Physics is the study of nature at its most fundamental level. As such, it is the science upon which all other sciences and technologies are based. Because it is so basic, a major in physics is ideal preparation, not only for further study in physics, but also for advanced study in such diverse fields as biophysics, medicine, astrophysics, chemical physics, engineering, meteorology, and computer science.
Speaker: Dr. Matthew Reid - Department of Physics, University of Northern British Columbia
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: 5-171 (Library Building)
Generating coherent
Terahertz (THz) transients with focused field strengths of ~250 kV/cm and more
has become possible in the past five years as a result of source development
and scaling. This has allowed researchers to begin investigating
interesting nonlinear interactions of THz fields with matter that have not been
possible previously, kick-starting the field of "THz nonlinear
optics".
This seminar will examine the techniques and principles that have been used to
generate high energy THz fields at the Advanced Laser Light Source. Some
recent results of nonlinear THz interactions in semiconductor thin films will
be discussed including absorption bleaching and probing effective mass
anisotropy in isotropic conduction bands through polarization-resolved, THz
time-domain spectroscopy.
Ultra-cold Neutrons Professor Elie Korkmaz (5th from left in above photo) of the UNBC physics program is part of a newly established research collaboration aimed at building the world's most intense source of ultra cold neutrons (UCN) at the TRIUMF laboratory in Vancouver, BC. This facility will allow scientists to perform to very high precision key experimental studies aimed at sharpening our understanding of nature by exploring new physics that goes beyond the standard model of particle physics. The collaboration involves scientists from a number of Canadian and Japanese institutions and will build on experience gained with the UCN facility currently in operation at the RCNP laboratory in Osaka, Japan. The photo shown was taken during a recent UCN collaboration meeting that took place at TRIUMF in January 2010.
Fictional Physics What it means to be human in the face of scientifically improbable circumstances is the theme being explored in Remembering the Future, a work of science fiction written by first-time literary author and UNBC Physics professor Mark Shegelski (right). The recentlyreleased work is a collection of fourteen science fictionstories that explore many universes, time travel, and seemingly impossible situations. This work of fiction is Dr. Shegelski's 60th publication. Click hereto view the press release.
Innovative Professor UNBC professor Matt Reid (right) won the John Humphrey's Memorial Forest Innovator Award at the Northern BC Business and Technology Awards for his research into the application of terahertz technology in the forest industry. He also received the Collaborative Research Award. More . . .
