Events
March
2025
| Event Location: HENNINGS building |
Welcome to the Physics Olympics!
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December
| Event Location: HEBB 100 |
We are thrilled to announce that our annual Faraday Show will be held on Sunday December 8th, in-person, on the UBC-Vancouver campus in HEBB 100.
The Faraday Show is UBC’s annual science lecture, designed for children and all those who are ‘young at heart’. It is presented by UBC Physics & Astronomy students, faculty and staff.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Guy Leckenby, PhD student
Abstract:
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November
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Andrew Potter (UBC)
The recent experiments have shown evidence for a fractional quantum spin Hall (FQSH) state in twisted MoTe2 bilayers. In this talk I will review these experiments, survey some theoretical scenarios for candidate abelian and non-abelian FQSH orders. I will also describe a possible route towards building a topological quantum memory by interfacing FQSH states with superconductors, and propose an all-electrical scheme to detect their topological ground-space degeneracy.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: USRA PHAS Student Panelists
Have questions about how to apply to Undergraduate Summer Research Awards (USRA)? Need some help navigating all the steps required for USRA (SURE, NSERC, WLIURA) and other non-USRA research opportunities?
Come hear our panel of PHAS undergrads relate their research experiences and tips for applying. All are welcome! Snacks will be available.
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November
| Event Location: xʷθəθiqətəm (the Place of Many Trees) at the Liu Institute for Global Issues (6476 NW Marine Drive) |
Please save the date to join the UBC Physics and Astronomy EDI committee for an EDI town hall meeting in place of our usual dept colloquium slot on November 7th.
When: Thursday November 7th at 4:00 pm (as this week's dept colloquium)
Where: xʷθəθiqətəm (the Place of Many Trees) at Liu Institute for Global Issues (6476 NW Marine Drive)
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November
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: PHAS Alumni presentation panel
PHAS undergrads, come meet our PHAS Alumni panel to get some good stories, tips, tricks and recommendations on carving out a career path with a Physics, or Astronomy degree in Canada and abroad.
Panelists, faculty and staff will be available after the presentations for questions and networking!
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Kristine Spekkens, Queen's University in Canada
Abstract:
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October
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Douglas Scott, University of British Columbia
Abstract:
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October
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Mohammad Khalifa, UBC
Quantum networks are expected to boost the quantum technology by enabling distributed quantum computing and quantum communication. A coherent converter between microwave and optical photons could enable the creation of these quantum networks where quantum information is locally processed in the microwave regime and distributed by optical photons. I will talk about the general requirements and challenges of building a microwave-optical converter with high conversion efficiency.
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October
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Arianna Long, University of Washington
Abstract:
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October
October
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Raelyn Sullivan, PhD student
Abstract:
The LambdaCDM model, with its six fundamental parameters, provides a remarkably successful framework for understanding the early Universe.
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October
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Jess McIver (UBC)
Have you ever wondered how the Advanced LIGO detectors can sense relative displacements more than 1,000 times smaller than the width of a proton? This unprecedented sensitivity is enabled in part by thin film technology! In this talk, we'll tour the Advanced LIGO detectors to get a sense for how we can detect gravitational waves with laser interferometers. We'll summarize the performance of today's gravitational-wave detectors and what we've learned about the Universe with gravitational waves so far.
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October
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Ashvin Vishwanath (Harvard University)
Welcome to the second talk in our new Pioneers in Theoretical Physics Colloqium Series.
On October 22nd, we present Ashvin Vishwanath, George Vasmer Leverett Professor of Physics at Harvard University.
*Note: this talk has been moved forward from it's original date on October 29th, 2024*
Abstract:
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October
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Nora Shipp (University of Washington)
Abstract:
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October
October
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Dr. Mark van Raamsdonk, University of British Columbia
Abstract:
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October
| Event Location: AMPEL 311 | Speaker: Caroline Deletoille, Paris, France
After a presentation of her artistic path and research, the painter Caroline Delétoille will share some insights about the "quantum sensation" art-science project embedded at the core of her upcoming residency.
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October
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Gina Passante, California State University (Fullerton)
Abstract:
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October
| Event Location: AMPEL 311 | Speaker: Christoph Ortner, UBC Math department
The integration of machine learning (ML) into the traditional modeling workflows is replacing decades-old - often ad hoc - approximations (e.g., in constitutive laws) leading to new models that far outstrip their predecessors in accuracy and transferability. ”Pure” ML approaches are rarely successful but remarkable results can be achieved when integrated with domain knowledge. I will introduce a general formalism, the Atomic Cluster Expansion, for parameterizing many-body interaction and how it can be used for reduced-order modelling.
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October
| Event Location: HEBB 100 | Speaker: Undergraduate science presentations
Join us for this thrilling and educational science communication contest, showcasing six undergraduate student presenters explaining complex physics and astronomy topics without the use of academic or technical language/slides.
Clear science communication is the bridge that brings science to the world. Be inspired by our students as they share their knowledge of physics and astronomy with you!
High school student, parents and families welcome. PHAS undergrads, come cheer on your peers!
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October
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Amy Barger, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Abstract:
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October
October
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Matthew Yankowitz, University of Washington
Abstract:
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October
| Event Location: AMPEL 311 | Speaker: Rogério de Sousa, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria
In Raman scatering, pump photons that are incident on a material are able to emit or absorb materials' excitations such as phonons and orbital transitions. This process generates red-shifted (Stokes) and blue-shifted (antiStokes) photons that are usually uncorrelated with each other. When real or virtual excitations emitted by a Stokes photon are coherently absorbed by another pump photon, an entangled Stokes-antiStokes photon pair is created, in a process analogous to the formation of Cooper pairs in superconductors [1].
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September
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Ramón Barthelemy, University of Utah
Abstract:
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September
| Event Location: AMPEL Rm 311 | Speaker: Josh Mutus, Rigetti Computing
Superconducting qubits are a leading modality for quantum computing, offering a favorable balance between coherence, gate times, scalability, and fidelity.
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September
| Event Location: Zoom https://ubc.zoom.us/j/69727529419?pwd=8tzHM4QhGjNpV26SgpqRhuEfAqLfyb.1 Meeting ID: 697 2752 9419 Passcode: 501860 | Speaker: Aria Malhotra, PhD student
Abstract: The objective of this thesis was to establish techniques for predicting and modelling moist desquamation (MD). The work in this thesis is based on the clinical studies of the novel Carbon Fibre Adjustable Reusable Accessory (CARA) breast support device. The epidermal dose measurements, treatment plans, and skin assessments from clinical studies of the CARA device were used to develop models to be applied during treatment planning to reduce the occurrence of MD in breast radiotherapy.
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September
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Hirosi Ooguri, Caltech & UTokyo
We welcome you to our new Pioneers in Theoretical Physics Colloqium Series, starting this Fall, 2024.
On September 24th, we present Hirosi Ooguri, Fred Kavli Professor of Theoretical Physics & Mathematics, founding Director of the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology, and University Professor at the University of Tokyo.
Abstract:
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September
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Michael A. McDonald, MIT
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September
September
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Dr. Jeremy Heyl, University of British Columbia
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September
| Event Location: AMPEL 311 | Speaker: Adarsh Patri, postdoc at UBC
Abstract:
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September
| Event Location: Henn 318 | Speaker: Michael Kinach, PhD student
In this thesis, we study a class of non-topological solitons known as "Q-balls" which arise in complex scalar field theories with U(1) symmetry. We focus on the case where the U(1) symmetry is gauged and the theory admits a coupling to electromagnetism; the corresponding solitons are known as "gauged Q-balls". Using numerical simulations, we examine the dynamical behaviour of these objects in various scenarios. First, we investigate the classical stability of gauged Q-balls under assumptions of axial symmetry.
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September
| Event Location: Henn 309 | Speaker: Demet Kirmizibayrak, PhD student
To understand astronomical objects and their environments, it is essential to study their behavior across time, energy and space. For compact objects, these analyses provide a unique window into physics in extreme environments, probing transient behavior, accretion processes, and tests of spacetime and gravity in the high field regime. In this thesis, I present novel approaches to revolutionize timing and spectral analysis and imaging with polarimetry in astronomy.
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September
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Postdoctoral Researcher Venkatessh Ramakrishnan, Aalto University
Abstract:
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September
September
| Event Location: Hybrid: in-person at TRIUMF ISAC-II Conference Room (4004 Wesbrook Mall) and Zoom: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/62516482273?pwd=5UBub9EbYj9lLJZevXYfa31Heo76OP.1 Meeting ID: 625 1648 2273 Password: 129025 | Speaker: Guy Leckenby, PhD student
[Abstract]
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September
| Event Location: Mathematics Annex (MATX) 1100, 1986 Mathematics Road, UBC-V campus | Speaker: Michelle Kunimoto, University of British Columbia
Abstract:
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September
| Event Location: AMPEL 311 | Speaker: Ziliang Ye, University of British Columbia
Abstract:
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September
| Event Location: Room 200, Graduate Student Centre (6371 Crescent Road) | Speaker: Daniel Korchinski, PhD student
Amorphous solids are a diverse class of materials that have significant interest owing to their ubiquity in industry, yet a unifying theory to describe their mechanical response to load under temperature is lacking. Using a combination of highly parallelized numerical routines to simulate an elastoplastic model (EPM) of amorphous solids, as well the corresponding mean-field theory, I develop a scaling theory for the yielding of amorphous solids for non-zero temperature and driving rates.
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September
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Dr. Aromal Pathayappura (he/him), Post Doctoral Associate, Western University
Abstract:
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September
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: PHAS Department Staff, Students, and Faculty
Welcome everyone to the launch of the PHAS EDI Monday Tea!
This is a weekly event for students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues, catch up with your community and to learn about what's happening in the PHAS Department.
Meet your hosts in the EDI Community Building Working Group:
- Jess McIver
- Adele Ruosi
- Megan Bingham
- Evan Goetz
- Mona Berciu
- Howard Li
- Mandana Amiri
- Pedro Villalba Gonzalez
See you there!
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September
| Event Location: AMPEL 311 | Speaker: Ashley Cook, Max Planck Dresden
Abstract:
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August
| Event Location: in Room 188 of the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) building.(2355 East Mall) | Speaker: Nassim Derriche, PhD student
[Abstract]:
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August
| Event Location: Zoom - https://ubc.zoom.us/j/68355025780?pwd=QCKYuMaLKywTlUaZiwJu6H4obKhniI.1 Passcode: 8223191 | Speaker: Aditi Pradeep (PhD student)
Abstract:
The existence of dark matter has been inferred through many astrophysical evidences. However, much about its nature is unknown to this day. The several decades-long search for dark matter has given rise to many experiments and even more dark matter candidates. SuperCDMS is a direct detection experiment which uses cryogenic detectors to probe interactions of dark matter particles with Standard Model particles.
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August
| Event Location: Henn 309 | Speaker: Leesa Fleury, PhD student
Abstract:
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July
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: David Abergel – Chief Editor of Nature Physics
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July
| Event Location: Zoom | Speaker: Prof. Wolf Widdra
Abstract:
With the recent progress in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) using femtosecond lasers, laboratory photoelectron spectroscopy with an ultrafast, widely tunable vacuum-ultraviolet light source has become available. Whereas HHG-based photoemission experiments at kilohertz repetition rates have been severely limited by the space-charge effects in the past, the new development of compact HHG light sources with megahertz repetition rates allows for efficient photoemission and double photoemission experiments as is demonstrated here [1-7].
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