Past Events

Abstract:  Underpinning planetary science is a deep history of observation and, more recently, robotic exploration within the Solar System, from which models of planetary processes have been constructed. Concurrently, thousands of planets have been discovered outside our Solar System that exhibit enormous diversity, and their large numbers provide a statistical opportunity to place our Solar System within the broader context of planetary structure, atmospheres, architectures, formation, and evolution.

*Reception with cake in the h-bar following the talk

Abstract: Short-range-interacting particles can in principle crystallize via so-called non-classical pathways invoking a metastable liquid intermediate, yet non-equilibrium gelation often occurs before a metastable liquid can form. Using in situ X-ray scattering, we nevertheless watch electrostatically stabilized colloidal semiconducting nanocrystals self-assemble into long-range-ordered superlattices via this non-classical pathway and show how the pathway increases the rate of crystallization over that of direct crystallization from the colloidal phase.

Abstract:  I will review some aspects of our present understanding of many-body localization (MBL).  MBL is Anderson localization of interacting systems

 Perhaps "The quark model for an AMO audience'' would be a better title? Anyway, I will tell you a bit about the spectroscopy of strongly interacting particles, a bit about the quark model, a bit about how people calculate the masses of bound states of quarks and gluons, and a bit about some states that I think are particularly interesting.

Abstract: The 2000-antenna Deep Synoptic Array (DSA-2000) will be a world- leading radio survey telescope and multi-messenger discovery engine operating in the 0.7-2 GHz band, with key surveys planned for 2028- 2033. The survey speed of the DSA-2000 will be unmatched among current or planned radio telescopes.

Abstract: There are two fundamentally different ways to carry out a time resolved inelastic light scattering experiment: Firstly, one can drive elementary excitations and form new photonic states of matter not intrinsic to the ground state of the investigated material. Secondly, we can quench the free energy “Mexican-Hat Potential” of order in condensed matter leading to the population of the lowest-energy stable excitation characteristic for the ordered state.

Abstract:  I present evidence that electron-transfer in model organic photovoltaic blends can be modeled as a competition between short and long-range electron transfer events, each described by a Marcus parabola having different reorganization energies for the most localized charge-transfer (CT) state and the mobile free charge (CT) state.

Abstract:  We would like a theory of quantum gravity so that we can answer pesky questions, like “what really happens if I dive into a gene

Abstract: Ultraviolet spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools to cover a wide range of scientific fields, from planetary science to astronomy. We will introduce a future UV space telescope, LAPYUTA which is selected as a candidate for JAXA’s M-class mission.

Abstract: From bio-physics to quantum simulators, many fields depend on sub-diffraction imaging of multiple point sources.

Abstract: We are all physicists, and have at least some acquaintance with mathematics. And we all have a fear of nuclear war. There are currently nine nations with these dreadful weapons. Can you name them? This colloquium will criticize the current meaning of deterrence, and offer an alternative, with evidence.

Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss the robustness of Hilbert space fragmentation, a phenomenon w

Abstract: Hydrocarbons of all sorts and sizes are found throughout the various stages of star and planet formation. For example, from infrared spectroscopic observations we have learned that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in space. The same class of organic molecules are also found in planetary atmospheres, such as that of Saturn’s largest moon Titan. Soon, Europa Clipper mission will be on its way to the icy moon Europa to investigate its (organic) chemical composition.