Past Events

Abstract: In this talk, I will take you on a tour of large language models, tracing their evolution from Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) to the Transformer architecture. We will explore how Transformers elegantly sidestep the vanishing and exploding gradient issues that plagued RNNs. I will introduce neural scaling laws—empirical relationships reminiscent of scaling behaviors common in physics—that predict how model performance improves with increased computational investment.

Abstract: Efforts on quantum simulation and computation have lead to the realization of well-controlled quantum many-body systems. Due to practical constraints, they are inevitably open, i.e., coupled to the environment, which generally leads to decoherence but can also be used to stabilize interesting states. In the thermodynamic limit, the nonequilibrium steady states can undergo phase transitions due to the competition of unitary and driven-dissipative processes. After recalling general properties, we will discuss first simple examples.

Abstract: Fundamental research to understand how bacteria fight viral infections uncovered the function of CRISPR-Cas programmable proteins that detect and cut specific DNA or RNA sequences. CRISPR technology is now an indispensable tool in human, animal and agricultural research. Furthermore, the FDA’s approval of a CRISPR therapy for sickle cell disease marked the beginning of a new era in healthcare. I will discuss the scientific and societal advances that will expand both the applications and impact of genome editing across the globe.

Abstract: A growing number of surprisingly massive galaxies are now being found in the first ~billion years after the Big Bang that push the limits of theoretical predictions within Lambda-CDM. Unusually bright high-redshift galaxies discovered by JWST challenge our most fundamental models of how fast stars form. Some of them contain overly massive black holes whose formation is uncharted. Massive dusty starbursts found with ALMA are requiring new explanations about early dust production.

It might seem like our favorite athletes defy the laws of physics, but this
is not so - they work with physics, just as we all do.  Come and learn
about how motion, energy, and balance contribute to the things we all do in
sports.  We will have lots of audience participation, including an activity
for everyone who attends!

Abstract:   In recent years, superconducting qubits have emerged as a leading platform for quantum simulation, particul

Abstract: “Working in policy” is a phrase we hear tossed around, but what does that really entail? What are the professional roles that exist in science policy?

Hello!

The Graduate Association of Students in Physics (GASP) and the JILA Association of Graduate Students (JAGS) are excited to announce the next session of the Graduate Student Seminar Series! Please join us on Thursday, March 13th, at 12:30 in the JILA Auditorium for lunch, with the talks beginning at 12:45.

The talks for this session are:

   Light-assisted Collisions in Optical Tweezers - Steven Pampel, Regal Group
   Observation of field-split crystal electric field levels in CsErSe$_2$ - Hope Whitelock, Lee Group

Single atoms and molecules are the emerging frontier in engineering applications as they represent the ultimate limit of modern electronic and photonic devices. While controlling at these extremely small scales have become a reality, the understanding of energy transport, conversion, and dissipation properties of these systems is falling behind due to the lack of experimental tools.

March 10th, our colloquium will feature six short research talks by current APS 3rd years. Come help us celebrate ongoing student research in APS!

- Anna Zuckerman, Electron Beam Simulations for Substellar Atmospheres

Abstract:

Abstract: Over forty years ago, Nielsen and Ninomiya proved that chiral modes cannot exist in discrete systems without a m

Abstract: 

Lunch begins at noon

Abstract:  Planetary exploration has unveiled environments that could support life today, or in the past, or contain the ingredients of life. Mars was once habitable; Enceladus’ ocean is today, Europa is a question mark, and Bennu contains most of the basic key monomers of life in abiotic form. I will discuss how this all fits together. 
 

Abstract: 

Abstract: Prominent among biophysical techniques is the optical trap, for which Arthur Ashkin (Bell Labs) received a Nobel Prize in 2018. Among the successes of optical traps have been direct measurements of the steps taken by biological motor proteins, such as kinesin, and by nucleic-acid enzymes, such as RNA polymerase. Optical traps facilitate studies of replication, transcription, and translation at the single-molecule level. They’ve been especially useful in mapping the free-energy landscapes of folding by small, structured RNAs.