Events on Thursday, February 20th, 2025
- R. G. Herb Condensed Matter Seminar
- Spontaneous synchronization: from fireflies to Schmidt-Higgs mode in Superconductors
- Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Place: 5310 Chamberlin
- Speaker: Maxim Dzero , Kent State University
- Abstract: The tendency to synchronize is one of the most ubiquitous and at the same time mysterious drive in all of nature. In the introductory part of my talk, I will show how the study of synchrony could deepen our understanding of not only certain aspects enormous congregations of fireflies blinking on and off in complete unison, but also the collectively synchronous behavior of 10^23 electrons in superconductors. In the main part of my talk, I will discuss an example of spontaneous synchronization in superconductors which are driven out of equilibrium by a sudden perturbation. The particular focus of my talk will be on collective excitation of the amplitude (Schmidt-Higgs) mode and how the dynamics of this mode changes in the presence of disorder. Finally, I will discuss how the phenomenon of spontaneous synchronization in conventional superconductors can be probed experimentally.
- Host: Alex Levchenko
- Astronomy Colloquium
- Strengthening our profession through structured learning experiences
- Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Place: 4421 Sterling Hall
- Speaker: Nicholas J. McConnell, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Abstract: Ingredients for a successful career in astrophysics include (but are not limited to) talent, opportunity, committed effort, knowledge, resilience, and mentorship. We all have roles in cultivating and strengthening these ingredients for ourselves, our students, and our colleagues, while relying on training structures that often aren’t effective at balancing and integrating them. While learning physics and astronomy content in a high school or college class is the entry point for many future researchers, a narrower cross-section will access on-the-job development for crucial skills like research design, adaptive planning, and leadership. With intention these skills can be incorporated into astrophysics curricula and practiced early on, so they can bear upon students’ persistence in the discipline. I will share two case studies: one scaffolding research practices and mindsets in a UW-Madison astronomy course, and AstroTech – a summer program broadening undergraduate and graduate students’ participation in astronomy instrumentation.
- Host: Melinda Soares-Furtado