusions. We will also explore how human vision differs from the vision of other animals such as dogs, birds, and insects.

Improving the Performance of Superconducting Qubits

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Abstract: Superconducting quantum computers, once scaled up, could solve problems intractable to even the largest classical supercomputers, but better superconducting qubits are needed before this can occur. Superconducting qubit coherence is currently limited both by cryogenic low-power dielectric loss and by large temporal fluctuations due to strongly-coupled defects.

The Role of First Principles Methods in a Data-Driven World

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Abstract: Two Nobel prizes were just awarded on machine learning topics, reflecting the broad enthusiasm for data-driven methodologies in the physical sciences. The public facing view on machine learning—and also what is taught in the classroom—emphasizes the powerful algorithms that enable learning through deep neural networks and related models. In contrast, I will present my view on the less visible counterpart to the algorithm: the data, upon which all machine learning models stand or fall.

New regimes of frontier science on the NIF laser and supporting HED facilities

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Abstract: Highlights from research done on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser through the Discovery Science program will be presented. Plasma nuclear reactions relevant to stellar nucleosynthesis and nuclear reactions in high energy astrophysical scenarios are being studied. [1] Equations of state (EOS) at very high pressures (0.1-100 TPa or 1-1000 Mbar) relevant to planetary cores, brown dwarf interiors, and white dwarf envelopes are being measured on NIF, and show that the level of ionization can significantly affect the compressibility of the sample.

Core-level Stimulated X-ray Raman Spectroscopy

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The advent of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has enabled the generation of intense, ultrafast x-ray pulses, unlocking new possibilities for studying nonlinear light-matter interactions in the x-ray regime. The sub-femtosecond duration of XFEL pulses allows tracking ultrafast molecular dynamics with atomic resolution via pump-probe techniques, capturing events on their natural timescales.

Round Robin Colloquium

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APS is holding holding a round-robin colloquium today in the JILA auditorium at 3:30 pm and so far, speakers for today are:

-Erica Nelson

- Adam Kowalski

- John Bally

- Zach Berta-Thompson

- Shannon Curry

- Andrew Hamilton

Plasmonic Magnesium Nanoparticles

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Abstract: Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) have a broad technology potential as an attractive platform for surface-enhanced spectroscopies, refractive index sensing, hyperthermal cancer therapy, plasmon-enhanced catalysis, and so on. One of the newest metals for plasmonics is magnesium. It is earth-abundant, biocompatible, and has a higher plasmonic quality factor than aluminum across the visible (and than gold and copper in the blue).