News

Eleni Katifori describes how biology creates networks that are cheap, robust, and efficient

How biology creates networks that are cheap, robust, and efficient - Physicists describe how vascular networks, collections of vessels that move fluid, nutrients, and waste, balance robustness with “cost” to create a diverse array of structures and designs. 

From the Yodh Group: Drops of liquid crystal molecules branch out into strange structures

Shaped by surface tension and elasticity, spherical drops of chain-like liquid crystal molecules transform upon cooling into complex shapes with long-reaching tendrils.

 

Mirjam Cvetic awarded the Alexander von Humbolt Prize

Congratulations to Professor Mirjam Cvetic, who has been elected the recipient of a Carl Friedrich von Siemens Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.  This award has been granted in recognition of Mirjam's accomplishments in research and teaching.
 

Postponed Exam

Physics and Astronomy

Postponed Exam

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

DRL A1

Penn Researchers create better light-trapping devices

A new study shows how the performance of optical resonators can be improved using topological physics, which can lead to more efficient lasers, sensors, and telecommunication devices.

 

Professor Mark Trodden at the Penn Science Café: Embracing the Dark Side: In Search of the Missing Pieces of the Cosmic Puzzle

WHO:             Mark Trodden

Fay R. and Eugene L. Langberg Professor of

Physics and Department Chair

                        School of Arts & Sciences

Penn physicists look to navigational ‘rhumb lines’ to study polymer’s unique spindle structure

Researchers show how polymer spheres contract to form unique spiral structures known as loxodromes, or rhumb lines, creating patterns that are ten times smaller than the width of a human hair.

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/physicists-look-navigational-rhumb-lines-study-polymers-unique-spindle-structure

 

 

 

 

 

Liang Wu has received the William L. McMillan Award, Forbes 30 Under 30

Liang Wu, assistant professor of physics and astronomy in the Penn School of Arts and Sciences, has received the 2019 William L. McMillan Award from the department of physics at the University of Illinois for his outstanding contributions in condensed matter physics. This award, which Dr. Wu will share with Barry Bradlyn of the University of Illinois, is presented annually to a condensed matter physicist for distinguished research performed within five years of receiving a PhD. Dr.

Penn physicist Doug Durian is chair of a new division of the American Physical Society, DSOFT

Penn has one of the strongest soft matter groups in the world, with many high-profile faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences, particularly Physics & Astronomy, as well as the School of Engineering and Applied Science.