Winter 2017

02/04/17 | Topological Insulators: An Unexpected State of Matter -- Cagliyan Kurdak (U-M Physics)

One of the greatest triumphs of the 20th century was development of quantum theory solids, which allowed us to understand why some materials are electrically insulating whereas others are conductors. To the surprise of all physicists, we now know that there is a new class of materials, known as topological insulators, that likes to be both. Topological insulators are expected to have an insulating bulk and topologically protected surface states, with many unique properties. Professor Kurdak will expose some of the beautiful features of this unexpected state of matter, using examples from a broad range of recent experiments including from his own research on samarium hexaboride.

02/11/17 | 3D Shadows: Casting Light on the Fourth Dimension -- Henry Segerman (Oklahoma State University)

How can we "see" four-dimensional objects? The best we can do is look at three-dimensional "shadows": just as a shadow of a three-dimensional object squishes it into the two-dimensional plane, we can squish a four-dimensional shape into three-dimensional space, where we can then make a 3D printed model of it.

We will explore the sphere in four-dimensional space, the four-dimensional versions of the Platonic solids, and various 3D printed sculptures, puzzles, and virtual reality experiences that have come from thinking about these things.

02/18/17 | The Antiups and Antidowns of Life: Studying Antiquarks in Hydrogen and Carbon -- Christine Aidala (U-M Physics)

The protons and neutrons of every atomic nucleus contain not only subnuclear particles called quarks, but also their antimatter counterparts, antiquarks. Professor Aidala will discuss her research studying antimatter in the hydrogen nucleus as well as in more complex atomic nuclei such as carbon. Investigating the antimatter content of nuclei has been yielding surprises, in particular for antiup and antidown quarks, which can be probed directly by annihilating them with their corresponding matter partners, up and down quarks.

03/11/17 | Making Muons Great Again: The Fermilab Muon Program -- Julie Whitmore (Fermilab)

New physics could lie beyond the reach of the most powerful accelerators but still manifest itself as anomalies in the well-predicted behavior of particles. The magic of quantum loops provides a window into energy scales thousands of times larger than that which can be achieved directly by current accelerators. This talk aims to introduce the audience to an exciting new program at Fermilab that uses muons to probe for new phenomena with unprecedented sensitivity and could give insight into new physics Beyond the Standard Model.

03/18/17 | Isotopic Fingerprinting of Toxic Metals -- Joel Blum (U-M Earth and Environmental Sciences)

Humans are exposed to toxic metals from many sources and following many exposure pathways. In this talk, Dr. Blum will explain how small variations in the isotopic composition of lead and mercury can be used to unravel the mysteries of how people become exposed to these metals.

03/25/17 | Particles, Planets, and Crystals: Ph.D. Research Pushing the Boundaries of Physics -- Sebastian Ellis, Stephanie Hamilton, and Tomoya Asaba (U-M Physics)

Tomoya Asaba -- Symmetry Breaking in Unconventional Materials

Sebastian Ellis -- Going Beyond the Standard Model

Stephanie Hamilton -- From Dwarf to Super-Earth: How the Solar System's Smallest Members Point the Way to Planet 9

04/01/17 | Thermoelectricity: Environmentally Friendly Power Generation  -- Ctirad Uher (U-M Physics)

On average, industrial processes waste some 60% of energy as heat. Thermoelectric generators can harvest this waste heat and convert it to the most portable form of energy-electricity. Making the conversion economically viable demands the development of novel, efficient thermoelectric materials.

04/08/17 | Hunting for Evidence of Galactic Cannibalism -- Sarah Loebman (U-M Astronomy)

Our home, the Milky Way, is surrounded by a host of small dwarf galaxies. Currently one of these galaxies, Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal, is being striped apart - cannibalized - by the Milky Way. Theory suggests that this violent act is not unique, and that the diffuse stellar halo that surrounds the Milky Way is in fact a tidal graveyard of destroyed dwarf galaxies. Dr. Loebman will discuss how astronomers study the stellar halo and hunt for evidence of our cannibalistic past. She will also highlight tantalizing clues of a cataclysmic epoch in the Milky Way's history and how new observations from Gaia may cause us to rethink our distant past.