Events List for the Academic Year
Event Time:
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver / V6B 6B1
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2025-02-20T18:00:00
2025-02-20T19:30:00
Eclipses - Lunar Eclipse 2025
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!
How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend!
Abstract:
In light of the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 13-14, we’ll dive into the fascinating science behind both lunar and solar eclipses, exploring the unique geometry of our solar system that makes these celestial events possible. Since both types of eclipses can be observed without modern, complex optical instruments, we’ll take a brief look at the rich history of eclipse watching, spanning more than 2000 years, showing that this fascination is far from a recent craze. We’ll then look ahead to the eclipse of 2025 with practical tips for observing, including guidance on choosing the ideal viewing location.
Bio:
Dr. Thomas J. Rennie is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia, where he specializes in analyzing and interpreting radio maps of the Milky Way. After obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. Rennie joined UBC to work on the Canadian Galactic Emission Mapper (CGEM) project, which focuses on a new telescope being built at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. CGEM maps will play a key role in a global effort to further our understanding of our Galaxy and to look deeper and reveal the echo of the Big Bang (the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB) and probe the very earliest moments in the history of the universe.
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver / V6B 6B1
Event Time:
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 311
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2025-02-20T10:00:00
2025-02-20T11:00:00
The computational power of random quantum circuits in arbitrary geometries
Event Information:
Empirical evidence for a gap between the computational powers of classical and quantum computers has been provided by experiments that sample the output distributions of two-dimensional quantum circuits. Many attempts to close this gap have utilized classical simulations based on tensor network techniques, and their limitations shed light on the improvements to quantum hardware required to frustrate classical simulability. In particular, quantum computers having in excess of ∼50 qubits are primarily vulnerable to classical simulation due to restrictions on their gate fidelity and their connectivity, the latter determining how many gates are required (and therefore how much infidelity is suffered) in generating highly-entangled states. Here, we describe recent hardware upgrades to Quantinuum's H2 quantum computer enabling it to operate on up to 56 qubits with arbitrary connectivity and 99.843(5)% two-qubit gate fidelity. Utilizing the flexible connectivity of H2, we present data from random circuit sampling in highly connected geometries, doing so at unprecedented fidelities and a scale that appears to be beyond the capabilities of state-of-the-art classical algorithms. The considerable difficulty of classically simulating H2 is likely limited only by qubit number, demonstrating the promise and scalability of the QCCD architecture as continued progress is made towards building larger machines.
Event Location:
BRIM 311
Event Time:
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200
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2025-02-12T17:30:00
2025-02-12T19:30:00
Science Slam!
Event Information:
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 are most welcome. PHAS undergrads, come cheer on your peers!
Department of Physics & Astronomy faculty and staff advisors will be in attendance for questions after the event.
Register for this FREE event here, or via the QR code below:
Event Location:
HENN 200
Event Time:
Monday, February 10, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-02-10T16:00:00
2025-02-10T17:00:00
Two Talks: "Star formation suppression in nearby galaxy bulges: gas dynamics, supermassive black hole feedback, and more"; and "Raining Glass: Our HST Conundrum"
Event Information:
Speaker: Anan Lu:
Title: Star formation suppression in nearby galaxy bulges: gas dynamics, supermassive black hole feedback, and more
Abstract: Star formation is one of the key processes that govern galaxy evolution. Star formation efficiency has been shown to vary across different environments, particularly within galactic starbursts and deep within the bulges of galaxies. The bulges of galaxies share similar environments with elliptical galaxies, with rich molecular gas reservoirs but scarce star formation. With the capabilities of modern radio telescopes (such as ALMA), we can now spatially resolve the birthplace of massive star clusters, giant molecular clouds, in galaxies up to ~80 Mpc away. We can also measure the spatially resolved star formation rate and study ionized gas properties at comparable resolution, using integral field units (such as SITELLE at CFHT). In this talk, I will present observations of a sample of elliptical or bulge-dominated galaxies. I will illustrate that star formation in this particular environment is indeed suppressed: ionized gas does not entirely trace star formation, while molecular gas properties deviate from those in star forming galaxies. Many processes are responsible for the star formation suppression, including the gravitational potential of the bulge itself and feedback from supermassive black holes.
Bio:
Anan Lu grew up in Nanjing, China and moved to Montreal in 2011. She received her Master's in Mechanical Engineering in 2020 and is now working towards a PhD in Astrophysics. She is currently studying star formation efficiency near the centers of galaxies, focusing on bulges and nuclear rings.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Speaker: Joanne Armstrong
Title: Raining Glass: Our HST Conundrum
Abstract: The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has provided invaluable astronomical data to the world ever since its launch in 1990. Now, almost 35 years later, its control systems are failing, and without its own propulsion, its orbit continues to decay. When launched, it was assumed that a Space Shuttle would be used to collect HST when the time came to remove it from orbit. But with the cancellation of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 and no clear plan for reboost or recovery, the 12,000 kg telescope is stranded in low Earth orbit. Without intervention, HST will undergo an uncontrolled reentry around 2037, scattering debris and glass from its mirrors over the Earth and threatening people on land, at sea, and in the air. The loss of the ability to prevent HST from experiencing this fate may be much sooner. I will discuss the problems associated with HST’s upcoming deorbit, highlight the necessity of intervention, and explore possible next steps.
Bio:
Joanne is a Research Assistant and Junior Fellow with the Outer Space Institute.
Learn More:
See Anan Lu's personal website here: Intro - Anan Lu
Find Joanne on the Outer Space Institute website here: People – Outer Space Institute
Read about the Hubble Telescope: Hubble Home | HubbleSite
Learn more about Star formation and elliptical or bulge-dominated galaxies
Read this article about Elliptical galaxies from space.com: Elliptical Galaxies | Space
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
SFU (Surrey: 13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
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2025-02-08T10:00:00
2025-02-08T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
February 8 (SFU)10:00 Chris Charles (TRIUMF): "Particle Accelerator Chemistry: Radiolytic Production of Organic Molecules and Emergence of Life in Extreme Planetary Environments"11:10 Anan Lu (UBC): "Observing galaxies in our nearby universe"
Event Location:
SFU (Surrey: 13450 - 102nd Avenue Galleria 250 Surrey, BC / V3T 0A3)
Event Time:
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-02-06T16:00:00
2025-02-06T17:00:00
Ultrafast laser control of particles and quasiparticles in superfluid helium
Event Information:
Abstract:
In atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO), laser light is used to control the motion of atoms and molecules. These techniques have been very successful in probing quantum media, where the embedded atoms and molecules interact with complex many-body environments. I will discuss how we extend laser-assisted control to the study of superfluid helium, using ultrafast lasers — including a unique tool known as an optical centrifuge — to manipulate both molecular impurities and quasiparticles such as rotons. This approach provides a powerful tool to explore the ultrafast non-equilibrium dynamics of superfluid helium at a microscopic level.
Bio:
Valery has been a faculty member in the PHAS department since 2010, conducting research in Ultrafast Quantum Coherent Control. His work focuses on using high-power ultrashort laser pulses—often shaped into a unique field known as an 'optical centrifuge'—to control the motion of atoms and molecules. This approach enables the creation of exotic molecular 'super-rotors' and the study of their interactions with one another, as well as with the surrounding quantum environment. Beyond research, Valery is a passionate STEM educator and an active advocate for science outreach.
Learn More:• See his PHAS faculty page here: vmilner | UBC Physics & Astronomy• Read his research website here: About us | Ultrafast Coherent Control Group• Explore his STEM outreach: Physics Olympics
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 200 (Atrium outside the classroom)
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2025-02-06T15:00:00
2025-02-06T16:00:00
PHAS Thursday Tea!
Event Information:
Event Information:
We welcome you to our weekly PHAS THURSDAY Tea!
Term 2 has delivered a new schedule for our friendly neighbourhood tea event: join us Thursdays from 3-4pm in the atrium outside of HENN 200. For those interested, we invite you to follow up with our weekly Department colloquia in HENN 201 from 4-5pm.
We welcome all students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues, catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Meet your hosts from the EDI Community Building Working Group:
Jess McIver
Adele Ruosi
Megan Bingham
Evan Goetz
Mona Berciu
Howard Li
Mandana Amiri
We look forward to meeting you!
Event Location:
HENN 200 (Atrium outside the classroom)
Event Time:
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 311
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2025-02-06T10:00:00
2025-02-06T11:00:00
Direct Integration of 2D Materials for Next Generation Electronic Devices
Event Information:
Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), are emerging as key materials for next-generation electronics, addressing challenges in the miniaturization of silicon-based technologies. Despite progress in scaling-up 2D materials, integrating them into functional devices remains challenging, particularly in the context of three-dimensional integration. In the first part of my talk, I will present a scalable method for growing high-quality mono- to few-layer MoS2 on large wafers using a spin-on precursor, molybdenum ethyl xanthate. This approach facilitates the formation of a metastable amorphous molybdenum trisulfide phase, which we can then be leveraged for direct heterogeneous integration. We thoroughly investigate the growth dynamics and associated versatile features using comprehensive characterization, reactive force-field molecular dynamics simulations, and Density Functional Theory. Our method allows precise control over film thickness, grain size, and defect density, yielding wafer-scale monolayer MoS2with reliable optical properties comparable to as-exfoliated samples. Additionally, we achieve area-selective formation of MoS2 and the direct deposition of sub-5 nm high-k oxides using atomic layer deposition, without the need for seeding or surface functionalization. This process enables the fabrication of complex superlattice structures, top-gated FETs, and memristor devices, all from a single-source chemistry. Our findings highlight the versatility of spin-on metal xanthate chemistries for the synthesis and integration of transition metal dichalcogenides (MoS2, WS2, NbS2, ReS2, etc.), paving the way for advanced nanoscale fabrication processes and enhancing the commercial viability of 2D materials in electronics.
Moreover, forming heavily doped regions in two-dimensional materials, like graphene, are a steppingstone to the design of emergent devices and heterostructures. In the second part of my talk, I will present a selective-area approach to tune the work-function and carrier density in monolayer graphene by spatially synthesizing sub-monolayer gallium beneath the 2D-solid. Localized metallic gallium is formed via precipitation from an underlying diamond-like carbon (DLC) film that was spatially implanted with gallium-ions. Controlling the interfacial precipitation process with annealing temperature allows for spatially precise ambipolar tuning of the graphene work-function that remains stable even in ambient conditions. Our theoretical studies corroborated the role of the gallium at the heterointerface on charge transfer and electrostatic doping of the graphene overlayer, with charge carrier densities from ~1.8x1010 (hole-doped) to ~7x1013 (electron-doped) as measured by in-situ and ex-situ measurements. The extension of this doping scheme to other implantable elements into DLC provides a new means of exploring the physics and chemistry of highly doped overlayed two-dimensional materials.
Finally, metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) has become a pivotal technique for developing wafer-scale TMD 2D materials. If time permits, I will discuss our recent findings on the impact of MOCVD growth conditions on achieving uniform and selective polymorph phase control of MoTe2 over large wafers. We demonstrated the controlled and uniform growth of few-layer MoTe2 in pure 2H, 1T’, and mixed-phases at various temperatures on up to 4-inch C-plane sapphire wafers with hexagonal boron nitride templates. At 600oC, high-quality 2H-MoTe2 was obtained within a narrow temperature window, verified with absorption and TEM analysis. In addition, we observed strong exciton-phonon coupling effects in multiwavelength Raman spectroscopy when the excitation wavelength was in resonance with the C-exciton. Our findings indicate that temperature-induced Te vacancies play a crucial role in determining the MoTe2 phase. This study highlights the importance of precise control over the MOCVD growth temperature to engineer the MoTe2 phase of interest for device applications.
Event Location:
BRIM 311
Event Time:
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-02-04T17:00:00
2025-02-04T18:00:00
Math Methods: Group Theory, Abstract Algebra & Applications to Physics
Event Information:
Greeting from PHYSSOC!
This is our 2nd PHYSSOC Math Methods lecture event where we invite students to watch a lecture on a mathematical physics topic.
Today's lecture will cover the basics of group theory, Lie algebras, and their application to physics by looking at the study of symmetries via Noether's theorem.
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Monday, February 3, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318 & simultaneously broadcast on zoom
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2025-02-03T16:00:00
2025-02-03T17:00:00
The dynamics of comets, and modified gravity in the solar system
Event Information:
Abstract:
This talk has two (related) parts:
1. Comets have inspired awe since prehistoric times, but even today there are only a few thousand comets with well-determined orbits. Nevertheless, the analysis of this limited sample yields a compelling "standard model" for the formation, evolution and present distribution of comets. This model implies that the primary source of comets is the Oort cloud, containing over 100 billion comets at 5,000 to 100,000 times the Earth-Sun distance. I will review our current understanding of the history and structure of the Oort cloud.
2. The hypothesis that most of the matter in the universe is in some unknown dark form is fundamental to modern cosmology. A speculative alternative is that our understanding of the law of gravity is incomplete. The most influential theory of this kind is modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND), which postulates a breakdown of Newton's law of gravity below some critical acceleration threshold. We explore the predictions of the simplest version of MOND for the formation and evolution of the Oort cloud, and conclude that this is not the correct description of gravity.
Bio:
Scott Tremaine has made seminal contributions to understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems, comets, black holes, star clusters, galaxies, and galaxy systems. He predicted the Kuiper belt of comets beyond Neptune and, with Peter Goldreich, the existence of shepherd satellites and density waves in Saturn’s ring system, as well as the phenomenon of planetary migration. He interpreted double-nuclei galaxies, such as the nearby Andromeda galaxy, as eccentric stellar disks, and elucidated the role of dynamical friction in galaxy evolution.
Learn More:
See his faculty page here: https://www.ias.edu/scholars/tremaine
See his personal website here: https://www.ias.edu/sns/scott-tremaine
Browse through his lectures: https://www.ias.edu/sns/tremaine/lectures
More on MOND: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modified_Newtonian_dynamics
An introduction to comets: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/comets/
Oort Cloud: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/oort-cloud/
Event Location:
HENN 318 & simultaneously broadcast on zoom
Event Time:
Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
TRIUMF - Main Office building Auditorium (4004 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver BC / V6T 2A3)
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2025-02-01T10:00:00
2025-02-01T12:00:00
Saturday Morning Lectures
Event Information:
February 1 (at TRIUMF)10:00 Annika Lennarz (TRIUMF): "Hunting for Ghosts - Searching for massive neutrinos with superconducting sensors"11:10 Anan Lu (UBC): "Observing galaxies in our nearby universe"
Event Location:
TRIUMF - Main Office building Auditorium (4004 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver BC / V6T 2A3)
Event Time:
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St.
Vancouver V6B 6B1
Vancouver V6B 6B1
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2025-01-30T18:00:00
2025-01-30T19:30:00
The Sky is Falling! All About Space Junk
Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!
How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend!
Abstract:Space junk: We depend on vital satellite services, which are growing in number. We already have over 4,000 operational satellites in orbit, which will double in number over the next decade. So what’s the issue with having more satellites? Space junk! Broken satellites and other space debris accumulate in orbit and pose a serious threat to satellites and humankind’s access to space. To avoid a potential scenario where so much debris is generated that large sections of Lower Earth Orbit become unusable, technological solutions and international cooperation are required to ensure the sustainability of Earth’s orbital environment. Mitigating debris is not just a technical challenge, it’s a challenge of sharing space.
Bio:
Aaron Boley (Canada Research Chair in Planetary Astronomy and faculty member with UBC Department of Physics & Astronomy) is an expert in planet formation and dynamics. He is also a Co-director with the Outer Space Institute where he studies space junk, or the accumulating orbital debris of broken rockets, satellites and debris from orbital collisions of satellites.
Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Library (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St.
Vancouver V6B 6B1
Event Time:
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-01-30T16:00:00
2025-01-30T17:00:00
Superconductivity in layered nickelates
Event Information:
Abstract:
Unconventional superconductivity in proximity to various strongly correlated electronic phases has been a recurring theme in materials as diverse as heavy fermion compounds, cuprates, pnictides, and twisted bilayer graphene. Here we will introduce a new (and growing) family of layered nickelate superconductors. The initial discovery of superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates was motivated by looking for an electronic analog of the cuprates. Notable aspects are a doping-dependent superconducting dome, strong magnetic fluctuations, and a landscape of unusual normal state properties from which superconductivity emerges. The subsequent discovery of superconductivity in bulk La3Ni2O7 under high pressure is quite intriguing, in that the d-electron configuration is a priori quite different. Very recently, we have used epitaxial strain in La3Ni2O7 thin films to stabilize superconductivity at ambient pressure, which is promising to extend their experimental study and development.
Bio:
Harold Y. Hwang is Professor of Applied Physics (Stanford University) and Photon Science (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory), Senior Fellow of the Precourt Institute for Energy, and Director of the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences. He received a BS in Physics, BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from MIT (1993), and a PhD in Physics from Princeton University (1997). He was formerly a Member of Technical Staff at Bell Laboratories (1996-2003) and Professor at the University of Tokyo (2003-2010). His research is in condensed matter and materials physics, with a focus on correlated electrons and emergent phenomena in quantum materials, and heterostructures for energy applications and devices. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and member of the National Academy of Sciences. Recognitions include the MRS Outstanding Young Investigator Award (2005), the IBM Japan Science Prize (Physics, 2008), the Ho-Am Prize (Science, 2013), the Europhysics Prize (2014), and the McGroddy Prize (2024).
Learn More:
View his Stanford faculty profile here: Harold Hwang's Profile | Stanford Profiles
Browse through the Harold Y. Hwang Lab website: Hwang Lab
Nature article about layered nickelate superconductors: Superconductivity in an infinite-layer nickelate superlattice | Nature Communications
More about nickelate conductivity: Peeling back the layers: Exploring capping effects on nickelate superconductivity
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Event Location:
Outside HENN 200 (in the atrium)
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2025-01-30T15:00:00
2025-01-30T16:00:00
PHAS Thursday Tea!
Event Information:
Event Information:
We welcome you to our weekly PHAS THURSDAY Tea!
Term 2 has delivered a new schedule for our friendly neighbourhood tea event: join us Thursdays from 3-4pm in the atrium outside of HENN 200. For those interested, we invite you to follow up with our weekly Department colloquia in HENN 201 from 4-5pm.
We welcome all students, staff and faculty to meet new-to-you colleagues, catch up with your physics community and to learn about current happenings in the PHAS Department.
Meet your hosts from the EDI Community Building Working Group:
Jess McIver
Adele Ruosi
Megan Bingham
Evan Goetz
Mona Berciu
Howard Li
Mandana Amiri
We look forward to meeting you!
Event Location:
Outside HENN 200 (in the atrium)
Event Time:
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Event Location:
BRIM 311
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2025-01-30T10:00:00
2025-01-30T11:00:00
Connected Network Model for the Mechanical Loss of Amorphous Materials
Event Information:
For over 50 years, the two-level system (TLS) model has stood as the prevailing description of thermal and acoustic properties of amorphous solids. Atomistic modeling shows that TLS are not independent as typically assumed, but form a sparse, interconnected network. I will discuss the mechanical loss in amorphous solids based on the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of connected networks, providing a major advance beyond the quintessential two-level system model, and revealing new avenues for the study amorphous materials. Amorphous mirror coatings with exceptionally low mechanical loss are critical components in the next generation of gravitational wave detectors. I will also briefly discuss how these results could impact the TLS model for dielectric loss in superconducting qubits.
Event Location:
BRIM 311
Event Time:
Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Location:
Room 288 of the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) building (2355 East Mall)
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2025-01-30T09:00:00
2025-01-30T12:00:00
Decoupled Magnetic Centers in Anion-substituted Nickel Oxide
Event Information:
Abstract:
The central focus of this dissertation is the study of crystal systems whose properties are significantly influenced by their transition metal components. Each project follows a systematic approach: we synthesize crystal systems using the molecular beam epitaxy thin film growth technique, characterize these materials through high-resolution spectroscopy measurements---both in-house and using synchrotron radiation---and interpret the underlying physics by comparing our findings with theoretical models.
First, we offer an in-depth study of N substitution in NiO. NiO is regarded as a prototypical strongly correlated material, often serving as a model system for understanding electron-electron interactions. This makes NiO an ideal candidate for our study of individual centers in antiferromagnetic strongly correlated oxides. These centers are imperfections in a crystal lattice that host localized electronic states and magnetic properties, distinct from the surrounding crystal. With the growing interest in quantum technologies, significant efforts have been made to extend individual centers to a wide array of materials. Here, we explore the formation of Ni-N-Ni units upon introducing low concentrations of N into the NiO lattice. These units exhibit properties essential for quantum devices: they are decoupled from the rest of the crystal and possess degenerate quantum states that could be perturbed by external magnetic fields or finite temperatures.
We then study the electronic structures of various Ni-based compounds, namely NiO, N-substituted NiO, and Ca-substituted LaNiO3. We analyze how these structures differ from other systems and their unsubstituted counterparts. In N-substituted NiO, we further investigate its electronic structure through core-level photoemission spectroscopy, examining doping and temperature dependence to deepen our understanding of non-local screening in this material.
Finally, we investigate Ti thin films and their interaction with polar surfaces. Polar materials are characterized by alternating electronically charged layers, leading to surface instabilities that can increase interfacial interactions. We present an experimental technique to stabilize polar MgO (111) and study its impact on the superconducting properties of Ti thin films deposited on this substrate.
Event Location:
Room 288 of the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI) building (2355 East Mall)
Event Time:
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-01-28T16:00:00
2025-01-28T17:00:00
The Black Hole Information Paradox: a resolution on the horizon?
Event Information:
Welcome to the fourth talk in our new Pioneers in Theoretical Physics Colloqium Series.
On January 28th, we present Dr. Netta Engelhardt, professor of physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Abstract:
Can quantum information escape from a black hole? General relativity and quantum mechanics, which govern the behavior of black holes and quantum information, respectively, do not agree on the answer. This disagreement is the essence of the famous nearly 50 year old Black Hole Information Paradox. Understanding the resolution of this problem is a central pillar in the quest for quantum gravity. Recently there has been an unprecedented amount of progress towards a resolution. I will describe the origin of the paradox, the current status in light of the new developments, and resulting new insights into high energy gravitational phenomena.
Bio:
Netta Engelhardt grew up in Jerusalem, Israel and Boston , MA. She received her BSc in physics and mathematics from Brandeis University and her PhD in physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University and a member of the Princeton Gravity Initiative prior to joining the physics faculty at MIT in July, 2019.
She works on quantum gravity, primarily within the framework of the AdS/CFT correspondence. Her research focuses on understanding the dynamics of black holes in quantum gravity, leveraging insights from the interplay between gravity and quantum information via holography. Her current primary interests revolve around the black hole information paradox, the thermodynamic behaviour of black holes, and the cosmic censorship hypothesis (which conjectures that singularities are always hidden behind event horizons).
Learn More:
See her MIT faculty page: Netta Engelhardt » MIT Physics
See her wikipedia page: Netta Engelhardt - Wikipedia
See this article on a brief introduction to the AdS/CFT correspondence: lezionilosanna.pdf
Black holes in the quantum realm: Extending classical black hole inequalities into the quantum realm
More about the Black Hole paradox: Black hole paradox that stumped Stephen Hawking may have a solution, new paper claims | Live Science
Event Location:
HENN 201
Event Time:
Monday, January 27, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 318
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2025-01-27T16:00:00
2025-01-27T17:00:00
Bridging the Gap: Linking Disk Observations to Exoplanet Demographics
Event Information:
Abstract:
How did our Solar System and other planetary systems form? Which systems are most likely to host habitable worlds? These are critical questions as we plan for missions capable of detecting Earth analogues and search for atmospheric signatures of life. I will discuss how linking multi-wavelength observations of disks around young stars and exoplanet demographics shed light on these questions. First, I will present evidence for a dominant mechanism to form giant planets. Next, I will summarize an ongoing effort to constrain how the most common planets, sub-Neptunes and super-Earths, form and evolve. I will conclude by discussing how upcoming facilities will further these studies and their role in reconstructing the paths to habitable worlds.
Bio:
My research is directed towards understanding how planets form and evolve and how common are planetary systems like our own Solar system. To this end, my group carries out observations aimed at characterizing the physical and chemical evolution of gaseous dust disks around young stars, the birth sites of planets. In addition, we use exoplanet surveys to re-construct the intrinsic frequency of planets around mature stars. By linking the birth sites of planets to the exoplanet populations, we contribute to building a comprehensive and predictive planet formation theory, a necessary step in identifying which nearby stars most likely host a habitable planet like Earth.
Learn More:
See her personal website here: http://ilariapascucci.com/
View her faculty webpage here: https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/faculty/ilaria-pascucci
Learn more about planetary systems projects from NASA: https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/planetarysystems/projects
Check out the NASA exoplanet archive: https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/docs/counts_detail.html
Event Location:
HENN 318
Event Time:
Friday, January 24, 2025 | 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Event Location:
Hebb Building 2045 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1. Meet on the ground floor (use entrance from Volkoff Lane)
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2025-01-24T17:30:00
2025-01-24T20:30:00
2025 Planetary Parade! See Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus!
Event Information:
2025 Planetary Parade!
The UBC Department of Physics and Astronomy and the UBC Astro Club will be hosting an observing event on the roof of the UBC Hebb building on Friday 24 January, 2025.
This is your chance to see Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus with our telescopes! The weather forecast is great - it is a perfect opportunity to view these beautiful planets.
Meet us at the ground floor of Hebb building, using the entrance from Volkoff Lane (see map below). Doors will open at 5:30pm, and the observing party starts at 6pm.
Event Location:
Hebb Building 2045 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1. Meet on the ground floor (use entrance from Volkoff Lane)
Event Time:
Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Event Location:
HENN 201
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2025-01-23T16:00:00
2025-01-23T17:00:00
New frontiers in transient astrophysics: gravitational-wave multi-messenger sources and r-process nucleosynthesis
Event Information:
Abstract:
The detection of GW170817 enabled us to track down and watch the cataclysmic event in multiple wavelengths of light, allowing us to scrutinize the source of these cosmic ripples for the first time. This discovery provided the first solid evidence that neutron-star smashups are the source of much of the Universe's gold, platinum and other heavy elements in the Universe. With a single event, we were able to answer fundamental questions in general relativity, cosmology, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. However, other parts of the story told by these events are still shrouded in mystery. For astronomers and physicists across disciplines, this is an extremely exciting time to be alive.
Bio:
Ramirez-Ruiz was born in Mexico, studied physics at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and pursued his PhD at Cambridge University. He was the John Bahcall Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton before joining the faculty at UCSC, where he is a professor of astrophysics and astronomy and holds the Vera Rubin Presidential Chair.
Since joining the UCSC faculty in 2007, Ramirez-Ruiz has won a number of awards for his research, including a Packard Fellowship, the NSF CAREER Award, the Radcliffe Fellowship at Harvard, the Niels Bohr Professorship from the Danish National Research Foundation, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, the HEAD Mid-Career Prize from the AAS and the Bouchet Award and the Dwight Nicholson Medal from the American Physical Society. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Learn More:
What is GW (Gravitational Wave) #170817?: GW170817 - Wikipedia
More about this neutron star smashup: Neutron star smashup seen for first time, 'transforms' understanding of Universe and Dawn of an Era: Astronomers Hear and See Cosmic Collision | Discover Magazine
What does a binary star-merger look like? ESA - Neutron star merger
Event Location:
HENN 201