.Distinguished Lectures Events
Fall 2023
Krypton Fluoride (248 nm) as the Laser Driver for Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE)
Speaker: J. Gary Eden (University of Illinois)
The recent report of scientific breakeven at the National Ignition Facility (NIF, Livermore, CA) demonstrates the viability of Laser Fusion Energy (LFE) for commercial power production. This long-awaited breakthrough has prompted a re-evaluation of the optimal laser driver for LFE and associated target design. This presentation will review the unique [...]Low temperature deposition of oxide films driven by VUV/deep-UV radiation or arrays of microplasmas, and photolithography at 172 nm
Speaker: J. Gary Eden (University of Illinois)
Thin film deposition processes such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are generally regulated by the temperature of a substrate. That is, the decomposition of the molecular reactants (precursors) proceeds at thermal equilibrium, and the gas phase and surface chemistry rates are governed by the Arrhenius [...]
Understanding Schwarzschild
Speaker: William G. Unruh (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research; University of British Columbia; Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University)
Since Schwarzschild, in 1915/1916, discovered the metric that bears his name in the mathematics of Einstein's brand new theory, confusion reigned in understanding the Schwarzscild "singularity" at r=2GM/c^2. Was this some sort of matter shell? Was this a breakdown of the theory? This talk will be a historical tour of [...]
Distinguished Lecture
Speaker: Allan MacDonald (University of Texas)Host: Roland Allen
October 31, 2023
11:30 am (CDT)
Quantum metrology: from basic science to useful applications
Speaker: Luiz Davidovich (Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro)
Fundamental properties of quantum mechanics, such as superpositions of states and entanglement, have found their way to useful applications in quantum metrology, helping to unveil the secrets of the early universe, to increase the sensitivity of spectroscopy, and leading to high-precision devices such as new-generation atomic clocks, gravimeters, magnetometers, and [...]