Events on Monday, October 21st, 2024
- Wisconsin Quantum Institute
- Chicago Quantum Summit
- Time: 8:45 am - 5:00 pm
- Place: David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago, 1201 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637
- Speaker: Various, Various
- Abstract: The seventh annual Chicago Quantum Summit is a two-day program that will feature dialogue about the growing quantum technology economy, new research initiatives in the field, and efforts to build the quantum workforce. The event will also include the Boeing Quantum Creators Prize Symposium, which promotes early-career researchers whose work moves quantum science in new directions.
- Host: Chicago Quantum Exchange
- Climate & Diversity
- Climate and Diversity Committee Open Hours
- Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Place: Chamberlin 5310
- Speaker: Rachel Zizmann, UW-Madison Physics
- Abstract: Open Hours are welcome for everyone in the department! During these sessions, we have the option to discuss the topic listed, that is not required or necessary for attending
- Host: Rachel Zizmann
- Plasma Physics (Physics/ECE/NE 922) Seminar
- Thermonuclear Fusion in a Stabilized Z Pinch and Integration into a Technology Demonstrator
- Time: 12:05 pm - 1:00 pm
- Place: 1610 Engineering Hall
- Speaker: Prof. Uri Shumlak, University of Washington-Seattle and ZAP Energy
- Abstract: Many confinement configurations use large magnetic field coils to stabilize plasma, resulting in lower plasma beta – a measure of confinement efficiency defined as the ratio of plasma pressure to magnetic pressure. In contrast, the Z pinch achieves an ideal unity beta without the need for magnetic field coils. An axial plasma current generates the confining magnetic field, which balances the radial plasma pressure gradient. Increasing this current compresses the plasma adiabatically, raising its density and temperature. Despite its potential, the Z pinch is prone to MHD instabilities that destroy confinement. The sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z pinch mitigates these instabilities using axial flows and has shown the ability to confine plasma at fusion conditions without magnetic field coils, promising a more compact fusion device. This presentation will discuss experimental results from the FuZE (Fusion Z-pinch Experiment) device, demonstrating high-performance plasmas and sustained fusion reactions. Neutron energy measurements indicate a thermonuclear fusion process, with reaction rates consistent with adiabatic compression scaling. High-fidelity numerical simulations suggest that sheared-flow stabilization remains effective at reactor-grade plasma conditions. Additionally, scaling studies show the potential of the SFS Z pinch as a high-gain fusion energy source. Finally, we will present an integrated reactor technology demonstrator combining key subsystems including Z-pinch plasma confinement, liquid metal electrodes, and repetitive operation, highlighting its viability as a carbon-free terrestrial power source.
- Host: John Sarff
- Preliminary Exam
- Instrumentation Development & Multi-Messenger Astrophysics with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory
- Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Place: B343 Sterling Hall
- Speaker: Zach Curtis-Ginsberg, Physics PhD Graduate Student
- Host: Justin Vandenbroucke
