Millennium Café

Developments in grating spectroscopy are one key to enabling new discoveries in the field of astronomy, particularly in X-ray/UV astronomy. I will present recent advances made by our group where we’ve developed new ways to build large-format gratings (i.e. dispersive elements) using nanofabrication techniques that are traditionally used in semiconductor device research. These fabrication efforts are coupled with testing of these gratings onboard sounding rockets, our overall efforts are contributing towards the design of future space telescopes.

Given the sensitive nature of scanning probe microscopes (SPM) they cannot be used in noisy environments. I will briefly describe an active cancellation process that nullifies the appearance of vibrational noise by adding a drive signal into the existing Z-feedback loop of the SPM.  This inexpensive and easy solution requires no major instrumental modifications and is ideal for those looking to use a microscope in noisier environments, e.g. coupled to active cooling systems or for use in the field. This general approach can be employed to eliminate the various types of noise which compromise sensitive measurement techniques. We invite ideas and suggestions to expand the application of this approach to other techniques which might benefit from active noise cancellation.

Lavish Pabbi | Hudson Lab

Graphene substrates provide researchers with a unique and robust platform for the synthesis of new materials (i.e. 2D-metals) and heterostructures by allowing the growth of films both above and below the graphene surface, often with novel structures and properties. Depending on the elements and stacking used, these hybrid-graphene structures have applications in semiconductor electronics, superconductivity, quantum well systems, non-linear optics, and biosensing.

Nearly fifty years ago, Lovelock and Margulis proposed that environmental conditions on Earth are regulated through interactions with the biota. Where does this “Gaia Hypothesis” now stand? Do these interactions increase biospheric resilience? On geologic timescales? On human time scales? These questions will be explored with examples from my research and collaboration with Lovelock. 

Lee Kump | Dean, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

New materials with superior characteristics offer great opportunities to build better electronic devices, circuits, and systems.  In this talk, I will introduce past and ongoing efforts around translating material advantages into electronics performance improvements. In one case, realization of material advantage was not possible without engineering out parasitic effects. In another case, innovative engineering broke the performance limit predicted by the conventional wisdom.

Finding solutions to critical energy and the environment challenges depends not only on understanding the scientific and economic basis, but also the legal and policy basis.  Pulling from my experience as an attorney/mediator/facilitator, I will briefly discuss what the "law" is (or isn't) and how engaging with a broad group of stakeholders can lead to impact and results for questions ultimately critical to stewarding our planet's resources.  I will also briefly highlight upcoming opportunities for interdisciplinary funding in this space. 

Lara Fowler | Penn State Law | Institutes of Energy and the Environment