Colloquia are Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in the JILA Auditorium.Ìý

Coffee, tea and cookies will be available in G1B31 (across from G1B20) from 3:30 - 3:50 p.m.

August 28Ìý— "Optical nuclear clock: nuclear physics meets metrology"

  • Presenter: Chuankun Zhang, JILA
  • Host: Jun Ye
  • Abstract:ÌýLaser-based measurement and control of atomic and molecular states form the foundation of modern quantum technology and provide deep insights to fundamental physics. The recent breakthrough of quantum-state-resolved thorium-229 nuclear laser spectroscopy marks the beginning of precision metrology for nuclear transitions. Using a state-of-the-art frequency comb in the vacuum-ultraviolet, we coherently excite the thorium nuclear clock transition and link its frequency directly to today’s most precise atomic clock based on strontium-87. This unification of precision metrology and nuclear physics sparks new ideas for fundamental physics tests and promises nuclear-based robust timing applications.

September 4Ìý— "Ergodicity breaking in quantum dynamics"

  • Presenter: Rahul Nandkishore, Â鶹¹ÙÍø
  • Host:Tobin Munsat
  • Abstract:ÌýWhen can isolated many body quantum systems fail to go to equilibrium under their own dynamics, and how robust can this `ergodicity breaking’ be? This question has been a central theme of research in quantum dynamics and statistical mechanics over the past decade, and I will share with you some highlights, focusing on three key developments: many body localization, dynamics with multipolar symmetries, and dynamics with higher form symmetries. I will present the rich and exotic phenomena that arise in these three regimes, and how they may be realized experimentally. I will then discuss some key open directions for the field.

September 11Ìý— "Developing current and next generation physics assessments"

  • Presenter: Bethany Wilcox, University of Colorado, Â鶹¹ÙÍø
  • Host:Tobin Munsat
  • Abstract:ÌýThe ability to measure what students are learning (or not) is a crucial component of crafting effective learning environments. In particular, low-stakes, standardized diagnostic assessments can provide a valuable tool for tracking student learning over time and between instructional approaches to identify effective strategies that improve students' understanding of core physics content. The field of physics education research (PER) has created a number of these assessment instruments targeting content from introductory mechanics up to senior-level thermal physics. While these assessments have provided an important mechanism to ground educational decision making in data on student learning, it is important for these instruments to evolve to meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. In this talk, I will articulate the value of standardized assessments in the context of improving physics programs broadly as well as the need for a new generation of assessment instruments. I will describe work towards meeting these next generation assessment needs for a range of physics content areas.

September 18Ìý— "Mathematics of Nuclear Proliferation"

  • Presenter: Jerry Peterson, Â鶹¹ÙÍø
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  • Abstract: We are all physicists, and have at least some acquaintance with mathematics.ÌýAnd we all have a fear of nuclear war.ÌýThere are currently nine nations with these dreadful weapons. Can you name them? This colloquium will criticize the current meaning of deterrence, and offer an alternative, with evidence.

September 25

  • Presenter: Tom Degrand, Â鶹¹ÙÍø
  • Host: Mihaly Horanyi
  • Abstract:

October 2

  • Presenter: Julien Guy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Host: Alysia Marino
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October 9

  • Presenter: Mercedeh Khajavikhan, University of Southern California
  • Host: Juliet Gopinath
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October 16

  • Presenter: Ivan Smalyukh, Â鶹¹ÙÍø
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October 23

  • Presenter: Dan Baker, LASP, Â鶹¹ÙÍøÌý
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October 30

  • Presenter: Caterina Vernieri, Stanford University, SLAC
  • Host: Alysia Marino and John Cumalat
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November 6

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November 13

  • Presenter: Bruce Remington, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
  • Host: Yuan Shi
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November 20

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November 27Ìý—ÌýNo Colloquium, Fall BreakÌý

December 4

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December 11

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For more information about colloquia this semester, contact: Mihaly Horanyi