Speaker: Dr. Ivan Schulle, University of California, San Diego
Materials physics at sizes approaching atomic dimensions (“nanostructures”) is revolutionizing basic research in physics, chemistry and biology. When the size of a material approaches that of an atom its properties change radically. New, yet unobserved properties appear caused by the presence of atoms on the surface and by the fact that many of the electrons reside outside these nanostructures. For instance magnetic materials cease to be so, gold becomes chemically active, the sensitivity of oxides to light increases greatly, and materials with properties non-existent in nature may be synthesized. The new science evolving from this research may lead to novel applications which cannot be predicted at present, but which surely will revolutionize electronics, medicine, and engineering. This talk, accessible to non-experts, will be dedicated to highlighting the recent scientific advances in the field and possible new directions.
Prof. Schuller a multiple award wining physicist and movie producer will use demonstrations, movies and humor to illustrate difficult concepts and results in Nanoscience.