The Physics and Astronomy colloquium is a forum for invited scientists to present modern research in a fashion accessible to those with a background in physics, but who are not experts in the field. Talks are aimed at a graduate level.
The colloquium is held most Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters at 3:45 pm in Room 170 of Nielsen Hall.
If you have questions about our colloquia, please contact Doerte Blume at Doerte.Blume-1@ou.edu.
If you are looking for a schedule of past colloquim presentations for a particular semester, you can find them in our Colloquium Archive.
Host: Kuver Sinha
Title: "Pursuing Dark Matter Across the Cosmos"
Abstract: Understanding the fundamental nature of dark matter is one of the major challenges in physics and astronomy. There are dedicated experimental efforts to search for dark matter interactions with the Standard Model of particle physics, but no concrete evidence of such interactions has been observed. In this talk, I will demonstrate how cosmological and astrophysical observations offer exciting, new possibilities for understanding dark matter. I will describe how nonstandard dark matter physics in the early Universe can alter our predictions for cosmological structure formation and show how to test broad classes of models with observational data.
Host: Doerte Blume
Title: "Quantum Technology in Space: From NASA Missions to Industrial Quantum Systems"
Abstract: Quantum technologies are becoming essential components of future space exploration, enabling capabilities that extend far beyond quantum computing. This talk will introduce several quantum technologies currently being developed for space applications, including atomic clocks for autonomous deep-space navigation, cold-atom systems for precision sensing and fundamental physics, and Rydberg-atom technologies for next-generation sensing and communication. Drawing on examples from recent NASA and JPL research, the presentation will discuss the scientific principles, engineering challenges, and future opportunities of deploying quantum technologies in space. The talk will conclude with perspectives from my experience in the quantum industry, including lessons learned from developing quantum control systems at Keysight Technologies and from emerging commercial quantum hardware efforts, highlighting how research is transitioning into practical quantum technologies.
Host: Jackson Burzynski
Title: "Muon Colliders: the Next Generation of Particle Accelerators"
Abstract: Over the last century, the construction and discovery of the Standard Model of particle physics has been one of the greatest accomplishments in physics. To explore this new frontier, we built larger and larger colliders utilizing the two charged particles that are easiest to produce and manipulate, the proton and the electron. As we contemplate the future of high energy colliders, the use of these particles fundamentally limits our potential energy reach: the low electron mass due to synchrotron radiation and the proton due to its composite nature. Luckily, the Standard Model provides an alternative: the muon. In this talk, I’ll discuss the challenges and possibilities of a muon collider, and give an overview of recent progress towards making one a reality.
Time and Location: 11 am-11:50 am, Lin Hall 105
Host: Mukremin Kilic
Host: Xinyu Dai
Title: "Unravel the Physical Nature of AGNs via Radiation MHD Simulations"
Abstract: Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are accreting supermassive black hole systems that play an essential role in the evolution of galaxies. AGNs exhibit a wide range of spectral variations as black hole mass and accretion rate change, which remain puzzling and cannot be explained by standard accretion disk models. Photons emitted by AGNs also vary over a wide range of time scales, and they can put strong constraints on the accretion physics. In this talk, I will discuss how three-dimensional radiation magneto-hydrodynamic simulations can serve as a laboratory for exploring accretion physics. I will show how the accretion disks vary from the sub-Eddington to the super-Eddington regimes. These simulations can generate spectra and light curves that can be directly compared with observational data. I will also discuss how the recently discovered little red dots can be understood within the framework of super-Eddington accretion, in terms of both spectral and variability properties.
Host: Michael Hayden
Host: Doerte Blume
Host: John Stupak
