December 12, 2022

Left to right, Philip Nilson, Alex Chin, Suxing Hu, and graduate student David Bishel (inset) contributed to research to better understand how plasmas emit or absorb radiation. (University of Rochester photo / Eugene Kowaluk). Background: a NASA image of plasma bursting from the sun.

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Understanding how atoms react under extreme pressure conditions—a field known as high-energy-density science—gives scientists valuable insights into planetary science, astrophysics, and fusion energy. One important question in this field is how plasmas emit or absorb radiation. Current models depicting radiation transport in dense plasmas are heavily based on theory rather than experimental evidence.

In a paper published in Nature Communications, researchers led by Suxing Hu, a distinguished scientist and group leader of the High Energy Density Physics Theory group at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), and Philip Nilson, a senior scientist in the LLE’s Laser-Plasma Interaction group, used LLE’s OMEGA laser to study how radiation travels through dense plasma. The research provides first-of-its-kind experimental data about the behavior of atoms at extreme conditions. The data will be used to improve plasma models, which allow scientists to better understand the evolution of stars and may aid in the realization of controlled nuclear fusion as an alternative energy source.

“Experiments using laser-driven implosions on OMEGA have created extreme matter at pressures several billion times the atmospheric pressure at Earth’s surface for us to probe how atoms and molecules behave at such extreme conditions,” says Suxing, who is also an associate professor of mechanical engineering. “These conditions correspond to the conditions inside the so-called envelope of white dwarf stars as well as inertial fusion targets.” Learn more.

NSF PHYSICS DIRECTOR HERE TOMORROW

Denise Caldwell, the Physics Division director at the National Science Foundation, will provide a brief review of the types of research funded by her division from 11:15 a.m. to noon, tomorrow, December 13. The division provides funding in all major areas of physics except condensed matter physics.

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AWARDS

REMINDER

After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Family Night returns at The Institute of Optics from 4-7 p.m. this Saturday December 17 at Goergen Hall, 480 Intercampus Drive. The event, an Institute tradition since 2011, is an opportunity for families to introduce their children to the magic of light, accompanying them through an array of tabletop optical demonstrations, letting them peek into labs, see an electron microscope in action, and even create their own holograms. The only requirement is that all children be accompanied by an adult as they tour the exhibits. Click here to register. Details, including parking, can be found here.

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

Zakariya Niazi ’12, CEO of Circle Optics, and the seamless 360-degree camera his company has created.

Institute of Optics alumnus Zakariya Niazi ’12 and his team at Circle Optics finished in the top 16 among more than 4,000 early-stage US startup companies entered in the recent Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies competition. The 16 winners were deemed “worthy of serious investor consideration based on several company variables including financial projections, market opportunity, intellectual property, competitive advantage, and management-team expertise.” Zakariya’s company has created Hydra, the first truly seamless 360-degree camera, with applications in robotics, aerospace, and immersive media. COO Ian Gauger ’12 (T5) is an alumnus of our Archaeology, Technology, and Historical Structures program. Learn more.

MEET A GRAND CHALLENGES SCHOLAR

Our Grand Challenges Scholars (GCS) program invites undergraduates to pick one of 14 “grand challenges” of the 21st century, identified by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Students then tailor their academic experiences to address the challenge they’ve chosen, engaging in five key competencies: research, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary studies, global experience, and service.

Danielle Getz of chemical engineering will describe her experiences from 2 to 4 p.m. this Friday at the iZone.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman