Seminars and Colloquia, January through June, 2010

• This Week's schedule.
• Earlier Semesters.
• Typical Week's schedule.
• January 4-8, 2010's schedule.
• January 11-15, 2010's schedule.
• January 18-22, 2010's schedule.
• January 25-29, 2010's schedule.
• February 1-5, 2010's schedule.
• February 8-12, 2010's schedule.
• February 15-19, 2010's schedule.
• February 22-26, 2010's schedule.
• March 1-5, 2010's schedule.
• March 8-12, 2010's schedule.
• March 15-19, 2010's schedule.
• March 22-26, 2010's schedule.
• March 29-April 2, 2010's schedule.
• April 5-9, 2010's schedule.
• April 12-16, 2010's schedule.
• April 19-23, 2010's schedule.
• April 26-30's schedule.
• May 3-7, 2010's schedule.
• May 10-14, 2010's schedule.
• May 17-21, 2010's schedule.
• May 24-28, 2010's schedule.
• May 31-June 4, 2010's schedule.
• June 7-11, 2010's schedule.
• June 14-18, 2010's schedule.
• June 21-25, 2010's schedule.
• June 28-July 2, 2010's schedule.

Seminars and Colloquia, Typical Week:

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

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

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 4-8, 2010

No talks scheduled: Prelim Exams

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 11-15, 2010

First Week of Classes

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, January 18-22, 2010

Martin Luther King Day: Monday, January 18

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

ATLAS detector is one of four detectors at the Large Hadron Collider, which started to operate in late November 2009. It is huge experimental setup consisting of several complex subsystems. Now, with the first collider data we started to look at the performance of the detector. I will give an overview of both LHC and ATLAS performances in the first part of my talk. The second part will be devoted to the research of our group that we are planning to do with early data.

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 25-29, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Cancelled because of winter storm.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, February 1-5, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

One in six men in US will face the risk of prostate cancer in their life-time. When screening tests raise the suspicion of prostate cancer, the diagnosis is usually made by trans-rectal ultrasound guided “systematic” biopsy of the prostate gland involving typically 12∼16 needle cores. Sampling the prostate gland at these many cores is largely due to the inadequacy of trans-rectal ultrasound in detecting prostate cancer. The imaging-guidance for accurate focal-biopsy of the prostate cancer remains a challenge.

This presentation introduces a novel approach of prostatic imaging that combines near-infrared light imaging with trans-rectal ultrasound. The approach of trans-rectal diffuse optical tomography acquires a new dimension of tissue information, which when combined with trans-rectal ultrasonography could noticeably improve the specificity and sensitivity of prostate cancer detection.

The presentation discusses the following aspects of this novel approach: (1) the imaging principles and system implementation of trans-rectal diffuse optical tomography that has been integrated with trans-rectal ultrasound, (2) a canine model of prostate cancer developed in OSU, and (3) the results of in vivo imaging on this animal model.

Biography:

Dr. Piao is the assistant professor of Bioengineering in School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oklahoma State University. He received BS (Physics) in 1990 from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, MS (Biomedical Engineering) in 2001 and PhD (Biomedical Engineering) in 2003 from University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. After 2 years of post-doctoral training in UCONN and Dartmouth College, he joined Oklahoma State University in 2005 as the first Bioengineering faculty member recruited by OSU College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) under the college-wide multidisciplinary bioengineering initiative on its Stillwater and Tulsa campuses. He was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Fellowship from DOD Breast Cancer Research Program, and is the recipient of a New Investigator Award from DOD Prostate Cancer Research Program.

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 8-12, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Experiments and observations over the last decade have provided strong support for a “standard” model of cosmology that describes the evolution of the universe from an early epoch of inflation to the complex hierarchy of structure seen today. I review the basic physics, astronomy, and history of ideas on which this model is based. I describe the data which persuade cosmologists that (as yet undetected) dark energy and dark matter are by far the main components of the energy budget of the universe. I conclude with a list of open cosmological questions.

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 15-19, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

OSU’s astronomical observatory is the home of the state’s main research telescope. This telescope, which entered service in 2009, is the most powerful and advanced telescope in Oklahoma, and one of the largest in the Big 12. I will discuss the observatory and its history, observational methods, current plans and goals, and good outdoor lighting practices as they relate to astronomy.

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 22-26, 2010

No seminars and colloquia scheduled, as there will be a site visit of the Physics External Program Review panel.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 1-5, 2010

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Proteins are large molecules with unusual emergent physical properties. While their covalent structure consists of long strings of amino acids (the unfolded state), in water proteins spontaneously fold into highly ordered three-dimensional structures (the folded state) in which every atom occupies a defined position. However, protein structures in general do not have symmetry or periodicity, and thus represent a class of systems requiring novel physical approaches. Transitions between the folded and unfolded states resemble phase transitions and involve changes in heat capacity. While the amino acid sequence of a protein is known to deterministically dictate its folding into a specific three-dimensional structure, it has proven difficult to predict the structure of a protein based on its amino acid sequence. This is an important open problem, since the three-dimensional features of proteins are essential for their function. A central paradox in the field of protein folding is that an exhaustive search through conformational space would preclude folding on relevant time scales. Computational studies have yielded a proposal to solve this paradox: that folding occurs on a funnel-like energy landscape. Few experimental studies have been reported to test this proposal. We have obtained two sets of data that bear on this issue. First, we developed a novel approach based on axis-dependent single-molecule force spectroscopy to obtain information on the anisotropy of the free energy profiles for protein unfolding. Secondly, we report a novel experimental strategy which indicates that the “fully unfolded” state of a protein can retain a considerable amount of residual structure, which can accelerate the refolding process. The implications of these results for understanding protein folding and the energy landscapes underlying in this process 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.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 8-12, 2010

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

What lies beyond the Standard Model? By joining quantum mechanics and relativity, Dirac predicted the positron. What can we find from the mathematical hints offered by the Standard Model of elementary particle physics? We present arguments for supersymmetry, and argue for the revelation of this boson-fermion symmetry at scales that will soon be reached by the Large Hadronic Collider.

Note: The flyer prepared for this colloquium can be downloaded at Ramond.doc.gz or read at Ramond.html.

Pierre Ramond was born and raised in France and educated in France and the United States. He has made fundamental contributions in String Theory and was one of the first to predict the existence of tiny neutrino masses. He is the author of three books: Field Theory: A Modern Primer, Group Theory: A Physicist’s Survey and Journeys Beyond The Standard Model. He has won several international awards and honors including: Fellow, American Academy of Arts & Sciences, 1998, Oskar Klein Medal, Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences & Stockholm University, August 2004, Guggenheim Fellow, 1985 and Fellow, American Physical Society. He is the chair elect of DPF, American Physical Society, 2011.

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.

Chemistry Department Seminar:

Abstract:

Understanding the energy transfer process in light-harvesting dendrimers and harnessing the energy funnel properties of such dendrimers for solar energy conversion and multifunctional sensing are some of the major contemporary research focuses. Our research on light-harvesting materials focuses on conjugated dendrimers with a unique unsymmetrical branching structure. These dendrimers possess a broad absorption range and an intrinsic energy gradient from the periphery to the core, naturally suggesting that they may be efficient molecular antennae suitable for transferring energy from the surface to the core. The applications of such dendrimers as sensors, nonlinear optical materials, and photovoltaic materials will be discussed. The presentation will also cover our work on developing new electrically active hybrid materials where conjugated molecules/polymers are covalently linked with polyoxometalate clusters.

Note: Refreshments at 3:00 PM in room PSI 117.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 15-19, 2010

Spring Break

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, March 22-26, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Figure 1. Basic construction of a battery.  Graphite and molybdenum oxide were used as anode materials and lithium cobalt oxide were used as cathode materials.

Lithium microbatteries were fabricated using femtosecond laser machining.  Arrays of n × m microcells were machined in a Kapton separator membrane using a laser.  Each microhole was filled with lithium electrolyte.  LiCoO2 was used as cathode and either molybdenum oxide or graphite used as anodes. Figure 1 shows the construction of coin cell batteries using this technology.  The electrodes were 19 mm in diameter and were enclosed in 20 cm diameter button cells.  The electrodes were aligned and a few drops of electrolyte were added.  Two types of separators were used.  One was a porous polyolefin (Celgard 2400) separator (used as a control) and the second was the laser machined Kapton membrane produced at U.S. Photonics®.  The holes in the Kapton were filled with the electrolyte.  The cathode and the anode were separated from each other by the electrolyte filled separator.  We took care to align the electrodes.  Stainless steel spacers and a Belleville spring were placed between the cathode and the negative terminal as shown in the figure below.  The two terminals were separated from each other by a plastic grommet which was placed on the outer edge of the electrode assembly.  The assembly was then crimped using a crimping machine made by MTI.  The entire assembly was done in a nitrogen atmosphere in a glove box. In order to test the performance of MoO3 anode developed by us, we also built a battery with a polyolefin separator (similar to our control batteries with the graphite anode replaced with MoO3).  In all cases, the micro-batteries showed greater charge being cycled than the control batteries.  For the microbatteries, it should be pointed out that not all of the area under the electrodes is active.  The active area of the microbatteries is estimated to ∼ 58 % of the area of the control batteries.  Thus, the performance of these microbatteries is estimated to be ∼ 40 % better than that of the control batteries.  We will discuss these results of the tests in greater detail.

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 29-April 2, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Joint Physics & Chemistry Colloquium:

Abstract:

Protein folding may be described as the motion of an ensemble of protein conformations on an energy landscape that is biased toward the native state. Thus, folding processes can take place over a broad range of timescales, depending on the shape and ruggedness of the energy landscape. In this talk, we will focus our discussion on the ultrafast aspect of the protein folding dynamics. Several examples will be presented to elucidate how studies on early folding events might provide useful insight into our understanding of the mechanism of protein folding.

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 5-9, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

I will describe the history of the discovery/invention of Neutrinos, starting with the discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel more than 100 years ago(1896). It took the next 35 years for neutrino to be invented and another 25 years before it could be “discovered” experimentally. Between 1956 and 2000 the remaining two kinds of neutrinos were found. The story of neutrinos is intimately tied to the history of particle physics itself over this period and we cannot discuss one without the other. Along the way, we will cover the subject of neutrino oscillations or neutrino metamorphosis, which is related to the neutrino masses and mixing. The sources of neutrinos are very varied ranging from the earth and the sun to nuclear reactors and accelerators, as well as supernova and the early universe and we will touch on them as well. Finally, some applications of neutrinos which are very speculative and futuristic will be briefly 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, April 12-16, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Semiconductor spintronics is a growing area of condensed matter research in which the spin as well as the charge of carriers is controlled for computation and information storage. Some devices rely on the spin-orbit interaction to control spin via external electric fields. I will discuss the basics of this mechanism and experimental work on InSb, a semiconductor with significant spin-orbit effects. I will cover weak anti-localization measurements to determine the strength of the mechanism, spin-focusing experiments and new efforts on 1-D devices and others designed for maximal variation in the spin-orbit interaction.

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 19-23, 2010

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

After building the Large Hadron Collider at CERN for over a decade, the machine began physics running on March 30, 2010. I will describe some of the anticipated physics discoveries and the questions which motivate LHC physics. Understanding the origin of particle masses is a dominant theme, and I will emphasize the expected revolution in our knowledge at the LHC.

Sally Dawson was educated at Duke and Harvard University and is currently a senior scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory. She was awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association of the Advancement of Science and was cited for “distinguished research in elementary particle physics and exemplary community leadership”. As a theoretical physicist, Dawson has spent a large part of her career determining the characteristics of a particle called the Higgs boson. She also helped formulate predictions for the top quark. She is the co-author of the famous book, “The Higgs Hunters Guide” which maps out the important discovery modes for the Higgs boson to be pursued at the LHC. She is the Fellow of the American Physical Society, past chair of the Division of Particles and Fields of the APS and was the Brookhaven woman scientist of the year.

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 26-30, 2010

Prefinals Week

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Physics Colloquium:

Abstract:

Dielectric microresonators have extremely sharp optical resonances known as whispering-gallery modes (WGMs). Light traveling down a tapered optical fiber tangent to the equator of a sub-millimeter silica microsphere can tunnel into a WGM, where it circulates tens of thousands of times around the sphere by total internal reflection. The evanescent component of a WGM permits interaction with matter in the ambient or on the sphere’s surface. This enables, for example, intracavity chemical sensing and ultralow-threshold quantum-dot lasers. I will describe the properties of these WGM microresonators and preview some new results from my group, including potential classical analogs of atomic phenomena and applications of the plasmonic enhancement arising from gold nanorods attached to the microresonator surface.

Dr. Rosenberger received the BA degree in physics and mathematics from Whitman College, the MS in physics from the University of Chicago, and the PhD in physics from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). He did a postdoc with Jeff Kimble at the University of Texas at Austin, and has taught at several universities. For the last fourteen years, he has been at Oklahoma State University, where he is now Professor of Physics. He was among the first to be named an Outstanding Referee by the American Physical Society, in 2008. His research interests have ranged from superradiance through optical bistability and nonlinear dynamics to, most recently, microresonator optics and plasmonics.

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, May 3-7, 2010

Finals Week

Oklahoma High Energy Physics Seminar on Talk-Back Television:

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 10-14, 2010

Physics Seminar:

Abstract:

Medical Physics is an applied branch of physics concerned with the application of the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Medical physicists contribute to the effectiveness of radiological imaging by assuring radiation safety and helping to develop improved imaging techniques (e.g., mammography CT, MR, ultrasound). They contribute to development of therapeutic techniques (e.g., radioactive implants, stereotactic radiosurgery), collaborate with radiation oncologists to design radiotherapy treatment plans, and monitor equipment and procedures to ensure that cancer patients receive the prescribed dose of radiation to the correct location. This seminar will discuss the basic question of: “what does a medical physicist do?” We will discuss in broad terms the scope of clinical duties and responsibilities of a Medical Physicist, as well as, discuss different aspects of medical physics research from basics science studies to clinical trials.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 17-21, 2010

High Energy Physics Seminar:

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 24-28, 2010

No talks scheduled.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, May 31-June 4, 2010

No talks scheduled.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 7-11, 2010

No talks scheduled.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 14-18, 2010

No talks scheduled.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 21-25, 2010

No talks scheduled.

Oklahoma State Physics Department

Seminars and Colloquia, June 28-July 2, 2010

No talks scheduled.

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