All posts by Jodi Guthrie

Colloquium or presentation, Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

REMINDER: Physics & Astronomy Colloquium – TODAY @ 1:30 – DR. BLAINE CHRONIK, Western

TODAY

 

The University of Western Ontario
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

Date:           Thursday, 26th January 2011
Time:          1:30 p.m.
Location:    Physics & Astronomy Seminar Room 22

Dr. Blaine Chronik
Physics & Astronomy Department
The University of Western Ontario

“Variable fields in MRI: progress, opportunities, and challenges”

ABSTRACT

Over the past 8 years or so, we have worked on Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods and technology which are distinguished because of their focus on the use of rapidly varying, strong magnetic fields.

Our approach has evolved, from what was purely “laboratory,” preclinical implementation, to our current efforts which focus on systems for use in clinical MR scanners.

In this talk, I will describe a new method of MRI in which we strive to produce very specific MR image contrast due to the presence of a chemical contrast-agent, only when that agent is bound to target molecules of interest. This represents a means to achieve contrast specificity in MRI that has not been previously available. The method is called “dreMR”: delta relaxation enhanced MR (reference: Magn Reson in Med, 61(4):796-8002 (2009)). This technique requires a major change to the MRI system architecture – specifically, the ability to vary the main magnetic field strength as a function of time. I will review the concept behind the method, our preclinical technological implementation, and we will discuss the applicability of the method for human-scale subjects. Along the way, we will also review the wider range of MR system developments we’ve worked on, and some of our future projects.

Coffee & cookies will be provided.

Colloquium or presentation, Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

Physics & Astronomy PhD Talk – FRI. 3rd Feb. – MATTHEW FOX

Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

PhD Public Lecture

 

Matthew Fox

Supervisor: Dr. Giles Santyr

 

“Hyperpolarized noble gas magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic spectroscopy for investigation of rat models of lung inflammation”

 

DATE:         FRIDAY, 3rd February 2012

TIME:          1:30 p.m.

PLACE:      Robarts 2nd Floor Fisher Conference Room

 

All are welcome to attend.

Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

Physics & Astronomy Building Atrium Project

The Science Students’ Council has a ‘Legacy Fund’which they want to use to fund a project “that will have a lasting benefit to students on campus.”They are already working on a project that will enhance the new atrium in B&G, and have asked us if we are interested in something similar for the PAB atrium. The money involved could be several tens of thousands of dollars, so not insubstantial.

Ideas that have been floated already include some kind of small Planetarium, or Science on a Sphere (see http://sos.noaa.gov/). But we need more ideas, from you (rumour has it that the B&G plan involves a dinosaur – so we have to figure out how to top that!)

Please send your ideas to me, and I’ll work with the Outreach Committee to sort through them and follow-up. If we could get your ideas within the next 3 weeks or so (before Friday, 10th February), that would be great.

Thanks!

Pauline Barmby

Department of Physics & Astronomy

University of Western Ontario

1151 Richmond St.

London, ON N6A 3K7, CANADA

Voice: (519) 661-2111 x81557  Fax: (519) 661-2033

Colloquium or presentation, Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium – THURS. 26th January – DR. BLAINE CHRONIK, Western

Poster: http://www.physics.uwo.ca/colloquia/Colloquia%20Notices/2011_2012/CHRONIK%20Colloquium.pdf

 

The University of Western Ontario
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

 

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

 

Date:           Thursday, 26th January 2011
Time:          1:30 p.m.
Location:    Physics & Astronomy Seminar Room 22

 

Dr. Blaine Chronik
Physics & Astronomy Department
The University of Western Ontario

 

“Variable fields in MRI: progress, opportunities, and challenges”

 

ABSTRACT

 

Over the past 8 years or so, we have worked on Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods and technology which are distinguished because of their focus on the use of rapidly varying, strong magnetic fields.

Our approach has evolved, from what was purely “laboratory,” preclinical implementation, to our current efforts which focus on systems for use in clinical MR scanners.

In this talk, I will describe a new method of MRI in which we strive to produce very specific MR image contrast due to the presence of a chemical contrast-agent, only when that agent is bound to target molecules of interest. This represents a means to achieve contrast specificity in MRI that has not been previously available. The method is called “dreMR”: delta relaxation enhanced MR (reference: Magn Reson in Med, 61(4):796-8002 (2009)). This technique requires a major change to the MRI system architecture¾specifically, the ability to vary the main magnetic field strength as a function of time. I will review the concept behind the method, our preclinical technological implementation, and we will discuss the applicability of the method for human-scale subjects. Along the way, we will also review the wider range of MR system developments we’ve worked on, and some of our future projects.

Coffee & cookies will be provided.

Colloquium or presentation, Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

REMINDER: PhD Public Lecture (Physics) – TODAY, FRI. 9th Dec. @ 1 p.m. – ALI HATEF

TODAY!

 

Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

PhD Public Lecture

 

Ali Hatef

Supervisor: Dr. Mahi Singh

 

“Quantum Coherence and Interference in Metallic Photonic Crystals and Hybrid Systems”

 

DATE:            FRIDAY, 9th December 2011

TIME:             1:00 p.m.

PLACE:         Physics & Astronomy Room 22

 

All are welcome to attend.

Colloquium or presentation, Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

REMINDER: Physics & Astronomy Colloquium TODAY (Thurs. 8th Dec.) – DR. NAZIR KHERANI, Elec & Comp Eng. @ UofT

TODAY

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

Date:           Thursday, 8th December 2011
Time:          1:30 p.m.
Location:    Physics & Astronomy Seminar Room 22

Dr. Nazir P. Kherani
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Toronto

“Photovoltaic – Photonic Crystal Interplay”

ABSTRACT

On the steps of Volta’s discovery of the voltaic effect in 1800 and Becquerel’s discovery of the photovoltaic effect in 1839, followed more than a 100 years of research before scientists at Bell Laboratories developed the first silicon pn junction photovoltaic device. In the intervening 60 years great strides have been made in the field of photovoltaics (PV). Today it is recognized that PV can become a significant component of sustainable terrestrial energy sources. It is non‐polluting, environment friendly, and its fuel is distributed relatively uniformly and is free.

However, with the continual drive towards grid‐parity and thus reduction of cost per peak watt, a range of novel approaches are being pursued which offer the potential combination of reduction in material and processing costs and maximal solar utilization. In this context, photonic crystals present interesting light propagation control that could make them amenable to novel photovoltaic‐photonic crystal integrations. Recently, we have proposed a novel class of photonic crystals, called selectively transparent and conducting photonic crystals (STCPCs). These STCPCs, a significant advance over existing 1D PCs, combine intense wavelength selective broadband reflectance with the transmissive and electrically conductive properties of sputtered transparent conducting oxides. This integration of optical and electrical functionalities into a single device element has opened the way for performance enhancement in a range of optoelectronic devices including photovoltaics.

The talk will provide an overview of photovoltaics, highlighting a range of device material systems and cell concepts and their associated strengths and challenges. The presentation will then focus on our recent studies on the potential use of photonic crystals in PV devices, with an emphasis on their application in thin film silicon solar cells; specifically, their application of selectively transparent and conducting photonic crystals in photovoltaics and allied devices will be underlined. Allied investigations into low‐cost high‐efficiency ultra‐thin silicon photovoltaics and recent laser-assisted synthesis of tailorable light trapping patterns in silicon will also be presented.

 

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Coffee & cookies will be available, courtesy of

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Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

#Westernu Cares Food Drive – collecting ’til 14 Dec.

Western Cares Food Drive

Please assist the 2011 Western Cares Food Drive(in support of the London and Area Food Bank) by dropping off non-perishable items – canned or boxed food, diapers, toiletries, etc. Each month the Food Bank helps more than 3,000 families – about 40% are children and youth. Your donation will mean a lot to someone. Please give what you can.

 

Collection boxes are positioned all around campus, including in the Physics & Astronomy Main Office (PAB 138).

 

This year, the food drive runs until 14th December. Please help.

 

Thank you.

Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

Elizabeth Laird Lecture – TODAY (Thurs. 1st Dec.) – DR. LEONARD C. FELDMAN, Rutgers & Vanderbilt U

LAIRD Lecture (Len FELDMAN) poster.pdf
Download this file

TODAY

The University of Western Ontario
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

ELIZABETH LAIRD MEMORIAL LECTURE

Thursday, 1st December 2011
3:30 p.m. in the McKellar Room (UCC290)

Dr. Leonard C. Feldman
Professor of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering
Rutgers the State University and Vanderbilt University

“The Materials Revolution”

 

Abstract: Modern materials research includes engineering with atoms, the molecule-by-molecule attack of a cancer growth, collecting the sun’s energy with nanocrystals, exploiting the quantum world for computing, defining a stem cell by mechanical deformation and bringing the quantum world to the human experience in an ultra-small solid!

Materials science is the prime example of interdisciplinary research at its best. Extraordinary accomplishments range from Nobel prizes in chemistry and physics to society-changing applications. These accomplishments are underpinned by the technology revolution that brought us to this point in time, and will drive societal changes for the foreseeable future. Currently, the forefront of materials science is at the nano-scale. The nanometer, about four atoms long, exploits the progress of the last century in understanding the atom, and the collection of atoms that constitute a solid. Advances in nano-scale materials are envisioned as the solution to some of the dominant technological problems facing our world¾conservation of energy and environment, water purification and propagating the information revolution. This talk highlights research directed to these advances, including new results in organic electronics, nano-scale desalination and the sophisticated control of materials interfaces for efficient energy use. But, as in all research, it is the future serendipitous discoveries of creative young scientists at well-prepared institutions that will extend the revolution to new ways of thinking and breath-taking new technologies.

 

 

Colloquium or presentation, Physics and Astronomy at Western What's Happening

PhD Public Lecture (Physics) – FRI. 9th Dec. @ 1 p.m. – ALI HATEF

Department of Physics and Astronomy

 

PhD Public Lecture

 

Ali Hatef

Supervisor: Dr. Mahi Singh

 

“Quantum Coherence and Interference in Metallic Photonic Crystals and Hybrid Systems”

 

DATE:            FRIDAY, 9th December 2011

TIME:             1:00 p.m.

PLACE:         Physics & Astronomy Room 22

 

All are welcome to attend.