Seminars and Colloquia, July through December, 2006

• This Week's schedule.
• Earlier Semesters.
• Typical Week's schedule.
• July 3-7, 2006's schedule.
• July 10-14, 2006's schedule.
• July 17-21, 2006's schedule.
• July 24-28, 2006's schedule.
• July 31-August 4, 2006's schedule.
• August 7-11, 2006's schedule.
• August 14-18, 2006's schedule.
• August 21-25, 2006's schedule.
• August 28-September 1, 2006's schedule.
• September 4-8, 2006's schedule.
• September 11-15, 2006's schedule.
• September 18-22, 2006's schedule.
• September 25-29, 2006's schedule.
• October 2-6, 2006's schedule.
• October 9-13, 2006's schedule.
• October 16-20, 2006's schedule.
• October 23-27, 2006's schedule.
• October 30-November 3, 2006's schedule.
• November 6-10, 2006's schedule.
• November 13-17, 2006's schedule.
• November 20-24, 2006's schedule.
• November 27-December 1, 2006's schedule.
• December 4-8, 2006's schedule.
• December 11-15, 2006's schedule.
• December 18-22, 2006's schedule.
• December 25-29, 2006's schedule.

Seminars and Colloquia, Typical Week:

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Journal Club on Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter Physics (Informal):

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 3-7, 2006

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

The physical picture of protein dynamics as a random walk driven by solvent motions is both physically appealing and supported by observations of protein function in a variety of environments. This picture is not, however, well-supported by measurements of viscosity-dependent folding rates, which require the introduction of concepts like internal viscosity, which are difficult to explain with a straightforward physical model. I will present data showing the anomalous viscosity dependence of protein folding is most usefully thought of as a ‘solvent effect’ on the protein energy landscape, with the simple physical model of protein dynamics surviving intact. I will briefly explore the implications of this conclusion on our ability to construct models of protein function.

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 10-14, 2006

No talks scheduled

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 17-21, 2006

No talks scheduled

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 24-28, 2006

No talks scheduled

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 31-August 4, 2006

No talks scheduled

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 7-11, 2006

No talks scheduled

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 14-18, 2006

No talks scheduled

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 21-25, 2006

First Week of Classes

Chemistry Department Seminar:

Abstract:

The generation of nano materials with hierarchical ordered structure is the basis for the development of novel optical, electronic, acoustic and magnetic materials. Plant viruses and other biological particles can be considered as nature nanoparticles that can be tailored chemically and genetically. Compared with the inorganic nanoparticles, the uniform shape and size of viruses provide highly promising possibilities in self-assembly study for the construction of nanoscale materials with hierarchical ordering. On the basis of the surface modification with conventional bioconjugation chemistry and “click” reaction, we can control the self-assembly of spherical particles and rod-like tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) to form 1D, 2D and 3D self-assemblies. In particular, functional nanofibers were synthesized by the one-dimensional assembly of TMV and sequential polymerization. Such kind of nanofibers can be readily dispersed in water and it show very interesting conductivity and other physical properties. Two-dimensional ordered films were produced using interfacial assembly of viral particles and sequential cross-linking reactions. In addition, synchrotron-based small angle neutron scattering and x-ray scattering offer us powerful methods to quantitatively analyze these assembled structures.

Note: Refreshments will be served at 3:00 PM, Room PS 117.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 28-September 1, 2006

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

The Higgs boson is a hypothetical particle introduced in the Standard Model to explain the mechanism by which the elementary particles acquire mass. The experimental confirmation of its existence remains one of the most important topics in high energy physics. I will discuss the progress and perspectives of Higgs searches at the Tevatron Collider at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Batavia, IL).

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 4-8, 2006

Informal Physics Seminar:

Abstract:

As if quantum teleportation wasn’t already puzzling on its own right, correctness of present experiments of continuous variable teleportation can be questioned different levels. The talk is built up from the basics, by dedicating the first part to the original proposals and the pioneer experiments of both the discrete and the continuous variable versions of quantum teleportation. Then in the following, I consider the two alternative interpretations of what might actually be happening in a continuous variable teleportation experiment. One explanation is based on entirely classical arguments, and present experiments have comfortably passed the limit where it could actually be valid. However, the second argument which is based on the possibility of local realistic models has still not been surpassed yet. I also present two approaches that require a truly quantum mechanical explanation, each having different requirements on the experimental fidelity of teleportation.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 11-15, 2006

Chemical Engineering Seminar Series:

Abstract:

The phenomena of surfactant micelles, solubilization of molecules in surfactant micelles and subsequent reactions in these surfactant micelles have been known and studied for more than 50 years. The fact that surfactants will adsorb to solid surfaces has also been known for a long time. These separate concepts came together in the mid-1980’s when the nature of adsorbed surfactant aggregates (admicelles) became better understood, particularly the similarities between admicelles and micelles. Several studies clearly indicated that admicelles had the ability to solubilize other compounds (adsolubilization), just as solubilization occurs in micelles. This background led to examining the possibility of polymerizations occurring in these adsorbed aggregates, just as polymerizations take place in micelles. Admicellar polymerization was the term assigned to describe this new process.

This talk reviews the current understanding of the fundamentals of admicellar polymerization, with particular emphasis on film morphology. We will show that in some cases it is possible to template polymer films according to the morphology that is found with the surfactant structure; for example polymer wires with diameters on the order of less than 5 chain thicknesses are possible. Another unique aspect is the formation of a polymer film in the uncovered areas of a masked surface; leading in some cases to sub 50 nm regular polymer morphologies. The level of control, via choice of surfactant or surface or polymer will also be described in detail.

Note: Refreshments will be served at 1:45. Lecture begins at 2:00.

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

‘Quantum chaos’ is normally taken to refer to the behavior of a quantum system whose classical counterpart is chaotic. Among the systems so far investigated have been the delta-kicked accelerators, a paradigm in classical chaos theory. In recent years one of the most fruitful methods of experimental investigation of the delta-kicked accelerator has been with laser cooled atoms exposed to a pulsed off-resonance standing wave. These experiments have lead to the discovery of quantum accelerator modes (QAMs). Recently we have successfully observed QAMs using Bose-Einstein condensates yielding new insights into the delta-kicked accelerator dynamics. These experiments enable us to cast new light on the question of quantum-classical correspondence in a chaotic context.

In this talk I will review our method to realize a Bose-Einstein condensate using all-optical means. Then I will describe the current experiments in Oklahoma State University to study the delta-kicked accelerator system.

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 18-22, 2006

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

All observed phenomena may be explained in principle in terms of the electromagnetic, gravitational, weak and strong interactions. I will discuss the possibility that additional interactions among elementary particles may give rise to new long-range forces between chunks of ordinary matter.

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 25-29, 2006

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Experts have said: “…it seems fair to say that the study of entanglement is in its infancy, and it is not entirely clear what … can be expected as a result of the study of quantitative measures of entanglement.”  Now we are learning that time dependent measures predict sudden endings for entanglement of atomic qubits, more abrupt and sooner than basic T₁ and T₂ lifetimes. The same issues are interesting and open for photonic qubits.

Some arXiv references are: quant-ph/0503089, quant-ph/0602196, quant-ph/0602206, quant-ph/0603256 .

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 2-6, 2006

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Please note: The starting time for the seminars this semester will be 1:45 PM, not 1:30 PM. This is due to a scheduling problem at OU.

Journal Club on Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter Physics (Informal):

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 9-13, 2006

Fall Break

Physics Colloquium:

The colloquium is postponed to a later date in order to avoid a conflict with the university-wide faculty and staff convocation.

Journal Club on Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter Physics (Informal):

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 16-20, 2006

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

As semiconductor devices are scaled to smaller and smaller sizes within the nano-regime, a number of technological and economical problems arise, and the rules of classical physics must give way to the ones of quantum mechanics. Nano-scale electronic devices have been extensively investigated as a new frontier beyond conventional microelectronics. In this regime, the size scaling that has effectively taken device features from the microscopic scale to the nano-scale is no longer valid. New alternative materials and device structures are required and the need for highly accurate and large-scale (in terms of approaching the actual number of actives sites in a working device) modeling and computational tools has become acute. At the same time as the typical size of practical devices is shrinking, there is a tremendous expansion of the available computational resources, in terms of scalability and speed. The net effect is that we are now rapidly approaching the point where the typical length scales of systems studied in the lab and the ones that can be modeled on state-of-the-art computers are finally meeting. While the molecular-electronics revolution calls for new computational models that account for fundamental physical interactions that take place at the quantum mechanical level, the confluence of the experimental and simulation worlds is largely due to the development of new computational infrastructures, which enable simulations at unprecedented scale.

In this talk, I will present two recent examples where large scale calculations have been used to understand and predict novel phenomena at the molecular and nano- scale. In a first illustration, I will show how a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy measurements and large scale density functional theory calculations can be used to elucidate the fundamental role and formation process of defects on TiO₂ (110) surface. The effect of the presence of the defect on chemical reactions on the surface will also be demonstrated. In the second part of the talk, I will show how it is possible to couple large-scale quantum electronic structure calculations with non-equilibrium Green function formulation for determining the quantum conductance of a number of molecular systems, thereby allowing for a detailed understanding of the processes governing exotic behavior in molecular-based nano-devices. In particular, the switching behavior in systems based on individual molecules embedded in a conducting nanotube will be analyzed in detail and a novel paradigm for nanoscale non-volatile memory device will be proposed.

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 23-27, 2006

Physics Colloquium:

Note: This colloquium is on Tuesday, not on the more usual Thursday afternoon.

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 30-November 3, 2006

Frontiers in Physics (Physics Undergraduate Journal Club):

Everyone is welcome. However, you are expected to be present if you are enrolled in Frontiers in Physics.

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Extensive research on the solar-powered photocatalytic destruction of explosives such as TNT has involved several unique aspects including:

1. Design of a solid-state nanosurface photocatalyst (What is this stuff?)
2. Determination of the chemical reactions involved (How does the TNT breakdown?)
3. Determining the interaction of light with the catalysts (Are excited states really involved? How many and which ones?)
4. What are the end products of all this? (Can I drive my car on the products of the breakdown?)
5. Design of a prototypic solar reactor (Does this thing really work?)

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 6-10, 2006

Mandatory Diversity Forum (for physics faculty and staff), Friday, November 10, 2:00 PM in room PS 147.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 13-17, 2006

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Special Arts & Science Colloquium:

Abstract:

The speaker will discuss the contributions made by American Indians in the areas of science and engineering from a cultural-based perspective. The roles and contributions of a Tribal College to the scientific research at a level one research university will also be discussed and will include examples of collaborative projects. The rationale and advantages of grant collaboration will also be presented.

A soldier—a diplomat—an educator:

Dr. Kim Winkelman—“Mato Blota Hunka” (Bear War Leader)—is the first (and recently appointed) President of Comanche Nation College. He is the former Vice President of Instruction and Academic Affairs—Oglala Lakota College, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota. He is a tribal enrolled American Indian—Oglala Lakota and Abnaki.

He earned a baccalaureate degree from The Citadel; a Master’s degree in International Policy Studies and Culture from The Monterey Institute of International Studies, (now an extension of Middleberry University); and a Doctorate in Adult Education from Walden University.

Dr. Kim is a retired U.S. Army officer (LTC), and the first American Indian to graduate and be commissioned from The Citadel. Besides holding various command and general staff positions, he was director of the US Bi-lateral Staff Talks—and served as a Military Diplomat and multi-cultural specialist for the Departments of Defense and State. Kim is also the first American Army officer to graduate from the Portuguese Institute of Higher Military Studies. He completed this 15 month Command & General Staff College/War College curriculum entirely in the Portuguese Language. His decorations include: The Legion of Merit, The Portuguese Order of Military Merit (one of only two foreign officers to have ever been awarded this medal), The Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and 5 Army Meritorious service Medals. Kim served 14 of his 22 years of service overseas—from the Combat regions of Korea to the Middle East.

Since, his retirement from the military Dr. Kim (as he is known) has held both faculty and senior administrative positions for several colleges during the past 12 years. Recently, Dr. Kim was the first recipient of a full scholarship and designated as “Tribal College Leadership Development Scholar” from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education to study at Harvard’s Institute of Education Management. Dr. Kim serves on several regional and national advisory boards, including the National Museum of the Unites States Army, NASA’s Western Region Alliance Council, and an executive consultant to SECME/SEMAA/NASA Board of Directors (a national organization that promotes science and engineering careers for minority students), and Oklahoma’s EPSCoR Committee (an NSF Program in 12 states that selects and coordinates research funding for science and economic development proposals).

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 20-24, 2006

Thanksgiving

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 27-December 1, 2006

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Postponed till Monday due to winter weather.

Physics Colloquium:

Postponed till Monday next week.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, December 4-8, 2006

Prefinals Week

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

The Standard Model (SM) can explain the existing experimental data very well, and it can incorporate the convincing new physics beyond the SM via small variations. The major challenges to the SM are the cosmological constant problem, gauge hierarchy problem, gauge coupling unification, and charge quantization. Due to the string landscape, the cosmological constant problem and gauge hierarchy problem may be solved in a novel way. The gauge coupling unification can be achieved by the non-canonical U(1) hypercharge normalization, and charge quantization can be realized simultaneously. In particular, the Higgs boson mass can be predicted in a narrow range, which can be tested in the future colliders. Furthermore, I will comment on strong CP problem, dark matter, the SM fermion masses and mixings, baryon asymmetry, and inflation.

Note: The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 110 at 3.00 PM. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

Journal Club on Condensed Matter Physics and Optics (Informal):

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, December 11-15, 2006

Finals Week

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, December 18-22, 2006

ECEN Seminar:

Abstract:

The bottom-up, high-precision fabrication of nanodevices from simple nanostructures could be bottlenecked by the long-standing problems such as the lattice mismatch, “Fat Finger”, and “Sticky Finger”. Detailed interfacial nanochemistry, stepwise pathways, and systematic controls, each of which is believed to be able to help solve the problems, have been seldom reported. We hereby discuss some new interfacial and chemical controls for precisely tailoring the morphologies, spatial organizations, and properties of ZnO- and TiO₂-based nanostructured complex materials in solution-based hierarchical nanosynthesis, with unusual potentials in energy, medicine, and optics applications. Fundamentals learned here could be generally applicable to the design and step-by-step construction of new nanodevices from nanoscale building blocks of different structural types without using the mechanical nanoassembler.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, December 25-29, 2006

No seminars scheduled.

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This page was prepared by Helen Au-Yang and Jacques H.H. Perk.
jhhp@jperk.phy.okstate.edu