Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July through December, 1996


Click home to go back to physics department home page.

Click here for this week's schedule.

Seminars and Colloquia, Typical Week:


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Date:Monday (usually)
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Inquiries:jpw519@vms.ucc.okstate.edu
or by phone at 4-5807

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Date:Thursday
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Classroom Building, Room 106
& Carson Hall, Room 438, OU
Inquiries:physmas@mvs.ucc.okstate.edu
shaown@vms.ucc.okstate.edu

Physics Colloquium:

Date:Thursday
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Inquiries:pos@vms.ucc.okstate.edu

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

Date:Friday
Time:1:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Inquiries:jhhp@jperk.phy.okstate.edu

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 15-19, 1996


Extra Condensed Matter Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. X. R. Wang
Department of Physics, Hong Kong Univ. of Sci. & Tech.
Date:Monday, July 15, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Negative Magnetoresistance in the Nearest-neighbor Hopping Conduction

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 22-26, 1996


Laser and Photonics Center Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Hermann Harde
Universitaet fuer Bundeswehr Hamburg, Germany
Date:Wednesday, July 24, 1996
Time:10:00 AM
Place:NRC 207
Title:Molecular Spectroscopy with Femtosecond Terahertz Pulses

Abstract:


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, July 29 - Aug.2, 1996


No activities

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 5-9, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Penger Tong
Department of Physics, OSU
Date:Thursday, August 8, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 207
Title:Recent Velocity Measurements in Turbulent Thermal Convection Using Lasers

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 12-16, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Rene Beigang
Universitaet der Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
Date:Thursday, August 15, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 305
Title:Laser Pulse Propagation Studies Involving Rydberg States

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 19-23, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Al Rosenberger
Department of Physics, OSU
Date:Monday, August 19, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Transit-Induced Optical Multistability

Coffee and cookies will be served before the talk.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, August 26-30, 1996


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Charles M. Bowden
Research Development and Engineering Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
Date:Thursday, August 29, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Photonic Band Gap Materials and Applications

Abstract:

Photonic band-gap materials are to photons and light beams as semiconductors are to electrons and electrical currents. Vector solutions of Maxwell's equations in 3-D periodic dielectric structures give rise to frequency pass bands and stop bands. A rather exotic property is a genuine 3-D stop band, or band gap. Radiative properties of atomic excitation and atomic dipole coupling via the radiation field density of states are discussed, as well as effects of defect-induced local modes, microgravity effects, and some aspects of the physics of the band edge. Several linear and nonlinear optical device applications are presented and discussed in terms of theoretical predictions and experimental results.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Charles M. Bowden
Research Development and Engineering Center of U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
Date:Friday, August 30, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Coherent Coulomb Exchange Effects and Ultra-Fast Phenomena in Semiconductors

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 2-6, 1996


Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. Peter Shull
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, September 4, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:The Nature of Space and Time

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

Speaker:Dr. Jacques H.H. Perk
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Friday, September 6, 1996
Time:1:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Aspects of the Chiral Potts Model

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 9-13, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Jerzy Krasinski
Dept. of Electrical Engineering & Center for Laser & Photonics Research (OSU)
Date:Monday, September 9, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Femtosecond Pulse Group Distortion Resulting from Propagation through Various Systems

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Rueven Chen
School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
Date:Thursday, September 12, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Nonlinearities in the Dose Dependence of Thermoluminescence

Abstract:

Thermoluminescence (TL) is the emission of light from a sample, following an appropriate excitation, and during its heating. TL is utilized for dosimetry by evaluating the dose imparted to the sample. For this, a linear dependence of the TL intensity on the dose is desirable. However, at high doses, the sample always approaches saturation, which is a sublinear dependence on the dose. From the physics point of view, a more interesting effect is the superlinear dependence of TL intensity on the dose. A number of examples will be shown, and the possible theoretical explanation will be given. This has do with competition with non-radiative levels which may take place during the excitation of the sample, during the heating, and sometimes during both stages. The equations governing the processes during the excitation and heating stages will be presented (the latter bear some resemblance to those governing the DTA and Thermogravimetry phenomena). The equations cannot be solved analytically, however, and conclusions can be drawn by either approximations or by numerical calculations. Comparison is made with different kinds of superlinearity observed in different materials.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Speaker:Dr. Larry Scott
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Friday, September 13, 1996
Time:1:15 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Numerical Simulation of Biomembranes

Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Roger Frech
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry University of Oklahoma
Date:Friday, September 13, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Vibrational Spectroscopic Studies of Ion-Conducting Polymers

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 16-20, 1996


Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. Paul Westhaus
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, September 18, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Cosmic [Blackbody] Radiation

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 23-27, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Steve Schafer
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Monday, September 23, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Quasi-Monte Carlo Methods for Modeling Light Propagation in Scattering Materials

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. James P. Wicksted
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Thursday, September 26, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Brillouin Scattering: Applications Arising from Classical Laser Spectroscopic Technique

Abstract:

Since the invention of the laser more than 35 years ago, Brillouin scattering has been a very important research tool in understanding the basic optical and acoustic properties of materials. The underlying physics of structural phase transitions in specific ferroelectric materials and the low temperature properties of exciton states in direct gap (bulk) semiconductors are but two examples of its many contributions to scientific research. In this presentation, I will review some of the basic principles involved in Brillouin scattering and discuss some of the research and device applications that have arisen from the use of this classical laser spectroscopic technique.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Speaker:Dr. Kyungsun Moon
Department of Physics & Astronomy University of Oklahoma
Date:Friday, September 27, 1996
Time:1:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Transport of Quantum Hall Fluids

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, September 30 - October 4, 1996


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. John E. Furneaux
Laboratory for Electronic Properties of Materials and
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Oklahoma
Date:Thursday, October 3, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:2-D or not 2-D that is the Question

Abstract:

For many years the existence of a Metal/Insulator transition in 2-dimensions has been discussed and researched. In 1979 the gang of 4 including Nobel Laureate Phil Anderson made powerful arguments which indicate that such a transition is impossible in a non-interacting electron system. In fact it has been demonstrated that no phase transitions can occur in 2-D at finite temperature. Therefore, our discovery of what appears to be a Metal/Insulator transition in the 2-D electronic system in Silicon MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) was particularly surprising. I will discuss the underlying arguments due to the gang of 4, and place our experimental results in this framework. I will then attempt a reconciliation with the existing theories. This talk should be accessible to all levels of students.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Not scheduled in view of Fall Break


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 7-11, 1996


Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. Al Rosenberger
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, October 9, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Solitary Waves

No Colloquium scheduled in view of Fall Break


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

Speaker:Dr. Cary F. Chabalowski
Theoretical Chemist, U.S. Army Research Laboratory
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
Date:Friday, October 11, 1996
Time:1:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Theoretical Predictions of Molecular Properties Through Quantum Mechanics:
The Role of Potential Energy Surfaces in Understanding Reaction Mechanisms

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 14-18, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Hans Bilger
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Oklahoma State University
Date:Monday, October 14, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Ring Lasers

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Mei-mei Tidrow
US Army Research Lab, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey
Date:Thursday, October 17, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:State-of-the-art Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors

Abstract:

Quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) is one kind of infrared (IR) detectors which have been developed very rapidly during the past ten years. It takes advantages of the band gap engineering and maturity of the III-V semiconductor material growth and processing. Compared with other infrared technology, QWIPs have the advantages over others by its large uniform focal plane arrays, low noise equivalent temperature difference, high resolution, high production yield, high speed, low cost and low power consumption. It also offers multicolor detection capabilities which is very critical to certain applications for target discrimination. The basic understanding of the device physics and the state-of-the-art of the QWIP field will be presented in the talk. Simple theoretical calculations, device design rules and some experimental results will be given. The applications of QWIPs will be discussed. A tape of IR imaging using 256x256 and 640x480 QWIP array will be shown.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Not scheduled in view of Lab Manager interviews.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 21-25, 1996


Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. Xincheng Xie
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, October 23, 1996
Time:3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Place:PS 108 (Note change of room!)
Title:Probing High-Temperature Superconductivity

Abstract:

Recent experiments exploiting subtle quantum effects yield important clues about why some ceramics conduct electricity without resistance.


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Mark Samuel
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Thursday, October 24, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:GOING TO HIGHER ORDER:
THE HARD WAY AND THE EASY WAY -
THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY

Abstract:

Series arise in a wide class of calculations in mathematics, statistical physics, condensed matter physics, and perturbative quantum field theory. A method for estimating higher order terms in series, as well a the sums of series, will be presented. The method makes use of Padé Approximants. An introduction to series and Padé Approximants will be given.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, October 28 - November 1, 1996


The HG Wells and Orson Welles Memorial

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Bill Cochran
Department of Astronomy
University of Texas at Austin
Date:Thursday, October 31, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Other Worlds:
The Detection of Extra-Solar Planetary Systems

Abstract:

This past year has witnessed the discovery of a number of possible planetary systems around other nearby sunlike stars. While we have always thought that planet formation should be a natural result of the process of star formation, none of the systems detected so far bears much similarity to our own solar system. The wonderful diversity of these newly discovered systems will provide us with new clues to the physics of star and planet formation.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Speaker:Dr. Helen Au-Yang
Department of Physics, OSU
Date:Friday, November 1, 1996
Time:1:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Differential Padé Approximants

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 4-8, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Dale Teeters
Department of Chemistry
The University of Tulsa
Date:Monday, November 4, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Polymer Electrolyte Systems

Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. Penger Tong
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, November 6, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Complex Fluids: Science & Technology

Abstract:

Fluids containing polyatomic structures manifest a wide variety of mechanical responses, and they can exhibit numerous forms of self-organization. (Reading material: Physics Today, July 1990, pp. 21 ff.)


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Mr. Woody Wood
Systems Manager, OKC Manufacturing, Xerox Corporation
Date:Thursday, November 7, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Physics & Business: A Personal View

Abstract:

Physics and business is a powerful blend. I will first relate the personal and professional benefits of a physics degree, and then describe Xerox, one of the world's leading high-tech firms. I will discuss the corporation itself (history, manufacturing, multinational market, and corporate philosophy), present-day career opportunities in manufacturing and research, and future employment prospects (marketability, earnings, and demand).

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Speaker:Dr. Jacques H.H. Perk
Department of Physics, OSU
Date:Friday, November 8, 1996
Time:1:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Singularity Theory, a.k.a. Catastrophe Theory

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 11-15, 1996


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Leo Hollberg
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO
Date:Thursday, November 14, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Coherence Effects, Lasing without Population Inversion and Other Spectroscopy with Diode Lasers

Abstract:

Coherent optical fields can be used with multi-level atoms to explore surprising, nonintuitive effects such as electromagnetic-induced transparency, dark line resonances, and lasing without population inversion. Many of these unusual effects predicted theoretically have now been observed in the laboratory. When optical coherences dominate the atom-field interaction our physical intuition becomes less useful in predicting the macroscopic response of the system. Simplified theoretical models can sometimes provide a "physical picture" of these effects. Fortunately simple experimental systems can often be used to test the theoretical predictions. Progress and limitations in experiments on LWI and other coherence effects will be discussed. Experimental progress in this and other fields of spectroscopy has resulted in-part from recent advances in the technology of semiconductor diode lasers and nonlinear optics. The state-of-the-art of these "modern" tools of precision measurements will be briefly outlined. We are now using these lasers to reach wavelengths that range from 200 nm in the UV to 300 microns in the far-infrared, for experiments that range from tests of fundamental physics to applications in applied molecular spectroscopy.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


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

Speaker:Dr. Wei Shan
Department of Physics, OSU
Date:Friday, November 15, 1996
Time:1:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Excitons in GaN

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 18-22, 1996


Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. Paul Westhaus
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, November 20, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:The Classical Limit of an Atom

Abstract:

By creating ultralarge atoms, physicists hope to study how the odd physics of the quantum world becomes the classical mechanics of everyday experience. (Reading material: Scientific American, June 1994, by Michael Nauenberg, Carlos Stroud and John Yeazell).


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Mike Clark
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Thursday, November 21, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Six and a Half Years in ________: Reflections on Graduate School and Science

Abstract:

Looking back over the past six and one half years at OSU, I will present my perceptions of graduate study in physics. Topics to be covered include course work, prelims, research, and my dissertation. As my graduate study progressed, my concept of what 'science' is and its importance to society has changed dramatically. This evolution in my perception of science will also be presented.

Note:

The traditional student-speaker chat will begin in Physical Sciences Room 147 at 3:30 p.m. All students are welcome! Refreshments will be served.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, November 25-29, 1996


Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Robert J. Hauenstein
Department of Physics
Oklahoma State University
Date:Monday, November 21, 1996
Time:4:00 PM
Place:NRC 108
Title:Anion-Exchange Reactions and Initial GaN Formation on GaAs (100) using a Nitrogen Plasma

Thanksgiving


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, December 2-6, 1996


Undergraduate Physics Journal Club:

Speaker:Dr. S.W.S. McKeever
Department of Physics (OSU)
Date:Wednesday, December 4, 1996
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:What should we do with radioactive waste?

Abstract:

We will discuss issues relevant to the disposal and storage of radioactive waste in the US. Topics to be discussed will include some basic aspects of radiation dosimetry, health effects, storage sites in the US, dose levels, etc. Students are required to have searched for literature sources on this issue to bring to the meeting for discussion. The discussion will be led by Steve McKeever and Art Lucas.


Prefinals Week


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, December 9-16, 1996


Finals Week


Last Updated: 4 November, 1996.

This page was prepared by Helen Au-Yang and Jacques H.H. Perk.

jhhp@jperk.phy.okstate.edu