Past Events

Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity

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Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity

Narrated by Liam Neeson, black holes are among the most mysterious and exotic objects in the Universe. These dark beasts are one of a few phenomenon out in the cosmos where the known laws of physics and general relativity break down. Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity explores the power and grace of these cosmic beasts.

Stephen Leone Reception and Colloquium: Ultrafast Dynamics with X-ray Eyes

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Abstract:  X-rays provide a unique spectroscopic view of molecules and
materials, from an element-specific and orbital-selective frame of
reference. Femtosecond and attosecond X-ray and extreme ultraviolet pulses
(XUV) are used to probe curve crossings and conical intersections in
molecules, electron and hole carriers in solids, coherent phonon motions,
and core hole excitons, revealing breathtaking 'movies' of novel, ultrashort
dynamical processes.  

Stephen Leone is the John R. Thomas Endowed Chair in Physical Chemistry,

Quantum point defects: Can these defects be less, well, defective?

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Abstract: Point defects in crystals are the solid state analog to trapped ions. Thus these “quantum defects”, which can be integrated into solid-state devices, have gained popularity as qubit candidates for scalable quantum networks. In this talk, I will introduce some of the basic quantum defect properties desirable for quantum network applications.

Integrated Nonlinear Photonics for Quantum Frequency Conversion

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Abstract: 

Hybrid quantum networks rely on faithful quantum state transfer between disparate physics elements operating at dissimilar frequencies. Quantum frequency conversion bridges their frequency gaps by coherently manipulating the carrier frequency while maintaining the quantum correlations. The efficiency of frequency conversion is dictated by photon-photon interaction in a nonlinear optical media which is typically weak.

Late time behavior of OTOC

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Abstract: In this talk, we will discuss the late time behavior of out of time ordered correlators (OTOC). In the first part of the talk, we argue the nonlinear behavior of OTOC for general chaotic system is controlled by a Dray t’Hooft like action.

PILOT: Plasma Imaging, LOcal measurement, and Tomographic Experiment, a Mission Concept for Transformational Multi-scale Observations of Cold Plasma Dynamics in Earth’s Magnetosphere

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Abstract: Magnetospheric physics has a massive problem: we have not yet determined the fundamental processes that govern plasma mass and energy flow through the terrestrial magnetosphere, nor the degree to which these flows regulate key magnetospheric subsystems. Knowledge of these processes is critical to understanding the mass loss rate of Earth’s atmosphere, as well as for determining the role that a planetary magnetic field plays in atmospheric retention, and therefore habitability, for Earth-like planets beyond the solar system.

Life After JILA

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Abstract:
Susanna is the Press Officer and Communications Manager for the American Astronomical Society, as well as Co-Editor of AAS Nova, a website that shares astronomy research. She received her PhD in astrophysics from University of Colorado Boulder in 2014, working at JILA to study and model the extremely energetic outflows from active black holes at galactic centers.

CANCELLED

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YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/MA-EFesKnQU

Colloquia are Wednesdays at 4:40 p.m. unless otherwise noted and will be in person at DUAN G1B20, as well as online via Zoom and Youtube. If you are not a student/faculty member in physics, pre-register with Veronica Lingo (veronica.lingo@colorado.edu) to attend a lecture.

Masks are required for all colloquium attendees, regardless of vaccination status.

Dissecting the Gait of Molecular Motors: Ultraresolution Optical Trapping Using Germanium Nanospheres

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Abstract: Simultaneously measuring the nanoscale motion and forces that molecular machines generate provides insights into how they work mechanically to fulfill their cellular function.  To study these machines, we developed germanium nanospheres as probes for optical tweezers.  With these high–refractive index nanospheres, we have improved the resolution of optical tweezers and discovered that the motor kinesin takes 4-nanometer substeps.  Further, instead of detaching from their microtubule track under load, motors slid back on it, enabling rapid re-engagement in transpor