Dean's Seminar: Ultrafast Electron Diffraction: Capturing the Motion of Atoms in Real Time

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

3:30 PM-5:00 PM

Maher Harb, PhD, assistant professor of Physics, Drexel University

The ability to make accurate observations of natural phenomena is at the heart of scientific inquiry. In the microscopic world, making such observations is a daunting challenge due to the ultra-small length scales and ultra-fast time scales involved in the measurement process. Yet, achieving deeper understanding of fundamental phenomena in physics, chemistry and biology requires us to tackle the measurement problem.

This talk will introduce Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (UED) — a technique akin to a “molecular camera” that’s used to make atomic motion pictures. Maher Harb, PhD, will explain the basic concepts that go into building the “molecular camera,” describe the UED lab being established at Drexel University, and discuss some of the fascinating scientific studies that will be enabled by the effort.

The College of Arts and Sciences' Dean's Seminars are free and open to the Drexel community. Light refreshments will be served.