Events
March
2025
| Event Location: HENNINGS building |
Welcome to the Physics Olympics!
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January
2025
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: J. Steven Dodge, SFU
Over a decade of research has suggested that some metallic compounds can be transformed into superconductors by illuminating them with intense beams of laser light. Recently, we have shown that the experimental evidence for this effect could literally be an optical illusion produced by the high-intensity laser illumination. By examining several influential results on photoinduced superconductivity in K3C60, we have identified a fundamental flaw in their analysis that exaggerates the apparent photoinduced changes to the conductivity.
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December
| Event Location: Via Zoom | Speaker: Sydney Dufresne, PhD candidate
Abstract:
This thesis details the development of a 6.2 eV laser-based time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (TR-ARPES) apparatus with micro-scale spatial resolution for the study of equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties of inhomogeneous and exfoliated samples. To demonstrate the performance of this apparatus, we spatially resolve the sample inhomogeneities giving rise to spectral broadening of the surface state of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 observed when increasing the spot-size of the 6.2 eV source incident on the sample surface.
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December
| Event Location: AMPEL building, Room 311 | Speaker: Ryan Roemer, PhD candidate
Abstract:
In this work, we explore what happens to a magnet when it is to only a few layers of atoms thick. To do this we grow crystals of Fe$_3$GeTe$_2$ with a technique akin to atomic spray paint, which allows for the precise control of atomic ratios to approach a nearly perfect stoichiometry.
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December
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Sebastian ten Haaf, Delt University of Technology
The Kitaev chain model predicts the ability to engineer localized Majorana bound states: non-Abelian zero-energy excitations that are protected from local perturbations, which can be utilized for realizing robust quantum computation schemes. Recent work on InSb nanowires demonstrated that the ingredients for a minimal Kitaev chain, consisting of two sites, can be engineered by coupling quantum dots (QDs) via two second-order processes: crossed Andreev reflection and elastic co-tunnelling.
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December
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Chiara Mingarelli, Yale University
Abstract:
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December
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Laurence Perreault-Levasseur, Université de Montréal
Abstract:
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December
| Event Location: HENN 318 |
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December
| Event Location: Graduate Student Centre (6371 Crescent Road), Room 203 | Speaker: Raelyn Sullivan, PhD student
Abstract:
Over the past century, our understanding of the Universe has grown dramatically. Today, scientists use a model that requires just six key numbers to describe how the Universe evolved. Yet, some big mysteries remain unsolved. In my thesis, I explore two of these mysteries.
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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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December
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Scott Collier (MIT)
Abstract:
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December
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Dr. John McGreevy, University of California, San Diego
Welcome to the third talk in our new Pioneers in Theoretical Physics Colloqium Series.
On December 3rd, we present Dr. John McGreevy, professor of physics at UC San Diego.
Abstract:
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December
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Jennifer Y. H. Chan, postdoctoral fellow at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto
Abstract:
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December
| Event Location: HENN 318 |
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November
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Roger Melko (U Waterloo & Perimeter Institute)
Abstract:
In the last several years, generative language models like GPT have scaled to the point where they routinely demonstrate emergence behaviour. I will demonstrate how language models can be trained on the qubit measurement data produced by today's quantum devices, and discuss how large models could help scale quantum computers in the future.
Bio:
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November
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Ehud Altman (UC Berkeley)
Abstract: A novel aspect of recent experiments with quantum devices is that measurements can play an active role in preparing the state of the system, not just in diagnosing it. Unlike unitary evolution, the quantum collapse induced by local measurements can have a highly non-local impact on entangled quantum states, instantaneously destroying or creating new long distance correlations. I will review the surprising collective effects that can arise, such as measurement induced phase transitions and new entanglement structures.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Guy Leckenby, PhD student
Abstract:
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Dr. Pep Blai Covas Vidal, Junior Scientist in Continuous Gravitational Waves at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics
Abstract:
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November
| Event Location: Brimacombe 311 | Speaker: Vedangi Pathak, PhD student
Abstract:
Time-reversal symmetry breaking (TRSB) effects can be detrimental to superconductivity. For example, TRSB caused by magnetic fields can destroy superconducting states. However, the coexistence of TRSB and superconductivity can give rise to intriguing phenomena, such as non-trivial topological phases of matter. We explore TRSB in two-dimensional unconventional and topological superconducting heterostructures without external magnetic fields across three different platforms.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Dr. David Keitel, Senior Lecturer in Theoretical Physics and the Universitat de les Illes Balears
Abstract:
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Carl Rodriguez, University of North Carolina
Abstract:
The life cycles of star clusters are an integral part of the formation of galaxies and their black hole populations. In these dense stellar environments, stars and black holes participate in complicated dynamical interactions that can create many unique objects, such as detached black hole binaries, hypervelocity stars, and gravitational-wave sources. In this talk, I will review our current
understanding of the evolution of dense star clusters in the Milky Way, and their complicated relationship with their black hole populations.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: UBC Astronomy Club
Star Party, hosted by the UBC Astronomy Club, will be showcasing several of the UBC Astronomy Club's telescopes to an audience of undergraduates, graduates, and faculty members of the physics and astronomy department interested in astronomy. It will feature the live operation of Thunderbird South, UBC's Southern Observatory, configured and maintained by UBC professors Aaron Boley and Paul Hickson.
Pizza will be served to all in attendance!
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November
| Event Location: BRIM 311 | Speaker: Masaki Oshikawa (U Tokyo)
Symmetry-Protected Topological (SPT) phases are, as the name suggests, topological phases without any conventional local order parameter, but distinct from the trivial phase only in the presence of a certain symmetry. The concept was first proposed by Gu and Wen in 2009 as a generalization of topological insulators discovered earlier. However, the prototypical example of the SPT phases, the Haldane gap phase in odd-integer spin chains, was discovered much earlier in the 1980s.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 201 | Speaker: Joachim O. Rädler, Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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: Zoom | Speaker: Dr. Marina Milner-Bolotin
Discover how AI can support your child’s education! This interactive workshop is designed for parents of middle and high school students to explore how AI tools can enhance learning, provide personalized support, and simplify homework. Learn practical strategies to guide your child’s responsible and effective use of AI while fostering their academic success. Join us to empower your family with the skills to thrive in the digital age!
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November
| Event Location: HENN 304 |
Today's Astronomy Jamboree is a social to meet our new graduate students in Astronomy!
Join us as we mingle, network and share research ideas with this 2024 cohort.
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November
| Event Location: HENN 204 |
Welcome to Monday Tea!
This week we are celebrating the International Day of LGBTQ+ in STEM! Join us for some rainbow snacks and celebrations!
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:
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November
| Event Location: HENN 318 | Speaker: Devin Cowan, UBC Research Associate in Geophysics, UBC Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Hey students! Did you know that geophysics careers include more than working the Oil & Gas industries? Join us with UBC Phd student Devin Cowan, who will present on a variety of lesser-known careers for physics students in the Geophysics spectrum. From data and computational sciences to climate change, physics students are in demand for their mathematics, problem-solving and technical skill-sets.
Presentation:
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November
| Event Location: LIFE Building Room 2201 | Speaker: Dr. Jenni Gibbons, CSA Astronaut
Save the Date for a unique presentation by Canadian Space Agency Astronaut, Jenni Gibbons, coming to speak at UBC on Thursday November 14th, from 4-5pm.
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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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