Seminars and Colloquia, January through June, 2002


Click home to go back to physics department home page.

Click here for:

Seminars and Colloquia, Typical Week:


Center for Laser and Photonics Research Seminar:

Date:TBA
Time:TBA
Place:NRC TBA
Inquiries: sjhwang@okstate.edu or osu-clpr@okstate.edu

Center for Sensors & Sensor Technologies Seminar:

Date:Tuesday (usually)
Time:3:00-4:00 PM
Place:NRC TBA
Inquiries: jpw519@okway.okstate.edu

Physics Undergraduate Journal Club:

Date:Tuesday (biweekly, fall semester only)
Time:4:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Inquiries: physpaw@mvs.ucc.okstate.edu
or by phone at 4-5815

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Date:Thursday
Time:1:30-3:00 PM
Place:Studio D, Classroom Building, Room 106A, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Inquiries: shaown@okstate.edu or milton@nhn.ou.edu

Physics Colloquium:

Date:Thursday
Time:3:30-4:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Inquiries: aihua@westlake.phy.okstate.edu or perk@okstate.edu

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

Date:Friday (bi)weekly
Time:2:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Inquiries: perk@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 1-4, 2002


No talks scheduled


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 7-11, 2002


No talks scheduled: Prelim Exams


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 14-18, 2002


First Week of Classes


Joint Chemistry and Physics Colloquium:

Postponed till January 31


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 21-25, 2002


Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Speaker:Dr. Sally Seidel
Department of Physics
University of New Mexico
Date:Thursday, January 24, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU *
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:Jet Physics at the Tevatron

Abstract:

Results are presented for the inclusive jet, differential dijet, and dijet mass cross sections versus jet transverse energy, as measured for proton-antiproton collisions at center of mass energy 1.8 TeV. Data from the CDF and D0 detectors at Fermilab's Tevatron collider are described and compared to next-to-leading order QCD predictions using different parton distribution functions. The ratio of the inclusive jet cross sections at center of mass energies 0.63 TeV and 1.8 TeV is also presented versus scaled jet transverse energy xT and compared to QCD predictions.

* Please note change of place from the previous semesters.


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Sally Seidel
Department of Physics
University of New Mexico
Date:Thursday, January 24, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Jets, Partons, and the Search for New Physics

Abstract:

The discovery that local gauge invariance provides a foundation for the theory of the strong force has lead to a beautiful sequence of predictions and confirmations in the latter part of the twentieth century. Among these are the existence of the gluons, the naturalness of asymptotic freedom, and the identity of the gauge symmetry responsible for the strong interaction. One well confirmed prediction by QCD is the presence of jets among the products of high energy particle collisions; these are collimated streams of particles whose momenta are understood to reflect the momenta of the quarks and gluons from which they arise. This link that jets provide between large and small scales makes them a useful experimental probe of new physics at short distance scales. In the 1990's, the CDF experiment obtained an unexpected result for the measurement of the inclusive jet cross section in proton-antiproton collisions. Interpretation of the result highlighted the importance of precision measurements of the parton distribution functions (pdf's) that describe the partitioning of the nucleon's momentum among its constituents. An introduction to the parton distribution functions is provided to place them in the context of jet-based searches for new physics. The role of future hadron collider experiments in improving pdf measurements is described.

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, January 28--February 1, 2002


Joint Chemistry and Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Professor Lloyd Bumm
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Oklahoma
Date:Thursday, January 31, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Molecular Insulators, Wires, and Switches

Abstract:

The microelectronics industry has projected that if current miniaturization trends continue, present technology will reach its limit around 2014. Molecular-scale electronics has been identified as one possible solution, where individual molecules are the components of an electronic circuit. Whether single molecules can perform the basic electronic functions of insulators, wires, and switches remains an open question. The scanning tunneling microscope is used as a local probe of the molecular-scale electronic properties of single molecules and of monolayer films. Electron transfer through insulating alkanethiolate molecules of different chain lengths are compared and agree with earlier, less direct experimental measurements. Molecular wires and switches embedded in this insulating alkanethiolate matrix are more conducting than the matrix. Molecular switching is observed between high and low conductivity states. The dynamics of switching is controlled by conformational changes in the molecule, which depend on the order of the host matrix. This work demonstrates a practical method to screen candidate molecules for molecular-scale electronics as well as a general technique to characterize the fundamental electronic behavior of individual molecules.

Note: Refreshments served at 3:00 PM, room 117 PS I.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, February 4-8, 2002


Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Speaker:Dr. Yili Wang
Department of Physics
University of Hawaii
Date:Thursday, February 7, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU *
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:Searching for SUSY at Tevatron and LHC

Abstract:

We examine signals for sparticle production at the Fermilab Tevatron and CERN LHC within the framework of gauge-mediated supersymmetry breaking (GMSB) and inverted mass hierarchy models (IMH). Within GMSB, we analyse several model lines, each of which leads to a qualitatively different signature, and quantify the reach of at these machines. We also examine the viability of models with an inverted mass hierarchy (IMH), where third generation sfermions are by far lighter than those of the first two generations. We find that a radiatively generated hierarchy is considerably smaller than claimed in the literature. A larger hierarchy is possible if it is assumed to be present at the GUT scale. We briefly discuss phenomenological implications of these scenarios. The third part is about some ongoing work about Bs -> mu mu and Bd -> tau tau decays. Within the mSUGRA framework, we find that it may be possible to probe the former at the Tevatron, and posssibly, the latter at B-factories. We are also examining these decays in gauge-mediated SUSY breaking and anomaly-mediated SUSY breaking scenarios, and will present results as they are available.

* Please note change of place from the previous semesters.


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Kelvin Chu
Department of Physics
University of Vermont
Date:Thursday, February 7, 2002
Title:Molecules in Motion: What Kinetic Crystallography
Can Tell Us about How Proteins Work?

Note: Cancelled and to be rescheduled at a later date.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, February 11-15, 2002


College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Southwest Mechanics Lecture Series:

Speaker:Dr. Ali H. Nayfeh
University Distinguished Professor, Engineering Science and Mechanics
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Date:Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Time:Postponed
Title:Nonlinear Dynamics: Phenomena and Applications

Cancelled/Postponed due to unexpected medical problems of the speaker.


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Guo-meng Zhao
Department of Physics
University of Houston, Texas
Date:Thursday, February 14, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Strong electron-phonon coupling in cuprates, manganites, and carbon nanotubes

Abstract:

It is remarkable that the superconductivity as high as 164 K was observed in copper-based perovskite oxides and that the colossal magnetoresistance was found in manganese-based perovskite oxides. The basic physics in these materials still remain controversial despite tremendous theoretical and experimental efforts. Having observed many unconventional isotope effects in these materials, we show that electron-phonon coupling is strong and plays an essential role in the physics of both cuprates and manganites. The discoveries of superconductivity at 117 K in doped C60 and possible superconductivity at about 650 K in carbon nanotubes raise a more interesting question of whether phonons are sufficient to explain such high superconductivity.

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, February 18-22, 2002


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. William T. Heller
Bioscience Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Date:Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Shape Restoration by Small-Angle Scattering Applied to the Cardiac Troponin Complex

Abstract:

Small-angle scattering is an experimental technique for extracting low-resolution structural information from proteins in solution. The technique normally provides information such as the maximum linear dimension and radius of gyration of the particle. Small-angle scattering data can also provide the distribution of distances within the scattering particle P(r). Shape restoration applied to small-angle scattering data is a means of obtaining a higher level of detail about the low-resolution structure. A method has been developed to generate particle envelopes from small-angle scattering data by using aggregates of spheres. The method was applied to contrast variation studies of the cardiac troponin complex, which regulates muscle contraction in vertebrates in response to calcium signaling. By using small-angle neutron scattering with a selectively deuterated complex, it was possible to use the shape restoration method to generate structures of Troponin C and Troponin I/Troponin T(198-298). The shape of the entire complex was also reconstructed from small-angle x-ray scattering experiments. A particle envelope was generated from this data. A second shape restoration method used the shapes of the subunits and the x-ray scattering data to produce a model of the complex showing the relative disposition of the subunits within the complex.

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:

Speaker:Dr. Kim Milton
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Oklahoma
Date:Thursday, February 21, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:Entropy Bounds in R x S3 Geometries

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, February 25-March 1, 2002


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Stephan Koehler
Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences
& Department of Physics
Harvard University
Date:Monday, February 25, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Micro- and Macroscopic Treatment of Foams

Abstract:

Foams have many fascinating properties and are the quintessential soft condensed matter system. For example, although they are composed of gas and liquid, they have solid-like properties such as being able to support shear stresses. Because foams are non-equilibrium systems, they have interesting dynamical properties that often exhibit power-law behavior.

Two such dynamical processes are: (i) coarsening the growth of the average bubble size with time, and (ii) drainage the flow of liquid out of the foam due to gravity. For coarsening there is a classic result showing that the average bubble size scales with the square root of the foam's age. Also, for drainage there is power-law behavior between the average liquid velocity and the liquid volume fraction of the foam.

However the exponent of the power-law behavior of foam drainage varies with the type of foam, and apparently from lab to lab. To fully understand this puzzling and seemingly contradictory behavior, it is necessary to consider (i) the microscopic details of the liquid flow between the bubbles, (ii) the flow of the interfaces and (iii) the properties of the surfactant. I will present the first such experiments (using confocal microscopy), which show that the flow field depends strongly on the type of surfactant used. The velocity profiles show good agreement with a model based upon transverse shear with free viscous surfaces.

Armed with the detailed knowledge of my microscopic results, I will present a new generalized foam drainage equation. The two existing foam drainage equations (one presented by Verbist and Weaire et al., the other by our group) are special sub-cases of this new equation.

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.


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Xiaoping Tang
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Date:Thursday, February 28, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Using NMR to Study the Electronic Properties of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
and Slow Motion in Bulk Metallic Glasses

Abstract:

NMR is one of the most versatile and widely used techniques in solid state physics, chemistry, and biology. The first part of my talk will discuss NMR characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The electronic structure of a SWNT is determined by its chirality and diameter. 13C NMR was used to characterize the metallic or semiconduting SWNTs and to evaluate the synthesis conditions. The electronic density-of-states at the Fermi level and the diameter dependence of SWNTs were quantitatively measured. Gas exposure and alkali-metal intercalation were observed to change markably the electronic property of SWNT bundles. The second part of my talk will discuss the nature of atomic transport in bulk metallic glasses and supercooled liquids. Bulk metallic glasses with excellent glass formability and thermal stability became available only recently. The NMR technique of the 9Be spin alignment echo was developed to measure the slow atomic motion (10 s to 10 ms per atomic jump) in the Zr-Ti-Ni-Cu-Be metallic glass systems. It revealed for the first time that in the supercooled liquid states the translational motion proceeds in parallel by two distinctive mechanisms: single-atomic jump and collective motion of atom clusters. The latter motion was found to freeze rapidly below the glass transition temperature.

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, March 4-8, 2002


Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Speaker:Chris McMullen
Department of Physics
Oklahoma State University
Date:Thursday, March 7, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:Collider Implications of Extra Dimensions

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 11-15, 2002


College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Southwest Mechanics Lecture Series:

Speaker:Dr. David E. Stock
Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Date:Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Time:9:15 AM (Refreshments at 9:00)
Place:Advanced Technology Research Center, Room 102
Title:Particle Motion and Dispersion in Turbulent Gas Flows

Abstract:

Particle-laden gas flows are common in many man-made and natural environments. Their importance to industrial processes, agriculture, and human health has made them of great theoretical and practical interest over the past 50 years. Because the particles are carried by a turbulent gas stream, progress in understanding and predicting behavior of particle-laden flows has closely followed development in understanding and prediction of turbulent flow. The motion of a particle in a gas flow is governed by the particle inertia, gravity, and the particleUs interaction with the turbulent fluid surrounding it. However, to determine the location and thus the local turbulence surrounding the particle, the trajectory of the particle must be known. It is this nonlinear coupling between the particle motion and the turbulence that makes predicting particle dispersion in gas flow difficult. Experimental and numerical studies of particle motion in simple flows, e.g., isotropic turbulence and uniform shear flow, have led to understanding of the role played by particle inertia, particle mean drift velocity relative to the gas flow, and the structure of the turbulence. The use of kinematic simulations of turbulence and DNS has greatly augmented the experimental findings. Predicting particle motion and dispersion in industrial or environmental scale flows is challenging. Lagrangian simulation techniques can typically only predict dispersion in one of the three directions, usually one of the cross-stream directions. Two fluid models have potential for predicting dispersion in all three directions. During the past two decades, fundamental understanding of the dispersion of particles in simple turbulent gas flows has been reached, and the capability of predictive tools has increased exponentially as a result. This talk summarizes the current state of knowledge about gas-particle flows, and highlights areas where more research is needed.

Note: Dr. David E. Stock is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Washington State University. Dr. Stock received his B.S. degree from Penn State, M.S. from the University of Connecticut, and Ph.D. from Oregon State University, all in Mechanical Engineering. He has performed research and published extensively in a variety of areas, including experimental fluid mechanics of free and confined flows, particle turbulence interaction in gas flows, wind tunnel, field, and numerical studies of wind flow about buildings and complex terrain, thermal and laser Doppler anemometry, and prediction of electrostatic precipitator performance. His professional activities have included service as Associate Editor of the Journal of Fluids Engineering, member and Chair of the ASME Fluids Engineering Division Executive Committee, and currently he is Chair, ASME/JSME Committee for the 9th International Symposium on Gas-Solid Flows, June 2003. He is a Fellow of ASME.

Note: Further Information: (405) 744-5900 and http://www.mae.okstate.edu/


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Kelvin Chu
Department of Physics
University of Vermont
Date:Thursday, March 14, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Molecules in Motion: What Kinetic Crystallography
Can Tell Us about How Proteins Work?

Abstract:

We live in a time where biophysical techniques have evolved to the point that structural methods such as X-ray crystallography can be used to ask not only what something looks like, but how it works. Proteins are biomolecules that do most of the work involved in life, such as catalysis, signal transduction, ion transport and movement. One way of understanding how proteins function is ot determine the changes that occur as the molecule progresses through its reaction cycle. I shall discuss two systems where we have been able to learn about function through structure: myoglobin and cytochrome p450. Myoglobin is a small protein found in muscle that is a model system for the oxygen transport protein in red blood cellos, hemoglobin. Cytochrome p450 is a monooxygenase that plays a crucial role in oxygen activation found in all living organisms. By correlating structure, function and dynamics, we can begin to understand fundamental principles of biology. This process is inherently interdisciplinary and draws upon knowledge from physics, chemistry and biology.

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.


Journal Club on Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter Physics:

Three short talks will be presented in preparation for next week's APS meeting:

Speaker:Dr. X.C. Xie
Department of Physics
Oklahoma State University
Date:Friday, March 15, 2002
Time:2:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Spin Polaron and In-Plane Magnetic Field Effect
in 2D Metal-Insulator Transition
Speaker:Ye Xiong
Department of Physics
Oklahoma State University
Date:Friday, March 15, 2002
Time:2:45 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Disorder Effect in Magnetic Semiconductors
Speaker:Ye Xiong
Department of Physics
Oklahoma State University
Date:Friday, March 15, 2002
Time:3:00 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Conductance Anisotropies Caused by the Lattice Background in Hall Effect

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 18-22, 2002


Spring Break & APS March Meeting


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 25-29, 2002


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Bret Flanders
Department of Chemistry
University of Kansas
Date:Monday, March 25, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:A Microscopic Study of Fluctuations and Phase Boundaries in
Monolayers Composed of Palmitic Acid and Lung Surfactant Protein B

Abstract:

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition caused by a breakdown in the surface properties of the lung surfactant, remains a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. While the use of replacement lung surfactant (LS) derived from bovine extracts has proven to be effective in combating RDS in neonates, the development of a purely synthetic LS is a desirable goal due to cost and purity concerns inherent in administering animal extracts to humans. To this end, in vitro studies of a model lung surfactant composed of palmitic acid and fluorescently tagged lung surfactant protein B (SP-B1-25) have been carried out in order to better understand how desirable surfactant properties (such as high compressibility) arise. Such insight may facilitate the design of more efficacious treatments. Two interesting peptide-induced effects have been observed in these studies: 1. Divergent fluctuations in the percent-area of the liquid condensed phase area were observed (by confocal microscopy) at a peptide concentration of 11.3wt.% SP-B1-25. 2. An abrupt change in the height profile and a gradual change in the peptide concentration profile of the phase boundary were observed by use of near-field scanning optical microscopy, a technique capable of simultaneously measuring force and fluorescence images. Further study of these phenomena is directed at more closely characterizing the phase boundaries through atomic force, near-field, and single-molecule microscopy studies.

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:

Speaker:Professor Satya Nandi
Department of Physics
Oklahoma State University
Date:Thursday, March 28, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:Orbifold Breaking of Gauge Symmetry

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Carter T. White
Head, Theoretical Chemistry Section
Code 6189, Naval Research Laboratory
Washington, DC 20375-5320
Date:Thursday, March 28, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Detonations*

Abstract:

Chemical processes at condensed-phase shock fronts in energetic materials can occur on such short time (sub-picosecond) and length (sub-nanometer) scales that they are ideal for study using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulations of shock-induced chemistry, however, require realistic reactive many-body potentials capable of simultaneously following the dynamics of thousands of atoms in a rapidly changing environment from cold solid-state reactants to hot gas-phase products. Over the last decade we have developed a model energetic diatomic molecular solid based on reactive many-body potentials that have these key ingredients. Simulations establish that this model can support a detonation with properties that are intrinsic to the material and consistent with the continuum theory of planar detonations. Results are presented for the rise time and sonic point in this model. Results are also presented establishing self-similar flow behind the sonic point. In addition, the effects of defects and small changes in the atomic potential on the initiation and propagation characteristics of the model will be discussed.

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.

*This work was supported by ONR both directly and through NRL.


Journal Club on Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter Physics:

Speaker:Prof. Shi-Jie Xiong
National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures
& Department of Physics
Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
Date:Friday, March 29, 2002
Time:2:30 PM
Place:PS 147
Title:Low-Temperature Dephasing of Electron
by Two-Level Defect in a Quantum Dot

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, April 1-5, 2002


Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Speaker:Miroslav Kopal
Department of Physics
Purdue University
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:Measurements of Four-Fermion Cross-Sections at LEP (L3)

College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Leadership Seminar:

Speaker:H. Edward Roberts
Meet the Inventor of the World's First Personal Computer
(an OSU electrical engineering graduate!)
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2002
Time:2:30 PM (Coffee & Refreshments at 2:00 PM)
Place:Advanced Technology Research Center, Room 102
Title:Invention & Entrepreneurship

Open to the Public

Note: H. Edward Roberts was born and raised in Miami, FL. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1962 and rapidly built an interest in electronics design. In 1965, the Air Force sent Ed to Oklahoma State University to complete a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation from OSU in 1968, Ed was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force and assigned to the Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM.

Shortly after Ed arrived in Albuquerque, he started a company called MITS---Micro Instrumentation Telemetry Systems. MITS first manufactured several kit-based products for model rocketry hobbyists, and then what would be considered the first hand-held electronic calculator. When a fledgling company called INTEL introduced the 256-byte computer chip, Ed used it to develop the world's first personal computer, known as the ALTAIR. Ed Roberts gave Bill Gates and Paul Allen their first jobs. The Altair BASIC operating system they designed for MITS became Microsoft BASIC. Ed was later to develop what would be considered the world's first laptop computer as well as a software firm and a medical electronics firm.

Ed Roberts sold MITS to Pertec in 1977, returned to his native state of Georgia and bought a 1000-acre farm/ranch. In 1982, and at 41 years of age, he entered the Mercer University School of Medicine to pursue his lifelong dream to become a medical doctor. In 1988, Ed Roberts established a practice as a Doctor of Internal Medicine in the small town of Cochran, Georgia. He continues that practice today.

Ed Roberts is a pioneer who not only invented the world's first personal computer, but also gave a stimulus to a whole new computer industry that has changed our lives. And each day since 1986, he has worked to create a better quality of life for the citizens of Cochran, Georgia.


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Prof. Paul M. Thibado
Department of Physics
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Enhancing Learning and Retention through Technology

Abstract:

Envision a large enrollment, general education, Freshman-level course in which attendance is 100% everyday! Now, imagine that every student prepares for and participates in class every day! Sound impossible? It is not. There is a technological revolution taking place in education that really works.

There have been great strides in learner-centered teaching methods that can significantly enhance the engagement process. One method that has received little attention uses state-of-the art technology that is not very expensive. It starts with every student purchasing from the bookstore a hand-held remote control unit (much like your TV remote control) that has embedded into it a unique transmission code. When the student comes to class, questions are asked as illustrated below (left panel). Both the instructor and the students receive instantaneous and accurate feedback regarding the degree to which the material is understood, as also illustrated below (right panel). Those concepts, which are unclear, as evidenced by incorrect responses, may then be reviewed. The unique transmission code allows every student's answer to be tracked for grading purposes.

In my talk, I will provide a "how-to" lecture for implementing this new technology along with a mock-classroom demonstration. I will also discuss how our students have reacted to this new technology. Furthermore, I will discuss the benefits of combining this technology with the worldwide web.

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, April 8-12, 2002


Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Xuedong Hu
Department of Physics
University of Maryland
Date:Monday, April 8, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Theoretical Study of Spin-Based Solid State Quantum Computation

Abstract:

In the past decade there have been rapidly increasing interests in quantum computation from physicists, mathematicians, and computer scientists. It has been pointed out that the intrinsic parallelism of quantum mechanics, in the form of coherent superposition and entanglement, can give quantum computers massive advantages over classical computers for certain tasks such as prime factorization and database search. In this talk, I will focus on our theoretical study of various important feasibility issues in constructing spin-based solid state quantum computers. In particular, I will discuss the validity of the exchange Hamiltonian for a quantum dot quantum computer, the possibility of using a multiple-electron quantum dot as a quantum bit, and certain gate errors in spin-based quantum computer models.

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:

Speaker:Dr. Francis Halzen
Department of Physics
University of Wisconsin
Date:Thursday, April 11, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:TBA

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Professor Robert H. Austin
Department of Physics
Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
Date:Thursday, April 11, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Micro and Nanofabrication at the Frontiers of Biological Physics

Abstract:

Silicon micromachining has opened up a new world of sub-micron spaces in which you can study biological objects on a scale commensurate with their size and operational environment. Since silicon micromachining is so highly sophisticated in terms of technology, it is possible to design and construct highly creative structures which can probe specific aspects of a biological object. Such structures can also be very practical and useful in applied areas such as biotechnology. The manipulation and sorting of biological particles poses unique challenges to microfabrication because of the complex physical properties of biological particles. These properties range from size (DNA is an extremely long but thin polymer while the cell is a compact sphere) to adhesive properties (white blood cells are selectively extremely sticky while red blood cells are designed to be quite non-adhesive). An even more important issue is the fact that each biological particle, whether it be the sequence of a DNA fragment or a white blood cell, is unique. Often it is vital to ascertain the uniqueness of the particles, to sort them and find a very rare individual in a population of millions. I will present examples of our attempts to attack these problems and produce microfabricated devices useful in medicine and molecular biology.

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, April 15-19, 2002


Photonics & Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Dr. Karen Suhm
Microchip Technology
Tempe, AZ
Date:Thursday, April 18, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Improved Lithographic Patterning Through the Use of Optical Proximity Correction

Abstract:

Photolithography is one of the most significant aspects of semiconductor processing. The resolution and focusing capabilities of the lithographic patterning tool limit the scalability of electrical semiconductor devices. The semiconductor manufacturing industry has employed a variety of lithographic extension techniques to improve the aerial image formed at the wafer surface. The addition of optical proximity correction (OPC) features is one of the most straightforward and inexpensive strategies, having minimal impact on toolset and process flow. The addition of OPC corner serifs is shown to improve both transistor programming characteristics and contact hole imaging at sub-wavelength dimensions. Dimensional repeatability and design scalability are enhanced by OPC implementation.

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, April 22-26, 2002


Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Speaker:Professor Xerxes Tata
Department of Physics
University of Hawaii
Date:Thursday, April 25, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:Willard Hall, Room 004, OSU
& Bizzell Library, Room 104, OU
Title:High Energy Colliders as Probes of Supersymmetry Breaking

Physics Colloquium:

Speaker:Professor Xerxes Tata
Department of Physics
University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
Date:Thursday, April 25, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Supersymmetry
What Is It? How Do We Find It?

Abstract:

After reviewing the crucial role that symmetries have played in the development of the Standard Model of particle physics, we provide arguments that there should be new physics that should manifest itself at the TeV energy scale. We examine possibilities for what this new physics might be and show that supersymmetry, a novel symmetry that inter-relates bosons and fermions, may be a promising candidate. We show that supersymmetry implies an as yet unseen partner for each Standard Model particle. We derive the basic properties of these superpartners to help us understand how we might go about searching for these in high energy experiments and briefly discuss what we have learned from experiments at current accelerators. We also discuss the role of supercolliders for this search. Time permitting, we will speculate about how a determination of superparticle properties could teach us about physiscs at high energy scales way beyond what might be accessible in the foreseeable future.

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, April 29-May 3, 2002


Prefinals Week

No talks scheduled.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 6-10, 2002


Finals Week

No talks scheduled.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 13-17, 2002


No talks scheduled.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 20-24, 2002


No talks scheduled.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 27-31, 2002


No talks scheduled.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 3-7, 2002


Photonics Colloquium:

Speaker:Professor Galina Goloverda
Department of Chemistry
Xavier University, New Orleans LA
Date:Thursday, June 6, 2002
Time:1:30 PM
Place:PS 110
Title:Nanoscale Materials for Biomedical Applications

Note: Refreshments will be served in room 147 at 1 PM.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 10-14, 2002


No talks scheduled.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 17-21, 2002


College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Seminar:

Speaker:Dr. Christie Marrian
Microsystems Technology Office
DARPA
Date:Thursday, June 20, 2002
Time:3:30 PM
Place:101 ATRC
Title:Nanotechnology and Heterogeneous Integration

Abstract:

The US Federal Government and the individual States are making significant investments in all things 'nano' through the National Nanotechnology Initiative and related funding programs. A plethora of Government agencies are participating in the NNI with the bulk of the money coming from the NSF and DoD who are mainly funding individual researchers and centers. The States, on the other hand, are funding infrastructure at, predominantly, Universities. DARPA has a series of programs, which fall under the NNI umbrella such as, for example, projects developing nanoscale components based on molecular electronics. One of the crucial challenges facing such nanoelectronics programs is the interface with the outside world that, to all intents and purposes, means the world of semiconductor based microelectronics. This implies the heterogeneous integration of different material systems with the consequent need for a different approach to manufacture. For example, directed assembly as opposed to extensions of the current paradigm of deterministic fabrication, looks to be necessary at the nanoscale. But such assembly methods can also be applied at larger dimensions to bring higher functionality to chipscale microsystems by combining disparate materials with the desired electronic, photonic and/or mechanical properties.

Note: Refreshments served at 3:15 PM.


Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 24-28, 2002



Last Updated: .

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

jhhp@jperk.phy.okstate.edu