Physics Matters at Syracuse University

Fall 2014 Volume 9 Physics Matters at Syracuse University

Mark Bowick, Joel Dorman Steele Professor of Physics Mark Bowick was appointed Joel Dorman Steele Professor of Physics in October, 2013. J.D. Steele was a graduate of Genesee College, a precursor of Syracuse University. Genesee College graduates were accepted as alumni of Syracuse University and Dorman Steele himself became active as an alumnus. He was a teacher and lecturer and the author of introductory books in various fields, particularly the physical sciences. His books can be found on Amazon. He was especially interested in physics so that when he died at the age of 50 in 1886, his wife, Esther Baker Steele, established the Joel Dorman Steele professorship in physics. The first appointment to the chair in 1888 was John D. Brown, who was Professor of Chemistry and Physics from 1872-1889. In time the funds could no longer support the chair and the title became dormant. The title, without funds, was reactivated in 1996 to honor Kameshwar Wali. In 1998 it went to Aiyalam Balachandran who relinquished the position when he retired in 2013.

Mark came to Syracuse University as an Assistant Professor in 1987 after four years of post-doctoral research in the Physics Department at Yale and the Center for Theoretical Physics at MIT. In 1983 he received his PhD from California Institute of Technology for a dissertation on Grand Unified Theories under the direction of Pierre Ramond. Syracuse can thus claim Mark as a “grand child” since Pierre had received his PhD in this department under the guidance of Balachandran. Mark came to Syracuse as a field theorist with an interest in string theory and symmetry breaking but gradually his interests shifted to condensed matter physics and soft matter in particular.

Mark was born on November 29, 1957, in Rotorua, New Zealand, a spectacular geothermal area. In the 19th Century Rotorua was the starting point for trips to see the world-renowned Pink and White Terraces. The Pink Terraces, or Otukapuarangi ("fountain of the clouded sky") in Māori, and the White Terraces, also known as Te Tarata ("the tattooed rock"), were natural wonders of New Zealand. They were completely destroyed by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, being replaced by the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. The Terraces were formed by geothermally heated water con- taining large amounts of silicic acid and sodium chloride from two large geysers. These geysers were part of a group of 40 geysers in the nearby area. Mark’s paternal grandfather had a law and accountancy degree and eventually became Commissioner of Lands and Survey. Mark’s father was a residential builder and his mother was forced to leave school at the age of 12 to take care of four brothers. Mark skipped the even years of the 5 years of high school and finished the 7th form at age 15. During these years, he taught himself calculus and read books on the history of science, including descriptions of quantum theory and the books of George Gamow. In 1973 he entered the physics honors program at the University of Can- terbury in Christchurch. On the basis of exams, he was able to skip the first year and to earn scholarships. Of particular interest, he co-authored a paper on the Exceptional Lie groups in 1977 with his physics professor and mentor Brian Wybourne. He graduated with the BSc (Hons.) First Class in Physics in November 1976, but had to wait until September 1977 to enter the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with a fellowship. At Caltech Mark worked with Pierre Ramond. His dissertation was on calculable masses in Grand Unified Models. When Ramond moved to the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1982 Mark spent a year as a visitor there while completing his thesis. In 1983, after receiving his PhD from Cal Tech, Mark went to Yale where he worked with fellow postdoc Rohana Wijewardhana as well as with Feza Gursey and Tom Appelquist on a wide variety of problems including some of the very earliest papers on fundamental string thermodynamics, chiral symmetry breaking in 2+1 QED, electroweak symmetry breaking and Technicolor and supersymmetric field theory. At Yale Mark also began a string of winning essays for the Gravity Research Foundation Essay competition. He won Fourth prize in 1985 and 1992, third prize in 1989, and first prize in 1986 with the essay Does string theory solve the puzzles of black hole evaporation. The latter essay was written with Lee Smolin, then an Assistant Prof. at Yale, and Rohana Wijewardhana. After a year at the Center for Theoretical Physics at MIT, Mark came to Syracuse University in the fall of 1987.

At Syracuse Mark continued to work on string theory and from 1987-94 he held a DOE award as an Outstanding Investigator for his work on “field theory, string theory, conformal field theory, matrix models, axionic black holes, and quantum hair on black holes.” In the early 1990s Mark began to write articles on the statistical mechanics of membranes and the formation of topological defects that were closer to condensed matter physics. Of particular note is a paper on The Cosmological Kibble Mechanism: String Formation in the Laboratory which appeared in the journal Science in 1994 with Eric Schiff, Ajit Srivastava and L. Chandar. While continuing to work on string and particle theory, Mark’s interests turned increasingly to soft matter - easily deformable systems characterized by the important role of entropic fluctuations. In the mid ‘90s, DOE cut off his research funding and he turned to the NSF for research support and a full-time career working on soft matter. Since then he has worked on a wide variety of problems using his knowledge of geometry and topology, statistical mechanics, field theory and spontaneous symmetry breaking. He was appointed Di- rector of the Soft Matter Program in the Fall of 2011.

For his work since coming to Syracuse, Mark was elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (Division of Condensed Matter Physics) in 2004, awarded the Chancellor’s Citation for Academic Achievement in 2006, and the William Wasserstrom Prize for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Advising in 2009. Joel Dorman Steele and Esther Baker Steele would be pleased with his selection for the named professorship. 2

From the Editor Meet the Staff—Linda Terramiggi

This issue grew as I collected articles and Linda Terramiggi came to the Physics information. There is so much activity in Department in February, 2011. In her the Department that although I expected position as Budget Administrator, she to have a 12 page issue, there are 14 assists the Budget Manager with fi- pages of interesting information about nancial reporting and tracking, is re- research activities of faculty and students sponsible for the Graduate Student and as well as of awards. Unfortunately, weekly payroll, and does the billing there are also two notices of deaths of for the Machine Shop, along with people. One is that of John Fitzgibbons other financial duties. who was a lecturer for introductory physics in his retirement. The other is that of Linda first came to Syracuse University in 1997 to work in the Col- Martin Abkowitz who was a student of Arny Honig’s. He lege of Engineering and Computer Science. In the 14 years she participated in our celebration of 50 years of Arny in 2010. worked there, Linda’s responsibilities included general office duties, There is also a description of a career in physics by Owen support of research projects, graphics and technical typing for publi- Lewis, ‘73. Allen Middleton reviews faculty activity and cations, student enrollment, payroll, and some financial duties. other changes in the department. And you will find a poem by Erich Harth expressing his thoughts on the Higgs particle. Linda was born and raised in Syracuse, NY and graduated from Hen- Please keep news of graduates as well as descriptions of your ninger High School. The first week after graduation her mother lives in physics coming. We are very interested. dropped her off on James Street, with bus fare home, to find a job in one of the professional buildings located there. Her first job was as a file clerk with an insurance company, she then moved up to the position of Insurance Rater, prepping policies for underwriters. For the next five years she held a secretarial position with Resort Leasing and Funding Co., and then as a subcontractor in Martin Marietta’s Sonar/ Radar division doing electronic graphic conversions of their equipment/technical manuals. Linda’s father was a heavy equipment oper- TABLE OF CONTENTS ator for the NYS Thruway, and owned his own heavy equipment. When he passed away in 1993, Linda’s mother let her use the equipment and she briefly tried her hand at paving driveways – even push- Mark Bowick, J. Dorman Steel Professor……….…….……….1 ing the 100lb water filled roller. Throughout the years, Linda has also From the Editor—Josh Goldberg……………….……….……..2 held the occasional second job, working part time as a short order Meet the Staff—Linda Terramiggi...………….……….……….2 cook, a bartender, and a waitress. The New Physics Clinic/Study Area…………………………...3 Chair Message—Alan Middleton………………………….…...3 In her time away from SU, Linda manages and schedules events for Staff News—Sam Sampere………….……………….………...3 the Chris Terra Band. The band, which plays the blues, is led by her husband, Chris Terramiggi. This quiet, reserved person in the Physics Undergraduate Research Day 2013…………………………….4 office has had a variety of experiences which have been of value in University Scholar…………..…………………………………4 her present position. Phi Beta Kappa Induction………………………………………4 Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention……….…………...4 The Subatomic Poltergeist—Mitch Soderberg………….……...5 Faculty News…………………………………………………...6 Investigating how soft solids and biological tissues flow - Lisa Manning………………………………………………..7 “The World Without Higgs” - Erich Harth..…………………...8 Tribute to Joe Schechter………………………………………..8 Department Teaching Awards………………………………….8 Special Comments…………………………………………..…9 BICEP 2……………………………………………………….10 Celebrating Paul Souder….……..…………………………….11 Dark Matter Observed?...……………..………………………11 Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture………………………………….12 Doctoral Prizes………………….…………………………….12 Graduate Award………………………...…………………….12 Passing Thoughts Martin Abkowitz………………………………………....13 John Fitzgibbons………………………………..…..…….13 Owen Lewis…………………………………………………...14 NEW PHYSICS CLINIC On a sunny Friday afternoon 3

Chair Message-Alan Middleton Staff News—Sam Sampere

Taking the sun to be fixed, the earth has trav- Sam Sampere has been elected eled nearly 1 billion kilometers since I wrote to Fellowship in the AAPT, in to you last. During this orbital period, people recognition of his exceptional in the department have had many notable contributions to AAPT’s mis- accomplishments and there has been a re- sion to enhance the understand- markable amount of change at SU. I would ing and appreciation of physics like to share some of this news with you and through teaching. This is the also give you a preview of an event scheduled first year of the AAPT Fellow- during the next 0.3 billion kilometers of trav- ship Program. Sam has been el: the reassignment of an historic building appointed to fill the position of with a beautiful old telescope to the purpose Chair of the Committee on ApparatusArea. Chairs are respon- of teaching astronomy. sible for leading the Committee to plan workshops and sessions that represent its interests at National Meetings, ensur- Since I last wrote, we have a new Chancellor, Kent Syverud. He has ing that the Committee is engaged in activities and projects announced that education, built around a foundation in a strong Col- that advance the mission of the Committee, and serves as a lege of Arts and Sciences, and research excellence are his top two member of the Programs Committee which meets twice at priorities. We have a new Dean of the College, Karin Ruhlandt, a National Meeting. At the July meeting of the AAPT, Sam chemist who is serving as Interim Dean while a search for a permanent gave two crowded room talks on “Demonstrations for High Dean is underway. These leadership changes have opened up a deep School Physics” and “Demonstrations in Larger Lecture examination of goals and structure across the university. Many faculty, Halls”. As a result, he received an invitation to give a talk staff, and students are working in groups to plan for the future. Given and a workshop in Mexico for AAPT-MX at the Universidad the success of the Department of Physics and its potential, I believe Autonóma de Baja California at Ensenada campus, in the this examination will open up exciting opportunities for our depart- Ensenada City in the state of Baja California, Mexico.. ment.

Over the past year, our students have been well recognized for their academic achievements and contributions to science. Shiladitya Banerjee was awarded the American Physical Society Division of Biological Physics PhD dissertation prize. Dylan Hsu was selected as a Syracuse Uni- versity Scholar, only one of 12 graduating seniors recognized by SU. We had many students participate in research experiences over the summer in Europe and across the US and at SU.

Our faculty has been recognized in many ways. Lisa Manning has been awarded the prestigious Sloan Foundation Fellowship for her accomplishments, research potential, and academic leadership. She was one of only 23 physicists in the US and Canada to be so recognized this year. Cristina Marchetti was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Paul Souder was co-awarded the Jeffer- son Science Associates nuclear prize. He also was a coorganizer for PAVI 14, a conference on nuclear physics, held near Syracuse at Skaneate- les, and was recognized with an accompanying symposium organized by his colleagues. I could list many other important publications and recog- nitions.

Despite tough budgetary times and increasing competition for grants, we have had a record year for spending on sponsored research. The future is challenging, but promising. New grants that are just starting are two new prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grants for young faculty (Lisa Manning and Stefan Ballmer), strong funding for Britton Plourde’s work on quantum computing, extensive support for computing and networking for gravitational wave astronomy (LIGO), many medium size grants for individual investigators (including the first NSF grant for new faculty member John Laiho), and a large ($5.2M) grant to build an upgrade tracker for the LHCb experiment at CERN. The inter- disciplinary IGERT program, directed by Cristina Marchetti, continues to grow in size and reach, with many engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics participants.

And now for some exciting news about astronomy: I am very pleased to inform you that Holden Observatory, the second building built on campus and the home of an historic Alvin Clark telescope, will be renovated and made available for use for teaching. This is a story in progress: please stay tuned for the official announcement by Syracuse University. The renovation is the result of a generous gift by a donor and the encour- agement of Duncan Brown, who has taught astronomy quite successfully. The Department has worked closely with the University and architects to design a space that will reflect the wonders of astronomy and inspire students. The historic nature of the building is in itself compelling. The antique Alvin Clark telescope in the tower will be available for community and student events. In the fall, Syracuse University will be seeking funds for other improvements to astronomy teaching coupled with this renovation. Under the new administration, funds have already been ob- tained for significant equipment purchases to modernize teaching laboratories.

I hope that your past year has also been interesting and successful. If you are formerly of Syracuse, do please let the Department know how you are doing. The Department has grown in size and in accomplishment. There remains a great deal to achieve in even further improvements in undergraduate education, including in the classroom, in research experiences, and in expanding the program further, and in training PhD students for careers in industry and academe. These goals are achieved by people working in the Department, often with the support of those who have graduated from Syracuse through scholarship and research support. If you have left the Department and would like to come back to visit, to share your experience with students and faculty, do let me know. May your next 0.9 billion kilometers around the sun treat you well. 4 24 4 5 Undergraduate Research Day 2013 UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR Undergraduate Research Day 2013 UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR UndergraduateFrom Research the Editor Day 2013 UNIVERSITYMeet the SCHOLAR Staff—Linda Terramiggi Lisa Manning Dylan Hsu was selected as a Syracuse Uni- Dylan Hsu was selected as a Syracuse Uni- Lisa Manning Dylan Hsu was selected as a Syracuse Uni- Lisa Manning ThisLisa issue Manning grew as I collected articlesThe and Subatomic versityDylan Hsuscholar.Poltergeist was Thisselected honor as— isa SyracusebestowedMitch Uni-on Soderberg versity scholar. This honor is bestowed on versityLinda Terramiggi scholar. This came honor to theis bestowed Physics on information. 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Dorman Steel Professor……….…….……….1 multiplier Tubes”; and Almir Alemic: “Detector Characterization for “littleAdvancedmultiplier neutral Tubes”;LIGO”). one”. and Almir Alemic: “Detector Characterization for ing the 100lb water filled roller. Throughout the years, Linda has also Advanced LIGO”). Advanced From Fast-forward the LIGO”). Editor to—Josh the present Goldberg……………….……….……..2 day and neutrinos have continued to be the sourceheld theof excitingoccasional surprises. second job,We workingnow know part there time are as three a short different order flavors InMeet addition, of the neutrino Staff there—Linda (electronwere tours Terramiggi...………….……….……….2 neutrino, of five Syracusemuon neutrino, Physics and laboratories tau neutrino), (led along cook, with atheir bartender, antineutrino and a counterparts.waitress. A neutrino produced as one In addition, there were tours of five Syracuse Physics laboratories (led flavorby InThe Rayaddition, canNew Mountain, transmute Physics there wereFrancisco Clinic/Studyinto tours another Rouxinol,of five as Area…………………………...3 Syracuseit travels,David Physics Kelley,a quantum-mechanical Antoniolaboratories Perre- (led phenomenon known as flavor oscillation. 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Thewhich reasonJoelynn have for been Frascatore this of worldwide value in Samantha Usman Joelynn Frascatore diversityUniversity of research Scholar…………..…………………………………4 topics and graduate Samantha Usman Joelynn Frascatore diversity of research topics and graduate interestresearchdiversity is opportunitiesthatof research there is topicsstill in themuch and Syracuse graduateto learn about neutrinos and what role they mayher presenthave played position. in the evolution of the universe. Modern experi- research opportunities in the Syracuse mentsresearchPhysicsPhi Betaare Department. opportunitiestrying Kappa to clarifyInduction………………………………………4 Students in thethe Syracusepicture also re- of how neutrinos oscillate in flavor as theyGoldwater travel, and whetherScholarship neutrinos Honorableand antineutrinos Mention behave in the Physics Department. Students also re- Goldwater Scholarship Honorable Mention sameceivedPhysicsGoldwater manner. important Department. ScholarshipIf neutrinos information Students and Honorable aboutantineutrinos also re-ca- Mention……….…………...4 behave differently, violating Charge-ParityGoldwater (CP) Scholarshipsymmetry, this could Honorable help explain Mention how our universe ceived important information about ca- camereerceivedThe optionsto Subatomic importantbe dominated in physics information Poltergeist by from matter. the about—Mitch openingExperiments ca- Soderberg………….……...5 to study neutrinos have continuedSamantha to evolveUsman since was listed the days as Honorable of Project Mention Poltergeist. as a Goldwater Detectors Samantha Usman was listed as Honorable Mention as a Goldwater Samantha Usman was listed as Honorable Mention as a Goldwater reer options in physics from the opening thattalkreerFaculty use ofoptions thea vatNews…………………………………………………...6 day, inof physicsliquifiedwhich was from argon, delivered the as opening opposed by a to water, offer attractive capabilities Scholar.Samantha for this Samantha Usmanresearch. wasis The majoring listed liquid as inargon Honorable physics (a cryogen and Mention mathematics almost as a asGoldwater coldand partic-as Scholar. Samantha is majoring in physics and mathematics and partic- Scholar. Samantha is majoring in physics and mathematics and partic- talk of the day, which was delivered by a liquifacultytalkInvestigatingd of nitrogen) themember day, iswhich howfrom outfitted soft thewas Departmentsolids withdelivered sense and by wiresofbiological a and photomultiplier tissues flow -tubes to lookipatesScholar. for the in tell-taletheSamantha Renée flashes Crownis majoring that University occur in physics when Honors a andneutrino Program. mathematics interacts At the and with end partic- an of ipates in the Renée Crown University Honors Program. At the end of ipates in the Renée Crown University Honors Program. At the end of faculty member from the Department of argonPhysicsfaculty atom. member at SUNY These from Oswego, detectors the Department Prof. can provideCaro- of crystal- clear pictures of neutrino interactions,ipatesher freshman in the and Renée year, they UsmanCrown have the Universitybecame added involved advantage Honors with Program. that the they Laser Atcan theInterfer- be end of her freshman year, Usman became involved with the Laser Interfer- Lisa Manning………………………………………………..7 her freshman year, Usman became involved with the Laser Interfer- Physics at SUNY Oswego, Prof. Caro- linePhysics Ilie. at SUNY Oswego, Prof. Caro- scaled to very large sizes.ometerher freshman Scalability Gravitational year, is Usmana necessityWave became Observatory in neutrino involved (LIGO) physics, with andthe since beganLaser the Interfer-working paltry “The World Without Higgs” - Erich Harth..…………………...8 ometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and began working line Ilie. ometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and began working line Ilie. interaction rate of neutrinoswithometer Duncan Gravitationalmeans Brown, you need Waveassociate to either Observatory professor have a very(LIGO)of physics. intense and Within sourcebegan workingtheof them, lab’s TributeNote man to Joe Schechter………………………………………..8 with Duncan Brown, associate professor of physics. Within the lab’s with Duncan Brown, associate professor of physics. Within the lab’s This year’s event, which was organized or a very large detector,researchwith if Duncan you Usman want Brown, to analyzed accumulate associate and helpeda professor respectable to interpret of physics.sample data. of Within interactionsShe continued the lab’s to research Usman analyzed and helped to interpret data. She continued This year’s event, which was organized research Usman analyzed and helped to interpret data. She continuedbyThis Department Lisa year’s Manning, event, Teaching Mattwhich LaHaye, wasAwards………………………………….8 organized and study. researchher work Usman with LIGO analyzed this year and helpedas a research to interpret assistant data. and She took continued an inde- her work with LIGO this year as a research assistant and took an inde- by Lisa Manning, Matt LaHaye, and her work with LIGO this year as a research assistant and took an inde-RichardbySpecial Lisa Manning,Schnee, Comments…………………………………………..…9 appeared Matt LaHaye, to be a and great At Syracuse wependenther are work working study with on courseLIGO experiments thisto learn year that moreas a utilize research of the liquid theoretical assistant argon andideasdetectors took behind an to independent study course to learn more of the theoretical ideas behind Richard Schnee, appeared to be a great pendent study course to learn more of the theoretical ideas behind success.RichardBICEP Schnee, 2……………………………………………………….10From conversations appeared to bewith a great the study beams of neutrinos gravitationalpendent created study atwaves. course Fermi toNational learn more Accelerator of the theoretical Laboratory ideas (Fermilab) behind gravitational waves. success. From conversations with the gravitational waves. attendeessuccess.Celebrating Fromand fromPaul conversations observingSouder….……..…………………………….11 withthe day’s the near Chicago, IL. Amonggravitational these is waves.the MicroBooNE experiment, which features a cryostat attendees and from observing the day’s activities,attendeesDark Matter andwe canfrom Observed?...……………..………………………11 say observing that students’ the day’s enthusiasm for the eventthe size was of very a semi truck“This trailer combination and holds allows 150 tons me of to liquid focus argon.on two MicroBooNEmain aspects ofsits the in “This combination allows me to focus on two main aspects of the “This combination allows me to focus on two main aspects of the activities, we can say that students’ enthusiasm for the event was very high:activities, their we talks can and say posters that students’ were, without enthusiasm exception, for the top-notch; eventthe path was ofand very a neurino project:“This beam combination at understanding Fermilab, allowsand the will metheoretical begin to focus taking physics on datatwo drivinglatemain this aspects the year. experiment of Numer- the project: understanding the theoretical physics driving the experiment Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture………………………………….12 project: understanding the theoretical physics driving the experiment high: their talks and posters were, without exception, top-notch; and high:their participationtheir talks and during posters question were, withoutand answer exception, periods top-notch; afterous componentseach andof the for MicroBooNE’sandproject: the processunderstanding sensitiveby which the detectors observations theoretical were physics work,” built at drivingsays Syracuse, Usman. the experiment and “In group the and the process by which observations work,” says Usman. “In the Doctoral Prizes………………….…………………………….12 and the process by which observations work,” says Usman. “In the their participation during question and answer periods after each of the talkstheir participationwas highly engaging during question and catalyzed and answer informative periods discussions. aftermembers each of helped the to constructresearchand the process theportion detector by of whichmy at work,Fermilab. observations I focus To onsearch work,” data for analysis saysCP violation Usman. and how with “In toneutri- the im- research portion of my work, I focus on data analysis and how to im- Graduate Award………………………...…………………….12 research portion of my work, I focus on data analysis and how to im- talks was highly engaging and catalyzed informative discussions. Manytalks was of these highly discussions engaging andwere catalyzed with current informative SU physics discussions.nos graduate will require a massiveproveresearch experiment the portion algorithms holding of my tensbeing work, of thousandsused. I focus In my ofon tons independentdata of analysis liquid argon. study and Tohow class, put to that I improve the algorithms being used. In my independent study class, I Passing Thoughts prove the algorithms being used. In my independent study class, I Many of these discussions were with current SU physics graduate studentsMany of whothese volunteered discussions their were time: with Briancurrent Maynard, SU physics Matthewin graduate context, Kelsey, the desired amountexploreprove theof the liquid algorithms physics argon behindin being this experiment theused. project. In my will This independent occupy combination a volume study approximate- allows class, meI to explore the physics behind the project. This combination allows me to explore the physics behind the project. This combination allows me to students who volunteered their time: Brian Maynard, Matthew Kelsey, Michaelstudents Martin Bowles,who volunteeredAbkowitz………………………………………....13 Stephanie their Hathaway, time: Brian Sven Maynard, Wijtmans, Matthewly Thomasthe size Kelsey, of the Physics improveexplore building. the my This physics overall experiment behindunderstanding will the be project. located of LIGO deepThis underground combinationand help increase in allowsa mine my me to improve my overall understanding of LIGO and help increase my Installing MicroBooNE at Fermilab improve my overall understanding of LIGO and help increase my Michael Bowles, Stephanie Hathaway, Sven Wijtmans, Thomas Massinger,Michael John Bowles, Fitzgibbons………………………………..…..…….13Wei Jiang, Stephanie Yu Chen, Hathaway, Hugo Hao, Sven Kyle Wijtmans, Lawlor,where Thomas and ethereal Craig neutrinos contributionimprove can easily my penetrate overallto the project’s butunderstanding other particlesscientific of can’t LIGOgoals.” reach. and She It helpwill is working beincrease used to on mysearch a contribution to the project’s scientific goals.” She is working on a contribution to the project’sNEW PHYSICS scientific goals.” CLINIC She is working on a Massinger, Wei Jiang, Yu Chen, Hugo Hao, Kyle Lawlor, and Craig forFox.Massinger,Owen CP violation,Overall, Lewis…………………………………………………...14 Wei andwe Jiang, thinkalso to Yuthat look Chen, all for of astrophysical Hugothe participants Hao, phenomena Kyle left Lawlor, with such a andas sense core-collapse Craig of supernovaepapercontribu fortion which future to producethe publication. project’s a burst scientific of neutrinos. goals.” She is working on a paper for future publication. paper for future publication.On a sunny Friday afternoon Fox. Overall, we think that all of the participants left with a sense of excitementFox. Overall, The about neutrino we physicsthink may that be and the all a shyest ofpositive the member participants impression of the leftsubatomic of with the Syracuse a particle sense ofworld, butpaper its impact for futurehas been publication. remarkable. excitement about physics and a positive impression of the Syracuse Physicsexcitement Department. about physics and a positive impression of the Syracuse Physics Department. Physics Department. 5

The Subatomic Poltergeist—Mitch Soderberg In 1956 Clyde Cowan and Frederick Reines installed Project Poltergeist next to a nuclear reactor in South Carolina. As the name implied, they were searching for a ghost. The apparition they were after was not of the sort found in horror stories, but rather a sub-atomic particle hypothesized more than two decades earlier by Wolfgang Pauli as a “desperate remedy” for perplexing results emerging from stud- ies of radioactivity. Pauli and others were troubled by evidence from experiments conducted in the 1910’s and 1920’s that suggested the radioactive decay of a neutron into a proton and an electron, a process known as beta decay, violated energy conservation. In the prevailing picture of beta-decay with only a proton and electron in the final state, the electron should emerge with a specific energy as dictated by conservation laws. Instead, experimentalists observed that the electron possessed a broad range of energies. This situation had led some physicists, including Niels Bohr, to suggest abandoning conservation of energy as a law of nature. Pauli’s remedy was to suggest that a third particle must be emitted in beta-decay, thus providing the desired wiggle room for the electron to take on the observed range of energies. He knew his hypothetical particle must be neutral, to conserve electric charge in beta-decay, and that it must have a vanishingly small mass to fit within the experimental data that was observed. He claimed to have done a “terrible thing” in postulating a particle so minuscule as to surely never be accessible to experimentalists. Cowan and Reines placed their experiment next to a nuclear reactor since these facilities are the source of copious amounts of decaying neutrons, and hence should be glowing with Pauli’s hypothesized particle. If Pauli was correct, these particles would pass right through the walls of the nuclear reactor and then through the Project Poltergeist detector, which was a simple vat of water surrounded by a light collection system. Occasionally, one of them should interact in the water and produce a double-flash of flight with a characteristic de- lay between the flashes. Indeed, Cowan and Reines observed such double-flash signatures, and also confirmed that when the nuclear reactor was shut off the rate of these signatures dropped to zero, further proving they were observing particles originating from the reactor. They had experimentally confirmed Pauli’s particle in a direct measurement, and for this work Reines would later be honored with the 1995 Nobel Prize in physics. The elusive particle they discovered in their experiment is now called the neutrino, an Italian term coined by Enrico Fermi which translates to Neutrino incident from the left on an Argon nucleus “little neutral one”. Fast-forward to the present day and neutrinos have continued to be the source of exciting surprises. We now know there are three different flavors of neutrino (electron neutrino, muon neutrino, and tau neutrino), along with their antineutrino counterparts. A neutrino produced as one flavor can transmute into another as it travels, a quantum-mechanical phenomenon known as flavor oscillation. Neutrinos are ghostly indeed, able to pass unfettered through light-years of lead with very little probability of interaction. Given this extraordinary meekness, it is quite impressive that we know so much about these particles, and interest in them has continued to grow since the pioneering work of Cowan and Reines. There are a wide array of experiments around the globe, in locales ranging from under the ice of the South Pole to deep underground in a mine in northern Minnesota, that are focused on studying neutrinos. The reason for this worldwide interest is that there is still much to learn about neutrinos and what role they may have played in the evolution of the universe. Modern experiments are trying to clarify the picture of how neutrinos oscillate in flavor as they travel, and whether neutrinos and antineutrinos behave in the same manner. If neutrinos and antineutrinos behave differently, violating Charge-Parity (CP) symmetry, this could help explain how our universe came to be dominated by matter. Experiments to study neutrinos have continued to evolve since the days of Project Poltergeist. Detectors that use a vat of liquified argon, as opposed to water, offer attractive capabilities for this research. The liquid argon (a cryogen almost as cold as liquid nitrogen) is outfitted with sense wires and photomultiplier tubes to look for the tell-tale flashes that occur when a neutrino interacts with an argon atom. These detectors can provide crystal- clear pictures of neutrino interactions, and they have the added advantage that they can be scaled to very large sizes. Scalability is a necessity in neutrino physics, since the paltry Note man interaction rate of neutrinos means you need to either have a very intense source of them, or a very large detector, if you want to accumulate a respectable sample of interactions to study. At Syracuse we are working on experiments that utilize liquid argon detectors to study beams of neutrinos created at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) near Chicago, IL. Among these is the MicroBooNE experiment, which features a cryostat the size of a semi truck trailer and holds 150 tons of liquid argon. MicroBooNE sits in the path of a neurino beam at Fermilab, and will begin taking data late this year. Numer- ous components for MicroBooNE’s sensitive detectors were built at Syracuse, and group members helped to construct the detector at Fermilab. To search for CP violation with neutrinos will require a massive experiment holding tens of thousands of tons of liquid argon. To put that in context, the desired amount of liquid argon in this experiment will occupy a volume approximate- Installing MicroBooNE at Fermilab ly the size of the Physics building. This experiment will be located deep underground in a mine where ethereal neutrinos can easily penetrate but other particles can’t reach. It will be used to search for CP violation, and also to look for astrophysical phenomena such as core-collapse supernovae which produce a burst of neutrinos. The neutrino may be the shyest member of the subatomic particle world, but its impact has been remarkable. 6

Faculty News

Stefan Ballmer gave two talks; one “Commissioning Peter Couvares attended Advanced LIGO to the 1st lock” at the National Astro- HTCondor Week 2014, Madi- Simon Catterall nomical Observatory of Japan and “The Promise of Future son, WI both as a speaker, was plenary “Scaling Condor on XSEDE Gravitational-Wave Interferometers”, Workshop on Fron- speaker at the for LIGO”, and as a modera- tiers of New Physics: Colliders and Beyond, Trieste, Italy. meeting “Non- tor. He was appointed to be perturbative quantum field theory”, the Computing Architecture DESY, Hamburg, Germany and was Lead for the LIGO Scientific Kenneth invited to speak at colloquia in Darm- Collaboration, as well as the Foster gave stadt, Purdue, MIT, and Columbia interim Data Analysis Com- seminars University. puting Manager for the Ad- “The travel- vanced LIGO project. ing waves that provide the thrust of Jay Hubisz gave an invited talk, “Dilaton Phenome- cilia” at the nology” at LHC - The First Part of the Journey, Cilia Journal Club of Upstate KITP, UC Santa Barbara and seminars on “A Light Medical University, Syracuse Dilaton and a Suppressed CC Without Fine Tuning” at Penn State Uni- and at the Biology Department, versity and the University of Pittsburgh. Syracuse University on “Why sperm tails are tapered and other tales”.

Alan Middleton Liviu Movileanu gave an invited talk, Telluride was invited to Workshop on Biophysical Dynamics, at the Telluride speak at the Santa Science Research Center, Telluride, Colorado. He Fe Institute Work- also gave the keynote lecture, “Engineered Na- shop on Deep nopores for Challenging Tasks in Biosensor Technology”, The Third Computation in Statistical Physics, on Allen International Conference on Analytical and Nanoanalytical Methods “How Far Can You Go With Polynomial Miller for Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, ANMBES 2014, Transyl- Time Algorithms?” He also spoke at the organized vania .University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania. New York University Symposium Statis- meetings tical Physics of Disordered Systems on of the Physics Alliance of Cen- “Which Measures of Spin Glass Overlaps tral New York on Saturday are Informative?” morning, October 26 and again February 8, in which twenty to twenty five physics high school Eric Schiff was teachers participated, at the awarded a National Physics Building. Science Foundation grant of $163,000 over three years for a Kameshwar Wali reached out “Fundamental Re- to the local community with a search on Physics of Apart from two hour talk: From Indestructi- Instability of Organic Solar Cells: giving a lecture ble Atom to Invisible Quark: Is Collaborative Research”. on Gravity there an End to Physics? In He gave talks on solar cells at Seton from Order and Number: Causal Sets Warsaw, Poland he gave a talk Hall and Rutgers Universities. At at Imperial College in London, Rafael on Metric Theories of Gravity with Torsion con- the Spring 2014 Meeting of the Sorkin gave several lectures abroad fined in an Extra Dimension. Materials Research Society in San and in this country on fundamental Francisco, he presented a half of a questions in physics. He spoke on the day-long tutorial, “Thin film silicon nature of black hole entropy, raised and related materials for solar cells questions about the cosmological con- and displays.” stant, and lectured on quantum measure theory.

Sheldon Stone gave an invited talk on the q anti-q or four-quark nature of scalar mesons at the Division of Parti- cles and Fields meeting in, Santa Cruz, Scott Watson was an invited visitor, DAMTP, CA. He with L Zhang published an article in PRL and he was Cambridge University and gave talks on super- quoted in an NBC news story saying, “This is the place to symmetry and dark matter there, in Trieste and look for new physics. The NSF granted $396,900 for a project at several universities in the US. At the direction of NSF and DOE he is to design and build the central core of the Upgrade Tracker participated in two groups to identify the direction the future of phys- for the LHCb experiment at CERN in Switzerland. ics should take and to communicate the results to the funding agencies. 7

Investigating how soft solids and biological tissues flow—Lisa Manning

“Disordered” materials are made up of objects such as atoms, molecules, grains, or cells that are all jumbled up – they do not lie in neat orderly patterns. Disordered materials often have interesting mechanical properties – for example, mayonnaise starts out as a fluid-like mixture of two liquids, but becomes stiff when the oil droplets inside the water pack tightly together.

Many disordered materials, including bulk metallic glasses and some types of polymers, are exceptionally strong and tough, and they are very good for making precision objects because they do not change their shape when they cool down. However, they cannot yet be used in industrial applications because they are prone to failure. My research group is searching for the defects in these materials, which self-organize to form crack-like fissures called shear bands. The hope is that once we understand the behavior of these defects, we can design materials that do not fail as easily. Our group is conducting research under a new NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award entitled “Flow, failure and migration in disordered materials”, which provides $450,000 over the next five years.

Although defects in a crystal are easy to spot, because that’s where the crystalline order breaks down, one might think the idea of a defect in a disordered solid is an oxymoron. However, our group has recently shown that defects – localized regions that are more likely to deform under stress – do exist, and govern the behavior of disordered materials under applied stress. Physicists have searched unsuc- cessfully for decades to find an order parameter that characterizes defects, and so we have chosen a different approach: analyzing the linear response, or sound modes. It turns out that inside disordered solids, sound waves vibrate in a special, universal way. Most of the time, the very lowest frequency waves look like plane waves, but sometimes they vibrate strongly around a defect. We have used those strong vibrations to successfully identify defects in disordered solids for the first time. Figure 1. A reconstructed image of a 2D dense colloidal suspension is shown. Blue Now, with the support of the NSF CAREER grant, my group will characterize these defects, answering particles are not part of defects; yellow questions such as: What is the density of defects? How do they interact with one another? How do particles are part of defects. The red ar- their properties change with the pressure, temperature, and material preparation? Currently, our group rows indicate the direction that particles actually move when the system is subjected is developing a new method that adds an artificial potential to a solid to remove the plane wave back- to stress. ground and isolate localized excitations (i.e. defects). In addition, our recent theoretical investigations have shown that a new class of random matrices leads to useful models for the dynamical matrix of a solid, which describes the solid’s linear response. Specifically, we have found that most of the sound modes in disordered solids are identical to those in this class of random matrices. In addition, the random matrices have no plane waves and localized modes at low frequencies, and this could help us understand the origin of low-frequency quasi-localized excitations in disordered solids. We are exploring these random matrices to see if we can calculate from first principles why the defects exist in the first place, and how many defects there are.

Understanding disordered solids also has important applications in biology, because disordered arrangements of cells exist in many biology tissues, including developing embryos, wound healing, and certain cancers. The geometry of cells in tissues look almost identical to that in foams or emul- sions, although the cells have additional types of mechanical interactions. And although biologists understand single-cell movements, it is not clear how cells move through dense tissues, where a cell has to push its way through its neighbors.

Recently, my group has published several papers demonstrating that cells really do have difficul- ty moving through a dense tissue, and we’ve developed a new framework for modeling cell migration in dense tissues. See Figure 2.

This framework allows us to answer exciting questions. For example, we are using the model to study how developing embryos set up the left-right body axis, which has recently been shown to depend strongly on mechanical interactions between cells. In addition, recent experimental work has suggested that aggressive cancer cells tend to be softer and yet more contractile than other cells. Our new theory and simulation should allow us to predict and verify whether this precise combination of mechanical properties allows a cancer cell to move more quickly through the surrounding tissue and metastasize.

A goal of the grant’s educational component is to increase diversity and retention in STEM Figure 2. The amount of work (U_tissue) needed (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. Through SU Project Advance, for a cell to change its edge length (l_alpha) in a I am developing tutorials for high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits. Using re- dense tissue. The energy barrier for this process, search by Economics Professor Jerry Evensky, I am developing an open-source online physics- \Delta U_AB, is used as an input to a theory we math tutorial to “tune-up” students’ math skills. I am also working with physics education expert have developed for the rate at which cells ex- Scott Franklin from the Rochester Institute of Technology to develop a course and curriculum for change neighbors in a dense, disordered tissue graduate teaching assistants (TAs) and undergraduate learning assistants (LAs) who guide students in workshops/recitations. 8

Tribute to Joe Schechter The World without the Higgs

The world waits eagerly to learn December 14, 2013 the physics department held a dinner The latest thrilling news from CERN: honoring Professor Joe Schechter for 48 years of service to The Higgs did finally arrive. the department and to wish him well on his retirement. The Standard Model is alive! After receiving his PhD under the supervision of S. Okubo

at Rochester he did a postdoc with the Noble Prize winner But, if you’d ask me to withdraw A single universal law, Y. Nambu before choosing Syracuse as his academic I’d say inertia is a pain home. Joe was a popular teacher and seminar speaker who Like hurricanes, like acid rain. always brought a straightforward clarity to his presentations. As a thesis advisor he I ask you, do we need molasses was in much demand and mentored over 20 graduate students and numerous Post- To gum up space and slow down masses? docs who went on to illustrious careers, on several continents, in academia and industry.

Rocks in your path to stub your toes on Joe’s research spanned the gamut of elementary particle physics especially the Because of that accursed boson. weak and strong interactions. Joe is particularly impressed by the role of symmetry Without the Higgs the rock would fly Light as the wind into the sky in nature. His most cited work is on neutrinos, ghost like particles that fill the uni- Beyond the clouds and out of sight, verse, which are crucial for radioactive decays and as to may hold the clue why Already at the speed of light. there is matter in the Universe. Joe and collaborators were particularly concerned with the patterns and implications of neutrino masses well before the masses were discovered and his work increased in relevance over the years.

The theory of strong interactions, QCD, is notoriously difficult to solve. Joe pio-

neered the use of effective field theories for describing the results of QCD at low energies. The effective theories incorporate all the phenomenological implications of the symmetries of QCD. These theories have proven enormously useful and

influential. Joe also did important work on supersymmetry and solitons. Most recently Joe revisited a nagging problem in hadron physics for which he proposed the existence of states with more than the standard quark anti-quark pair. Erich Harth Joe published over 200 papers which have 10,000 citations! Even though he is retired he is still active in research and continuing to publish. We wish him continued success. - Carl Rosenzweig Departmental Teaching Awards 2013-2014

2013 Fall Duncan Brown: Matt LaHaye: Steve Blusk: Sheldon Stone: Cristian Jen Schwarz: AST 101 PHY 216 PHY 424 PHY 568 Armendariz-Picon PHY 831 Dinner Dinner Lunch Lunch PHY 567 Lunch Lunch

Spring 2014 Mitch Soderberg: Lisa Manning: Jen Schwarz: Paul Souder: Jay Hubisz: Matt LaHaye: PHY 212 PHY 211 PHY 216 PHY 300— PHY 885 PHY 651 Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch Lunch Lunch 9 97

Investigating how soft solids andSpecial biological Comments tissues flow—Lisa Manning Special Comments

In addition to being identified as one of the 143 Outstanding Duncan Brown is PI or co-PI on three In addition to being identified as one of the 143 Outstanding Duncan Brown is PI or co-PI on three “Disordered” materialsReferees are made of theup ofPhysical objects Review such andas atoms, Physical molecules, Review Letters grains, or cellsgrants that received are all from jumbled the NSF up related– they to Referees of the Physical Review and Physical Review Letters grants received from the NSF related to do not lie in neat orderlyjournals, patterns. the researchDisordered accomplishments materials often of Cristina have interesting Marchetti mechanical research properties with LIGO. – for example, journals, the research accomplishments of Cristina Marchetti research with LIGO. have received recognition from two major organizations. The have received recognition from two major organizations. The mayonnaise starts out asAmerican a fluid-like Association mixture for of the two Advancement liquids, but of becomes Science elected stiff when theOne oil is dropletsa grant of inside $385,442 the from water the NSF American Association for the Advancement of Science elected One is a grant of $385,442 from the NSF pack tightly together. Cristina a Fellow of the AAAS for her “pioneering work on as part of a three year Collaborative Re- Cristina a Fellow of the AAAS for her “pioneering work on as part of a three year Collaborative Re- statistical mechanical systems far from equilibrium, ranging search project with numerical relativists statistical mechanical systems far from equilibrium, ranging search project with numerical relativists Many disordered materials,from vorticesincluding in high bulk temperature metallic glasses superconductors and some to types self- of polymers,(Caltech, are exceptionally Cornell), nuclear strong astrophysicists and (U. Washington), and from vortices in high temperature superconductors to self- (Caltech, Cornell), nuclear astrophysicists (U. Washington), and organizationtough, and theyin biological are very systems.” good for The making American precision Academy objects of Arts because and Sciences they do elect- not changegravitational-wave their shape when observers they cool (Syracuse) to explore core-collapse organization in biological systems.” The American Academy of Arts and Sciences elect- gravitational-wave observers (Syracuse) to explore core-collapse eddown. Cristina However, to membership. they cannot This highlyyet be selectiveused in industrialhonor recognizes applications Cristina’s because numerous they are pronesupernovae to failure. and the My properties research of stellar remnant, to understand ed Cristina to membership. This highly selective honor recognizes Cristina’s numerous supernovae and the properties of stellar remnant, to understand influentialgroup is searching contributions for to the the defects physics in community. these materials, which self-organize to form crack-likeelectromagnetic fissures transientscalled shear and bands.gravitational-wave phenomena in influential contributions to the physics community. electromagnetic transients and gravitational-wave phenomena in The hope is that once we understand the behavior of these defects, we can design materialscompact that objects; do not and fail to revealas easily. the dense matter equation of state. compact objects; and to reveal the dense matter equation of state. Cristina’s research on the “Self-organization of denseOur activegroup matter” is conducting was awarded research a grant under a new NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Cristina’s research on the “Self-organization of dense active matter” was awarded a grant of $405,000 over three years by the NSF. It will support research on the collective prop- of $405,000 over three years by the NSF. It will support research on the collective prop- Another is a proposal on “Gravitational Wave Astrophysics with Another is a proposal on “Gravitational Wave Astrophysics with erties of active matter, which is composed of manyaward interacting entitled self-driven “Flow, particles,failure and such migration in disordered materials”, which provides $450,000 over theerties of active matter, which is composed of many interacting self-driven particles, such Advanced LIGO” in the amount of $360,000 over three years. Advanced LIGO” in the amount of $360,000 over three years. as swarms of swimming bacteria, self-propelled colloidalnext five particles, years. and cell colonies or as swarms of swimming bacteria, self-propelled colloidal particles, and cell colonies or The third is a grant on LIGO workflow development in the The third is a grant on LIGO workflow development in the tissues. tissues. Although defects in a crystal are easy to spot,amount because ofm$300,000 that’s wherewhich willthe becrystalline applied to order work breakson making down, amount ofm$300,000 which will be applied to work on making one might think the idea of a defect in a disorderedworkflows “metadatasolid is an-aware” oxymoron. that will However, make scientific our group results has workflows “metadata-aware” that will make scientific results easier to share, reuse, and reproduce. This approach will be ap- easier to share, reuse, and reproduce. This approach will be ap- recently shown that defects – localized regionsplied to that LIGO are data more and likely will be to shared deform with under a larger stress community. – do exist, plied to LIGO data and will be shared with a larger community. The Alfred P. Sloan The Alfred P. Sloan and govern the behavior of disordered materialsFinally, underDuncan applied is also co-PIstress. on a Physicists grant of $498,452 have searched to improve unsuc- Finally, Duncan is also co-PI on a grant of $498,452 to improve Foundation Foundation cessfully for decades to find an order parameterthe communications that characterizes among defects,the components and so of we the have campus chosen com- a the communications among the components of the campus com- has recognized Jedidah Isler, has recognized Jedidah Isler, different approach: analyzing the linear response,puting pool or that sound is used modes. by people It turns in many out thatdepartments. inside disordered puting pool that is used by people in many departments. Lisa Manning for a Chancellor’s Lisa Manning for a Chancellor’s her work with a 2014 solids,Faculty sound Fel- waves vibrate in a special, universal way. Most of the time, the very lowest frequency her work with a 2014 Faculty Fel- Sloan Research Fel- waveslow, look is a co-PI like plane waves, but sometimes they vibrate strongly around a defect. We have used those Sloan Research Fel- low, is a co-PI lowship. She will strongon a vibrationsNASA to successfully identify defectsTomasz in Skwarnicki disordered led solids the data for the first time. lowship. She will on a NASA Tomasz Skwarnicki led the data Figure 1. A reconstructed image of a 2D receive $50,000 to Fermi Guest analysis that confirmed the exist- receive $50,000 to Fermi Guest analysis that confirmed the exist- dense colloidal suspension is shown. Blue further her research on understanding the Now,Investigator with the grant support for $200,000 of the NSF over CAREER ence grant, of a four-quark my group particle. will characterize The these defects, answeringfurther her research on understanding the Investigator grant for $200,000 over ence of a four-quark particle. The particles are not part of defects; yellow mechanical properties of biological tissues and questionstwo years. such This as: work What will is focus the density on of defects?PRL editor How spotlighted do they the interact LHCb with one another? How do mechanical properties of biological tissues and two years. This work will focus on PRL editor spotlighted the LHCb particles are part of defects. The red ar- non-biological materials (see page 7). “The theiblazarsr properties (active changegalactic nucleiwith the with pressure, articletemperature, for exceptional and material research. preparation? He Currently, our groupnon- biological materials (see page 7). “The blazars (active galactic nuclei with article for exceptional research. He rows indicate the direction that particles Department of Physics nominated Lisa be- is developingrelativistic jets) a new and methodwill use optical/that adds an artificialwas interviewed potential by VOAto a solid on the to remove the plane wave back-Department of Physics nominated Lisa be- relativistic jets) and will use optical/ was interviewed by VOA on the actually move when the system is subjected infrared telescopes for studying blazar infrared telescopes for studying blazar cause of her outstanding accomplishments, ground and isolate localized excitations (i.e.subject. defects). In addition, our recent theoretical investigationscause of her outstanding accomplishments, subject. futureto stress. promise as a scientist and her leadership flares. future promise as a scientist and her leadership flares. abilities,” says Alan Middleton, department have shown that a new class of random matrices leads to useful models for the dynamical matrix of aabilities,” says Alan Middleton, department chair. “She brings energy and depth to many solid, which describes the solid’s linear response. Specifically, we have found that most of the soundchair. “She brings energy and depth to many modesactivities in— disorderedshe has pioneered solids new are technologiesidentical to those in this class of random matrices. In addition, the random matrices have no plane waves and local-activities—she has pioneered new technologies izedin the modes classroom at low and frequencies,has great enthusiasm and this for could help us understand the origin of low-frequency quasi-localized excitations in disordered solids. Wein the classroom and has great enthusiasm for Martin Forstner is a Martin Forstner is a teaching. In her research, she uses computers teaching. In her research, she uses computers are exploring these random matrices to see if we can calculate from firstco-Principal principles whyInvestiga- the defects exist in the first place, and how many defects co-Principal Investiga- and sophisticated theoretical methods to study and sophisticated theoretical methods to study there are. tor on a National tor on a National experiments on both cell migration and granu- experiments on both cell migration and granu- Science Foundation Science Foundation Understandinglar—sand-like—materials.” disordered solids also has important applications in biology, because disordered arrangements of cells exist in many biology tissues,lar— sand-like—materials.” grant of $459,014 to Matt LaHaye received grant of $459,014 to Matt LaHaye received including developing embryos, wound healing, and certain cancers. Thepurchase geometry a fluores- of cells in tissues look almost identicalNSF to that grant in offoams $260,00i0 or emul- purchase a fluores- NSF grant of $260,00i0 sions, although the cells have additional types of mechanical interactions.cence And activated although cell biologists understand single-cell overmovements, two years it to is work not cence activated cell over two years to work clear how cells move through dense tissues, where a cell has to push its waysorter. through The machine its neighbors. on a project titled sorter. The machine on a project titled will be rather impressive: it will use four lasers to "Materials World Net- will be rather impressive: it will use four lasers to "Materials World Net- sortRecently, cells of many my types,group large has publishedand small, atseveral rates paperswork: demonstrating investigations that of Quantumcells really Fluctuation do have Rela- difficul- sort cells of many types, large and small, at rates work: investigations of Quantum Fluctuation Rela- up to 70,000 cells per second with high accuracy. tions Using Superconducting Qubits". This award up to 70,000 cells per second with high accuracy. tions Using Superconducting Qubits". This award Britton Plourde had ty moving through a dense tissue, and we’ve developed a new framework for modeling cell mi- Britton Plourde had The cell sorter will be used to be used for projects will support joint work with Frederico de Brito and The cell sorter will be used to be used for projects will support joint work with Frederico de Brito and a very busy year. He gration in dense tissues. See Figure 2. a very busy year. He in several departments with Dacheng Ren (ECS) Amir Caldeira of Brazil on theoretical and experi- in several departments with Dacheng Ren (ECS) Amir Caldeira of Brazil on theoretical and experi- gave talks at various gave talks at various the PI and are Rebecca Bader (ECS) and Katharine mental work on how micro- and nanoscale systems the PI and are Rebecca Bader (ECS) and Katharine mental work on how micro- and nanoscale systems institutions in Cam- This framework allows us to answer exciting questions. For example, we are using the model toinstitutions in Cam- Lewis (BIO) are also co-PIs. exchange energy with their environment, which Lewis (BIO) are also co-PIs. exchange energy with their environment, which bridge , MA, Bre- study how developing embryos set up the left-right body axis, which has recently been shown tobridge , MA, Bre- affects mechanical efficiencies at the nanoscale and affects mechanical efficiencies at the nanoscale and men and Saarbruck- depend strongly on mechanical interactions between cells. In addition, recent experimental workmen and Saarbruck- quantum-assisted sensing and quantum quantum-assisted sensing and quantum en in Germany, Benasque in Spain , and at has suggested that aggressive cancer cells tend to be softer and yet more contractile than other en in Germany, Benasque in Spain , and at Physics Institutes in Germany, Switzerland cells. Our new theory and simulation should allow us to predict and verify whether this precise Physics Institutes in Germany, Switzerland and the United States. He also spent a month combination of mechanical properties allows a cancer cell to move more quickly through the and the United States. He also spent a month as Visiting Professor of Physics at the Univer- as Visiting Professor of Physics at the Univer- surrounding tissue and metastasize. sity of the Saarland in Saarbrücken, Germany. Marina Artuso is the principal investigator, for work on the construction of the sity of the Saarland in Saarbrücken, Germany. Marina Artuso is the principal investigator, for work on the construction of the Recently, the Army Research Office awarded Recently, the Army Research Office awarded A goal of the grant’supstream educational tracker component (UT) for the isLarge to increase Hadron Colliderdiversity beauty and retentionexperiment in Up- STEM upstream tracker (UT) for the Large Hadron Collider beauty experiment Up- him $2,250,000 over 36 months as lead PI for grade. The LHCb is located at the CERN laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. him $2,250,000 over 36 months as lead PI for grade. The LHCb is located at the CERN laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. aFigure new project 2. The titled amount “Scalable of work Readout (U_tissue) of needed (Science, Technology,This Engineering5 year construction and Mathematics) project received disciplines. NSF support Throughof $5,187,270. SU Project The UT Advance, a new project titled “Scalable Readout of This 5 year construction project received NSF support of $5,187,270. The UT Superconductingfor a cell to change Qubits its edgewith Novellength Super-(l_alpha) in a I am developing tutorialswill allow for LHCb high schoolto accommodate juniors and higher seniors data rates to earn in order college to search credits. for “new Using re- Superconducting Qubits with Novel Super- will allow LHCb to accommodate higher data rates in order to search for “new conductingdense tissue. Amplifiers The energy and barrierMetamaterials”. for this process,physics” search beyond by Economics the standard Professor model of Jerry particle Evensky, physics. In I amthe department,developing this an projectopen-source will include online the physics- conducting Amplifiers and Metamaterials”. physics” beyond the standard model of particle physics. In the department, this project will include the \Delta U_AB, is used as an input to a theory we constructionmath tutorial of new to clean“tune room-up” facilitiesstudents’ for math assembling skills. newI am detector also working elements with and physicswill involve education a large expert construction of new clean room facilities for assembling new detector elements and will involve a large have developed for the rate at which cells ex- numberScott of Franklin graduate from students the andRochester other researchers. Institute of Technology to develop a course and curriculum for number of graduate students and other researchers. change neighbors in a dense, disordered tissue graduate teaching assistants (TAs) and undergraduate learning assistants (LAs) who guide students in workshops/recitations. 108 10

BICEP 2 BICEPTribute 2 to Joe Schechter The World without the Higgs

The world waits eagerly to learn December 14, 2013 the physics department held a dinner “The polarization of gravitational waves expands lengths in one direction and contracts lengths in the orthogonal direction, its tensor property. The polarizationThe latest of thrilling gravitational news fromwaves CERN: expands lengths in onehonoring direction Professor and contracts Joe Schechter lengths forin the48 yearsorthogonal of service direction, to its tensor property. Many experiments have been set up to measure the change in length by observing a laser beam that has been split, travels in two equivalent or- Many experimentsThe Higgs have did been finally set up arrive. to measure the change inthe length department by observing and to wisha laser him beam well that on hashis retirement.been split, travels in two equivalent orthogonal directions and then recombined to interfere. Syracuse University has been involved in the LIGO collaboration which has two such sites thogonal directionsThe Standard and then Model recombined is alive! to interfere. SyracuseAfter University receiving has his beenPhD underinvolved the in supervision the LIGO ofcollaboration S. Okubo which has two such sites in Louisiana and Washington (see PHYSICS MATTERS v3, September, 2003). LIGO is looking for effects from binary combinations of neutronin Louisiana and Washington (see PHYSICS MATTERS v3,at September, Rochester he2003). did a LIGOpostdoc is withlooking the forNoble effects Prize from winner binary combinations of neutron But, if you’d ask me to withdraw stars and black holes as well as from supernovae. The last observing run (through 2010) looked out to the Virgo cluster, but no signal was detect-stars and black holes as well as from supernovae. The last observingY. Nambu run before (through choosing 2010) Syracuse looked out as histo theacademic Virgo cluster, but no signal was detected. Improvements are being installed so that within the next 3-6 years detection is expected. Advanced LIGO will be able to search the sky ten ed. ImprovementsA single are being universal installed law, so that within the next 3-6 years detection is expected. Advanced LIGO will be able to search the sky ten home. Joe was a popular teacher and seminar speaker who times farther out than the Virgo cluster. Thus, it will examine a volume a thousand times larger. times farther outI’d than say theinertia Virgo is acluster. pain Thus, it will examine a volume a thousand times larger. Like hurricanes, like acid rain. always brought a straightforward clarity to his presentations. As a thesis advisor he Gravitational waves were also produced in the interaction of matter in the big bang origin of our universe. These waves are too weak to be meas-GravitationalI ask waves you, weredo we also need produced molasses in the interaction ofwas matter in much in the demand big bang and origin mentored of our over universe. 20 graduate These studentswaves are and to onumerous weak to bePost- measured directly at the Earth. However, the contraction and expansion of space produced by the gravitational waves has an effect on the black body ured directlyTo gum at up the space Earth. and However, slow down the masses? contraction and expansiondocs who of wentspace on produced to illustrious by the careers, gravitational on several waves continents, has an effect in academia on the black and body cosmological background radiation - a useful tool for examining the distribution of matter. One uses the direct look-back to the surface of last cosmological background radiation - a useful tool for examiningindustry. the distribution of matter. One uses the direct look-back to the surface of last scattering, at gravitational lensing, and, for more detail, at the polarization of the CBR. These tools have been used to study the distribution of scattering, at gravitational lensing, and, for more detail, at the polarization of the CBR. These tools have been used to study the distribution of matter, including dark matter, in the galaxies as well as the density of dust along the journey to Earth. In Rocks in your path to stub your matter,toes on including darkJoe’s matter, research in the spanned galaxies the as gamutwell as of the elementary density of particledust along physics the journey especially to Earth. the In Because of that accursed boson. particular, the distribution of dust produces a shift in the direction of polarization. Any gravitational effect particular, the distributionweak ofand dust strong produces interactions. a shift in Joe the is direction particularly of polarization. impressed by Any the rolegravitational of symmetry effect Without the Higgs the rock would fly has been too small to be seen. has been too small toin be nature. seen. His most cited work is on neutrinos, ghost like particles that fill the uni- Light as the wind into the sky verse, which are crucial for radioactive decays and as to may hold the clue why However, over roughly the last ten years, efforts have been made to measure the polarization of the CBR Beyond the clouds and out of sight,However, over roughly the last ten years, efforts have been made to measure the polarization of the CBR out at the beginning of time. The gravitational effect one is looking for is quite subtle. One expects that at Already at the speed of light.out at the beginning ofthere time. is matter The gravitational in the Universe. effect Joe one and is looking collaborators for is quitewere subtle.particularly One expectsconcerned that at the time of the big bang there was a burst of gravitational radiation as well as electromagnetic. As the the time of the big bangwith there the patternswas a burst and ofimplications gravitational of radiationneutrino massesas well wellas electromagnetic. before the masses As were the electromagnetic field radiates, it moves through the undulating space-time produced by the gravitational electromagnetic fielddiscovered radiates, it andmoves his throughwork increased the undulating in relevance space-time over the produced years. by the gravitational waves. Current cosmological theory calls for a period of rapid expansion of the physical space. This rapid waves. Current cosmological theory calls for a period of rapid expansion of the physical space. This rapid expansion produces the apparent isotropy and uniformity of the distribution of the matter. It also expands expansion produces theThe apparent theory of isotropy strong interactions,and uniformity QCD, of the is notoriouslydistribution difficultof the matter. to solve. It also Joe expandspio- the wave length of the gravitational waves that jiggle the charged plasma of electrons and other charged the wave length of theneered gravitational the use ofwaves effective that jigglefield theoriesthe charged for describingplasma of theelectrons results and of QCDother atcharged low particles. By the time the radiation reached the surface of last scattering, the wave length of the oscillating particles. By the timeenergies. the radiation The effectivereached the theories surface incorporate of last scattering, all the phenomenological the wave length of implications the oscillating space-time was of the right order to have a measurable effect on the scattering of the CBR by the plasma. space-time was of theof right the symmetriesorder to have of a QCD. measurable These effecttheories on have the scattering proven enormously of the CBR useful by the and plasma. This effect shows up in the polarization of the CBR. The tensor property of the gravity waves produces This effect shows up in the polarization of the CBR. The tensor property of the gravity waves produces influential. Joe also did important work on supersymmetry and solitons. Most Figure 1 two distinctive effects. One is electric type and the other magnetic – E mode and B mode. The E mode is Figure 1 two distinctive effects. One is electric type and the other magnetic – E mode and B mode. The E mode is linear while the B mode is like a curl. It produces a rotation of the polarization. See figure 1. The polariza- linear while the B moderecently is like Joea curl. revisited It produces a nagging a rotation problem of thein hadron polarization. physics See for figurewhich 1.he Theproposed polarization produced by the scalar field of inflation is E mode and that produced by lensing and is mainly E mode. Therefore, to identify a gravitation tion produced by the scalar field of inflation is E mode and thatthe existenceproduced ofby states lensing with and more is mainly than the E mode. standard Therefore, quark anti-quark to identify pair. a gravitation interaction with the CBR, one must see a significant B mode effect. And that is what now is claimed to have been measured. interaction with the CBR,Erich oneHarth must see a significant B mode effect. And that is what now is claimed to have been measured. Joe published over 200 papers which have 10,000 citations! Even though he is In 2005, a consortium called BICEP 1 reported a null result from data taken with a 26 cm aperture telescope located at the South Pole. In 2010 In 2005, a consortium called BICEP 1 reported a null result retiredfrom data he istaken still withactive a 26in researchcm aperture and telescopecontinuing located to publish. at the WeSouth wish Pole. him In contin- 2010 observations were renewed with an upgraded telescope. Data collection ran through the 2012 observing time. In March, 2014 the consortium observations were renewed with an upgraded telescope. Dataued collection success. ran - through the Carl 2012 Rosenzweig observing time. In March, 2014 the consortium announced a positive result. The result is given as a ratio of B mode to E mode, r=2. See figure 2. announced a positive result. The result is given as a ratio of B mode to E mode, r=2. See figure 2. Departmental Teaching Awards 2013-2014 It is believed that E mode can be converted to B mode by dust traversed by the It is believed that E mode can be converted to B mode by dust traversed by the radiation from the early universe and also by gravitational lensing. The BICEP 2 radiation from the early universe and also by gravitational lensing. The BICEP 2 consortium claims that neither effect changes their result based on lensing results consortium claims that neither effect changes their result based on lensing results and the available knowledge about the density of dust in the space intervening and the available knowledge about the density of dust in the space intervening the galaxies. However, there are skeptics who await a better estimate of the the galaxies. However, there are skeptics who await a better estimate of the density of dust. Also, in the next few years measurements from other consortia density of dust. Also, in the next few years measurements from other consortia will be reported as more data is collected. The BICEP 2 result will be upheld or will be reported as more data is collected. The BICEP 2 result will be upheld or denied. 2013 denied. Fall Duncan Brown: Matt LaHaye: Steve Blusk: Sheldon Stone: Cristian Jen Schwarz: In the meantime, this is a very exciting and important event. First of all, if true, AST 101 PHY 216 PHYIn 424 the meantime,PHY this 568 is a very excitingArmendariz-Picon and important event. PHY First 831 of all, if true, two physical predictions are verified. One is the existence of gravitational waves Dinner Dinner Lunchtwo physical predictionsLunch are verified.PHY One 567 is Lunchthe existence ofLunch gravitational waves and the other is the verification of that there was a strong inflationary period and the other is the verification of that there was a strong inflationary period shortly after the big bang. The study of the details of the B mode polarization shortly after the big bang. The study of the details of the B mode polarization gives cosmologists and astrophysicists a tool to investigate the beginnings of our gives cosmologists and astrophysicists a tool to investigate the beginnings of our universe and possibly of the multiverse. universe and possibly of the multiverse.

More information can be found in the following references: More information can be found in the following references: Figure 2. Power of CMB polarization modes decomposed into Figure 2. Power of CMB polarization modes decomposed into L. Krauss, Peering Back to the Beginning of Time, Physics 7, 64 (2014) spherical harmonic modes (l). Higher l modes correspond to L. Krauss, Peering Back to the Beginning of Time, Physics 7, 64 (2014) spherical harmonic modes (l). Higher l modes correspond to D. Lindley, Theorists Weigh in on BICEP2, Physics 7, 65 (2014). D. Lindley, Theorists Weigh in on BICEP2, Physics 7, 65 (2014). smaller angular scales of the sky. The BICEP signal is above smaller angular scales of the sky. The BICEP signal is above expected backgrounds (solid line) for l less than about 150 and Alan Chodos, Polarization Measurement detects primordial gravitational waves, expectedSpring 2014 backgrounds (solid line) for l less than about 150 and Alan Chodos, Polarization Measurement detects primordial gravitational waves, follows well the predicted shape of an inflationary signal (dashed Physics Today, 67, 11 (2014). follows well the predictedMitch Soderberg:shape of an inflationary Lisa signalManning (dashed: JenPhysics Schwarz Today,: 67,Paul 11 Souder:(2014). Jay Hubisz: Matt LaHaye: line). Note that dust foreground effects are poorly constrained at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IlBNJbCzfk line). Note that dustPHY foreground 212 effects are poorlyPHY constrained211 at PHYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IlBNJbCzfk 216 PHY 300— PHY 885 PHY 651 the moment and could be significant. the moment and could be significant. Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch Lunch Lunch

Celebrating Paul Souder

On July 14-18, PAVI 14 came to Skaneateles and Syracuse University. It was the 6th workshop of the series "From Parity Violation to Hadronic Structure and more". Paul Souder is Co-Chair with Kent Paschke (UVa). Last year Paul, along with a colleague, shared the 2013 Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Award from the Jefferson Laboratory (PHYSICS MAT- TERS, September 2013). The award was for developing the use of a parity violating interaction to measure nuclear size. This year, in connection with the annual workshop meeting of physicists engaged in measuring and using parity violation, Paul was honored by a series of talks in Stolkin Auditorium on Sunday, July 13, in a one day conference sponsored by Syracuse University, the University of Virginia, where the Jefferson Laboratory is located, and the University of Massa- chusetts at Amherst. The conference was co-organized by Krishna Kumar, professor of physics at the University of Massa- chusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst); Kent Paschke, associate professor of physics at the University of Virginia (UVA); and Gordon Cates, professor of physics at UVA. The Sunday celebration consisted of seven talks on nuclear physics and parity violation. The talks covered the history of nuclear physics research over the past 40 years emphasizing the role that Paul played in that research. It was followed on Monday-Friday by the PAVI 14 workshop in Skaneateles, NY.

On Monday evening, there was a public lecture in Skaneateles “How exploring basic science leads to unexpected technology", presented by Gordon Cates (UVa) and on Tuesday evening there was a chamber music concert organized by Sandy Souder, Paul’s wife. In response to the celebration, Alan Middleton, SU Physics Chair, said “Paul has been able to gather precise information about the size and charge distribution of protons and neutrons—information critical to the study of the fundamental processes in nuclear physics. This discovery may provide fresh insights into the Standard Model of particle physics and resolve some unanswered questions about the nature and origins of the universe.”

Shortly after this celebration, the Department of Energy announced support for Paul’s proposal titled “Spin Dependent Phenomena in Medium Energy Physics”. This award is in the amount of $1,173,000 and will allow Paul to continue his work in this area for three years.

PAVI14 is sponsored by Associazione Romana per le AstroParticelle (ARAP), Thomas Jeffer- Puzzled Experimentalists son National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), and Welch Allyn.

Dark Matter Observed? The existence of matter in the universe that interacts gravitationally, but very weakly, if at all, through other fields is required to explain the rotation curves of the stars in the Milky Way as well as gravitational lensing by galaxies and the polarization properties of the black body radiation. Because the particles making up the dark matter interact weakly with particles of the standard model, they are referred to as wimps.

In the past year, two experimental groups reported on their ongoing observations. Richard Schnee is an active member of the Cold Dark Matter Search (CDMS) group in the Soudan Mine in Minnesota (see PHYSICS MATTERS, V4, September, 2009). This experiment uses cylindrical silicon blocks in which to see an interaction with the dark matter particles. When a wimp hits a silicon atom an electron is set free and the atom jig- gles. The electron is detected and the jiggling warms the silicon which is held at temperature of 40 millikelvin. This group claims to have seen three events of correlated electron capture and temperature change.

The other experiment is the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment in South Dakota. This experiment uses a cryostat filled with 370kg of xenon from which they currently use the innermost 118 kg to search for dark matter. Liquid xenon is an excellent scintillator: Any particle interaction results in a prompt flash of light that is observed by an array of photomultiplier tubes. Application of an electric field allows the detection of the ionization generated by the interaction, too. Just like in CDMS, analyzing these two signals allows experimentalists to discriminate between electronic and nuclear recoils. Although LUX is more sensitive than CDMS, they did not see any evidence for wimps.

These two results unfortunately are in disagreement and therefore a clear observation cannot be claimed. However, the search continues with both experiments and others using different observation techniques and other interactions.

A simplified plot that shows the predicted WIMP-nucleon scattering cross section as a function of WIMP mass. Asymmetric dark matter models (light blue area) predict WIMPs with masses of a few GeV/c2; generic WIMP models (dark blue area) predict larger masses of hundreds of GeV/c2 or more. Parts of these parameter regions have been probed and excluded by current experiments (red area). The signal excess of the CDMS experiment points towards relatively light WIMPs (green area). However, the absence of a signal in the LUX experiment is in tension with this result. Most of the expected parameter space could be probed in the near future, until a background from coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering (yellow area) becomes relevant, interfering with possible dark matter signals. 128 12

Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture in the Sciences and Humanities Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture inTribute the Sciences to Joe and Schechter Humanities The World without the Higgs Diane Ackerman was the sixth lecturer in the Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture in the Sciences and Humanities. She spoke Diane Ackerman was the sixth lecturer in the Kameshwar C. Wali Lecture in the Sciences and Humanities. She spoke on EVERYDAY HEROISM: The Subversive Power of Compassion. Her lecture was based on research for her book, The The world waitson eagerlyEVERYDAY to learn HEROISM: The SubversiveDecember Power 14, 2013 of Compassion. the physics Herdepartment lecture washeld baseda dinner on research for her book, The Zookeeper’s Wife (2007), which tells the story of how Jan and Antonina Zabinski gave refuge at the Warsaw zoo to The latest thrillingZookeeper’s news from WifeCERN: (2007), which tellshonoring the story Professor of how JanJoe andSchechter Antonina for 48Zabinski years ofgave service refuge to at the Warsaw zoo to hundreds of Holocaust refugees, and which speculates broadly on the human relationship with nature. The book re- The Higgs didhundreds finally ofarrive. Holocaust refugees, andthe which department speculates and broadlyto wish onhim the well human on his relationship retirement. with nature. The book received the Orion Book Award, which honored it as “a groundbreaking work of nonfiction in which the human relation- The Standardceived Model the is Orionalive! Book Award, whichAfter honored receiving it as his“a groundbreakingPhD under the supervision work of nonfiction of S. Okubo in which the human relationship to nature is explored in an absolutely original way through looking at the Holocaust.” A film based on the book is ship to nature is explored in an absolutelyat Rochester original he way did athrough postdoc looking with the at Noblethe Holocaust.” Prize winner A film based on the book is But, if you’d ask me to withdraw presently in pre-production. Ackerman’s most recent book, One Hundred Names for Love is about her life with her presently in pre-production. Ackerman’sY. Nambu most beforerecent choosingbook, One Syracuse Hundred as Names his academic for Love is about her life with her husband following his disabling stroke. It was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Circle Critics A single universalhusband followinglaw, his disabling stroke. It was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Circle Critics home. Joe was a popular teacher and seminar speaker who Award. I’d say inertiaAward. is a pain Diane Ackerman,as the sixth K. C. Wali lecturer, followed Lynn Margulis, Janna Levin, George Packer, Ian Shipsey, Like hurricanes,Diane like Ackerman,as acid rain. the sixth K. C. alwaysWali lecturer, brought followed a straightforward Lynn Margulis, clarity Janna to his Levin,presentations. George Packer,As a thesis Ian Shipsey,advisor he and Arthur Zajonc. She has written two dozen volumes of nonfiction and poetry, including A Natural History of the I ask you, do weand need Arthur molasses Zajonc. She has writtenwas two in dozen much volumes demand of and nonfiction mentored and over poetry, 20 graduate including students A Natural and numerousHistory of Post- the Senses To gum up space andSenses slow down masses? docs who went on to illustrious careers, on several continents, in academia and Prof. Wali’s family and friends endowed a fund for the annual lecture to honor his 80th birthday in 2008, and the lecture receives additional Prof. Wali’s family and friends endowed a fund for the annualindustry. lecture to honor his 80th birthday in 2008, and the lecture receives additional university support from the Syracuse Humanities Center and the Department of Physics university support from the Syracuse Humanities Center and the Department of Physics Rocks in your path to stub your toes on Joe’s research spanned the gamut of elementary particle physics especially the Because of that accursed boson. weak and strong interactions. Joe is particularly impressed by the role of symmetry Without the Higgs the rock would fly Doctoral Prizes Light as the wind into the sky Doctoralin nature. His Prizes most cited work is on neutrinos, ghost like particles that fill the uni- Beyond the clouds and out of sight, verse, which are crucial for radioactive decays and as to may hold the clue why Already at the speed of light. there is matter in the Universe. Joe and collaborators were particularly concerned with the patterns and implications of neutrino masses well before the masses were discovered and his work increased in relevance over the years.

The theory of strong interactions, QCD, is notoriously difficult to solve. Joe pio-

Shiladitya Banerjee has won the Chancellor's Faculty Fellow Jedidah Shiladitya Banerjee has won theneered the use Chancellor'sof effective fieldFaculty theories Fellow for Jedidah describing the results of QCD at low Award for Outstanding Doctoral Isler was selected for the Roger Dox- Award for Outstanding Doctoralenergies. The Islereffective was theoriesselected incorporatefor the Roger all Dox- the phenomenological implications Thesis Research in Biological Thesis Research in Biological sey Travel Prize from the American of the symmetriessey Travelof QCD. Prize These from theories the American have proven enormously useful and Physics. This very competitive Physics. This very competitive Astronomical Society. This annual influential. JoeAstronomical also did important Society. work This onannual supersymmetry and solitons. Most prize is given by the American dissertation prize is awarded competi- prize is given by the American dissertation prize is awarded competi- recently Joe revisited a nagging problem in hadron physics for which he proposed Physical Society's Division of Bio- tively based on submitted thesis ab- Physical Society's Division of Bio- tively based on submitted thesis ab- logical Physics. The award includes a $1,500 prize for stracts. This year, 10 prizes were awarded, which is logical Physics. The award includes a $1,500 prize forthe existence ofstracts. states Thiswith year,more 10 than prizes the standardwere awarded, quark anti-quarkwhich is pair. Shiladitya and additionally $500 to support his travel to about 10% of submitted abstracts. The award included Shiladitya andErich additionally Harth $500 to support his travel to about 10% of submitted abstracts. The award included the 2014 APS March Meeting in Denver where he pre- full travel funding and registration at the annual meeting the 2014 APS March Meeting in Denver where he pre-Joe published overfull travel 200 papers funding which and registrationhave 10,000 at citations! the annual Even meeting though he is sented his work. Shiladitya will also organize an invited and recognition in the Society’s newsletter. Jedidah de- sented his work. Shiladitya will also organize an invitedretired he is stilland active recognition in research in the and Society’s continuing newsletter. to publish. Jedidah We wishde- him contin- session for March 2015 based on his area of thesis fended her thesis, completed at Yale University, in Octo- session for March 2015 based on his area of thesis ued success. -fended her thesis, Carl Rosenzweig completed at Yale University, in Octo- work. Shiladitya's defended his thesis, completed with ber. work. Shiladitya's defended his thesis, completed with ber. Prof. Cristina Marchetti, in April, 2013 and is currently DepartmentalProf. Cristina Marchetti, Teaching in April, Awards2013 and is currently 2013-2014 a postdoctoral scholar at The University of Chicago in a postdoctoral scholar at The University of Chicago in the James Franck Institute. the James Franck Institute.

Graduate Awards Graduate Awards 2013 Fall Aarti Veernala and Jayanth Neelakanta were selected as recipients of Outstanding Duncan BrownAarti: VeernalaMatt LaHaye and Jayanth: Steve Neelakanta Blusk: wereSheldon selected Stone as recipients: Cristian of Outstanding Jen Schwarz: TA Awards for this academic year. This award is presented by the Graduate School AST 101 TA AwardsPHY for 216 this academicPHY year. 424 This awardPHY is presented 568 by the GraduateArmendariz-Picon School PHY 831 to “Teaching Assistants who have made distinguished contributions” through in- Dinner to “TeachingDinner Assistants who Lunchhave made distinguishedLunch contributions”PHY through 567 Lunchin- Lunch structional activities. Graduate students are nominated for the award by their depart- structional activities. Graduate students are nominated for the award by their departments, and the selection is made by a university-wide committee of faculty recog- ments, and the selection is made by a university-wide committee of faculty recognized for their teaching excellence. The Outstanding TA Award is given to approxi- nized for their teaching excellence. The Outstanding TA Award is given to approxi- mately the top 4% of all TAs campus wide.” mately the top 4% of all TAs campus wide.”

. .

Spring 2014 Mitch Soderberg: Lisa Manning: Jen Schwarz: Paul Souder: Jay Hubisz: Matt LaHaye: PHY 212 PHY 211 PHY 216 PHY 300— PHY 885 PHY 651 Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch Lunch Lunch 13 1311

Passing Thoughts... PassingCelebrating Thoughts... Paul Souder

Martin Abkowitz John David Fitzgibbons Martin Abkowitz John David Fitzgibbons On July 14-18, PAVI 14 came to Skaneateles and Syracuse University. It was the 6th workshop of the series "From Parity Violation to Hadronic Structure and more". Paul Souder is Co-ChairApril with 20, Kent 1930 Paschke – (UVa). April Last 27, year 2014 Paul, along April 20, 1930 – April 27, 2014 Martin Abkowitz was hit and killed, Janu- Martin Abkowitz was hit and killed, January with a colleague, shared the 2013 Outstanding Nuclear Physicist Award from the Jefferson Laboratory (PHYSICS MAT- ary 30, 2014, while walking on Holt Rd. 30, 2014, while walking on Holt Rd. near his TERS, September 2013). The award was for developingJohn the David use of Fitzgibbons a parity violating (b. 4/20/1930) interaction passed to measure away after nuclear a brief size. John David Fitzgibbons (b. 4/20/1930) near his home in Webster, NY. The driver home in Webster, NY. The driver of the auto- This year, in connection with the annual workshop meeting of physicists engaged in measuring and using parity violation, of the automobile, who was under the influ- illness on 4/27/2014. We knew him as Fitz, but was also affection- mobile, who was under the influence of alco- passed away after a brief illness on Paul was honored by a series of talks in Stolkin Auditorium on Sunday, July 13, in a one day conference sponsored by ence of alcohol and drugs, was charged ately known as Doc by many. Fitz joined AAPT in 1956, and attend- hol and drugs, was charged with manslaugh- 4/27/2014. We knew him as Fitz, but was Syracuse University, the University of Virginia, where the Jefferson Laboratory is located, and the University of Massa- with manslaughter. ed his first national meeting just a few years after in Chicago. Fitz ter. also affectionately known as Doc by chusetts at Amherst. The conference was co-organized by Krishna Kumar, professor of physics at the University of Massa- chusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst); Kent Paschke, associatewas extremely professor active of physics in physics at the education University at theof Virginialocal, state, (UVA); nation- many. Fitz joined AAPT in 1956, and Martin was a student of Arnie Honig’s and al, and international levels. Martin was a student of Arnie Honig’s and attended his first national meeting just a and cameGordon back Cates, in the professor spring of of 2010 physics to cele- at UVA. The Sunday celebration consisted of seven talks on nuclear physics and came back in the spring of 2010 to celebrate 60 years of condensed parity violation. The talks covered the history of nuclear physics research over the past 40 years emphasizing the role that Paul played in that few years after in Chicago. Fitz was ex- brate 60 years of condensed matter physics, CM60@SU: 60 years of Fitz began his teaching career after serving matter physics, CM60@SU: 60 years of condensed matter research condensedresearch. It matter was followed research on atMonday-Friday SU that also celebrated by the PAVI over 14 50 workshop years in Skaneateles, NY. at SU that also celebrated over 50 years of Arnie Honig. Martin re- tremely active in physics education at the in the military as a radio operator between of Arnie Honig. Martin received his PhD in 1964, spent one year as a ceived his PhD in 1964, spent one year as a Postdoc at the University local, state, national, and international PostdocOn Monday at the evening, University there of was Pittsburgh a public and lecture then inspent Skaneateles the next “How33 exploring basic science the Korean and Vietnamese Wars. He of Pittsburgh and then spent the next 33 years at the Xerox research levels. yearsleads toat theunexpected Xerox research technology", laboratory presented in Webster, by Gordon New Cates York. (UVa) He had and on Tuesday evening served as a physics education consultant to laboratory in Webster, New York. He had the title of Principal Scien- thethere title was of a Principal chamber Scientistmusic concert at Xerox organized where hisby Sandyresearch Souder, interests Paul’s wife. In response to the the New York State Department of Educa- tist at Xerox where his research interests included; injection and inter- Fitz began his teaching career after serving in the military as a radio included;celebration, injection Alan Middleton, and interfacial SU Physics phenomena, Chair, electronic said “Paul transport has been and able to gather precise infor- tion. Fitz retired in 1992, and along with Joefacial phenomena, electronic transport and the dielectric properties of operator between the Korean and Vietnamese Wars. He served as a themation dielectric about propertiesthe size and of charge amorphous distribution semiconductors of protons and and disordered neutrons— information critical to amorphous semiconductors and disordered molecular and composite the study of the fundamental processes in nuclear physics. This discovery may provide fresh Drenchko, took over the lecture demonstra- physics education consultant to the New York State Department of molecular and composite materials. In addition, Martin participated in tion and instructional labs at Syracuse Uni-materials. In addition, Martin participated in the design of polymer Education. Fitz retired in 1992, and along with Joe Drenchko, took theinsights design into of thepolymer Standard based Model electronic of particle and transducerphysics and devices resolve includ- some unanswered questions based electronic and transducer devices including imaging receptors.. versity for a year, then graduated to become the world’s oldest over the lecture demonstration and instructional labs at Syracuse ingabout imaging the nature receptors.. and origins He also of the served universe.” as Adjunct Professor of Physics He also served as Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of at the University of Rochester and has been an Industrial co- principal TAs. Together, they taught physics to hundreds Syracuse UniversityRochester and has been an Industrial co- principal Investigator at the University for a year, then graduated to become the world’s oldest InvestigatorShortly after at this the celebration, NSF Science the Center Department on Photoinduced of Energy announcedElectron support forstudents Paul’s overproposal the next ten years. Fitz was a co-founder of the Syra-NSF Science Center on Photoinduced Electron Transfer at the Univer- TAs. Together, they taught physics to hundreds Syracuse University Transfertitled “Spin at theDependent University Phenomena of Rochester. in Medium Energy Physics”. This award iscuse in theUniversity amount Highof School Physics Teacher Saturday Morning sity of Rochester. students over the next ten years. Fitz was a co-founder of the Syra- $1,173,000 and will allow Paul to continue his work in this area for three years.Workshops, which started in 1993 and continue today. cuse University High School Physics Teacher Saturday Morning

Workshops, which started in 1993 and continue today. Puzzled Experimentalists PAVI14 is sponsored by Associazione Romana per le AstroParticelle (ARAP)Fitz’s, Thomas accolades Jeffer- in AAPT are numerous… son National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), and Welch Allyn. Fitz’s accolades in AAPT are numerous… 2001-2003 Committee on International Education Dark Matter Observed?2003-2005, 2008 Nominating Committee 2001-2003 Committee on International Education 2001-2007 Inter-American Council 2003-2005, 2008 Nominating Committee The existence of matter in the universe that interacts gravitationally, but very weakly,2003-2005 if at all, through Chair ofother Committee fields is onrequ Internationalired to explain Education the rota- 2001-2007 Inter-American Council tion curves of the stars in the Milky Way as well as gravitational lensing by galaxies 2008-2011and the polarization Membership properties and Benefits of the blackCommittee body radiation. 2003-2005 Chair of Committee on International Education Because the particles making up the dark matter interact weakly with particles of the standard model, they are referred to as wimps. 2002-2009; 2011-2014 NY Section Representative 2008-2011 Membership and Benefits Committee

In the past year, two experimental groups reported on their ongoing observations. Richard2002 Homer Schnee Dodge is an activeDistinguished member Serviceof the Cold Citation Dark recipient Matter 2002-2009; 2011-2014 NY Section Representative Search (CDMS) group in the Soudan Mine in Minnesota (see PHYSICS MATTERS,1993 V4, September,NYSS-AAPT 2009). Distinguished This experiment Service uses Award cylindr ical sili- 2002 Homer Dodge Distinguished Service Citation recipient con blocks in which to see an interaction with the dark matter particles. When a wimp1988 hits Woodrowa silicon atom Wilson an electron Institute is set free and the atom jig- 1993 NYSS-AAPT Distinguished Service Award gles. The electron is detected and the jiggling warms the silicon which is held at temperature of 40 1988 Woodrow Wilson Institute millikelvin. This group claimsFitz to have was seena participant three events in the of second correlated class electron of PTRAs capture (Physics and temper-Teach- ature change. ers Resource Agents) in 1986, and remained active in that program. Fitz was a participant in the second class of PTRAs (Physics Teach-

Since then, he has gone on to co-lead dozens of workshops for hun- ers Resource Agents) in 1986, and remained active in that program. The other experiment is the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment in South Dakota. This experiment uses a cryostat filleddreds with of 370kg physics of teachers, xenon from the whichlast during they thecurrently Spring use 2014 the NYSS- innermost Since then, he has gone on to co-lead dozens of workshops for hun- 118 kg to search for dark matter.AAPT Liquid meeting xenon in is Rochester. an excellent scintillator: Any particle interaction dreds of physics teachers, the last during the Spring 2014 NYSS- results in a prompt flash of light that is observed by an array of photomultiplier tubes. Application AAPT meeting in Rochester. of an electric field allows the detectionSince attending of the ionizationhis first national generated meeting, by the he interaction, missed only too. a fewJust duelike in CDMS, analyzing these twoto signals other AAPTallows relatedexperimentalists activities. toHe discriminate was intimately between involved electronic in the Since attending his first national meeting, he missed only a few due and nuclear recoils. Althoughcreation LUX is ofmore the sensitivePhysics Videothan CDMS, Classics they set, did was not a membersee any evidenceof the to other AAPT related activities. He was intimately involved in the for wimps. AAPT/NSF consortium that traveled to Denmark in 1996 to study creation of the Physics Video Classics set, was a member of the

These two results unfortunately are in disagreement and therefore a clear observationphysics cannot education be claimed. in a European However, context, the searchand was co antinues 50 year with partici- both AAPT/NSF consortium that traveled to Denmark in 1996 to study experiments and others using different observation techniques and other interactions.pating member of GIREP, attending many of those conferences physics education in a European context, and was a 50 year partici- (Together at GIREP, Fitz and Drenchko were known as Laurel and pating member of GIREP, attending many of those conferences A simplified plot that shows the predicted WIMP-nucleon scattering cross sectionHardy. as a Who function was ofLaurel WIMP and mass. who Asymmetricwas Hardy is dark still matterunknown.). models (Together at GIREP, Fitz and Drenchko were known as Laurel and 2 2 (light blue area) predict WIMPs with masses of a few GeV/c ; generic WIMP models (dark blue area) predict larger masses of hundreds of GeV/c Hardy. Who was Laurel and who was Hardy is still unknown.). or more. Parts of these parameter regions have been probed and excluded by current experiments (red area). The signal excess of the CDMS experi- ©The 5th Wave Sam Sampere ©The 5th Wave ment points towards relatively light WIMPs (green area). However, the absence of a signal in the LUX experiment is in tension with this result. Sam Sampere Most of the expected parameter space could be probed in the near future, until a background from coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering (yellow area) becomes relevant, interfering with possible dark matter signals. 148 14

Owen Lewis, ‘73 Owen Lewis,Tribute ‘73 to Joe Schechter The World without the Higgs

… I have this “oh, I need to remember my roots but the day-to-day tends to overwhelm me” every … I have this “oh, I need to remember my roots but the day-to-day tends to overwhelm me” every The world waits eagerly to learn December 14, 2013 the physics department held a dinner so often…Doc’s death, and all the swirl surrounding his memorial efforts by Paul Norton and so often…Doc’s death, and all the swirl surrounding his memorial efforts by Paul Norton and The latest thrilling news from CERN: honoring Professor Joe Schechter for 48 years of service to Doc’s other grad students, and my own pending retirement (moving to halftime and giving up the Doc’s other grad students, and my own pending retirement (moving to halftime and giving up the The Higgs did finally arrive. reins of PRA) are slowly making me pay more attention to the SU part of my life. Indeed, I’m in reins of PRA) are slowly makingthe department me pay moreand to attention wish him to well the SUon hispart retirement. of my life. Indeed, I’m in The Standard Model is alive! the process of updating my will and will be adding a small contribution to SU/Physics Dept. the process of updating myAfter will receivingand will be his adding PhD under a small the contribution supervision to of SU/Physics S. Okubo Dept.

at Rochester he did a postdoc with the Noble Prize winner …I did not start Photon Research Associates (PRA). But I can say with some pride that my join- But, if you’d ask me to …Iwithdraw did not start Photon Research Associates (PRA). But I can say with some pride that my join- A single universal law, Y. Nambu before choosing Syracuse as his academic ing moved it to increase in size by a factor of four and ultimately positioned it to be purchased by ing moved it to increase inhome. size by Joe a factor was a of popular four and teacher ultimately and seminar positioned speaker it to whobe purchased by Raytheon about 10 years ago. And I have held the title of “President” for the last 15 years. In any I’d say inertia is a Raytheonpain about 10 years ago. And I have held the title of “President” for the last 15 years. In any always brought a straightforward clarity to his presentations. As a thesis advisor he case… Like hurricanes, like acidcase… rain. I ask you, do we need molasses was in much demand and mentored over 20 graduate students and numerous Post- SU was part of my life from when I entered as freshman physics major in 1962 until I left the To gum up space and slow downSU was masses? part of my life fromdocs when who I enteredwent on as to freshmanillustrious physics careers, major on several in 1962 continents, until I left in the academia and Syracuse area in 1974, after doing a post-doc in the EE department. Throughout, my focus was more device/gadget ori- Syracuse area in 1974, after doing a post-doc in theindustry. EE department. Throughout, my focus was more device/gadget ori- ented than many of my peers. Indeed, as I think about it now, while at SU, I can claim to be the first person ever to re- ented than many of my peers. Indeed, as I think about it now, while at SU, I can claim to be the first person ever to re- record Edison cylinders using lasers; pioneered measuring thin film depositions (and have an equation describing the Rocksrecord in yourEdison path cylinders to stub yourusing toes lasers; on pioneered measuringJoe’s research thin film spanned depositions the gamut (and of have elementary an equation particle describing physics the especially the Because of that accursed boson. associated physics with my and fellow SU grad, Chin-shin Lu, names on it); explored the use of ESR as a general purpose associated physics with my and fellow SU grad, Chin-shinweak and Lu, strong names interactions. on it); explored Joe is theparticularly use of ESR impressed as a general by the purpose role of symmetry radar signal processor; and helped develop an acoustic surface wave optical Fourier transform concepts. Withoutradar signal the Higgs processor; the rock and would helped fly develop an acoustic surface wave optical Fourier transform concepts. Light as the wind into the sky in nature. His most cited work is on neutrinos, ghost like particles that fill the uni- But more memorable were the teachers and grad students who helped me find my way into the physics profession, with BeyondBut more the memorable clouds and wereout of the sight, teachers and grad studentsverse, which who helpedare crucial me findfor radioactivemy way into decays the physics and as profession,to may hold with the clue why the most significant person in my SU days being a giant in infrared detection systems, Henry Levinstein. He was my theAlready most significant at the speed person of light. in my SU days being athere giant is in matter infrared in thedetection Universe. systems, Joe andHenry collaborators Levinstein. were He particularlywas my concerned undergrad advisor (and who introduced me to a fellow undergrad who later became my wife), gave me a part-time job in undergrad advisor (and who introduced me to a fellowwith undergradthe patterns who and later implications became myof neutrinowife), gave masses me awell part-time before job the in masses were his research lab and, when in grad school, “hired” me to help him with his (in)famous physics of toys course. his research lab and, when in grad school, “hired” discoveredme to help andhim hiswith work his (in)famousincreased in physics relevance of toys over course. the years.

After finishing my post-doc, I joined Xerox in Rochester. There I worked on the then-new color xerography machines, After finishing my post-doc, I joined Xerox in Rochester.The theory There of strong I worked interactions, on the then-new QCD, is color notoriously xerography difficult machines, to solve. Joe pio- but soon decided that this was not the right career path (particularly since I’m color blind!). For reasons I still don’t quite but soon decided that this was not the right career neeredpath (particularly the use of effectivesince I’m field color theories blind!). for For describing reasons Ithe still results don’t ofquite QCD at low understand, another fellow SU grad, Dave Brown, got me to apply for a position, through General Electric, at the newly understand, another fellow SU grad, Dave Brown, got me to apply for a position, through General Electric, at the newly energies. The effective theories incorporate all the phenomenological implications formed Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester, working on laser fusion. I soon found myself at formed Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester, working on laser fusion. I soon found myself at of the symmetries of QCD. These theories have proven enormously useful and the cutting edge of high power laser system development, routinely working late into the night, burning my protective the cutting edge of high power laser system development, routinely working late into the night, burning my protective goggles with high power Yag illuminators and blowing up large laser power amplifiers. But as everything was new, no goggles with high power Yag illuminators and blowinginfluential. up large Joe laser also power did important amplifiers. work But on as supersymmetry everything was andnew, solitons. no Most one minded as long as we learned from our mistakes…and we did, patenting a number of bleeding edge concepts. one minded as long as we learned from our mistakes…andrecently Joewe revisiteddid, patenting a nagging a number problem of bleeding in hadron edge physics concepts. for which he proposed the existence of states with more than the standard quark anti-quark pair. After a couple of years being a grad student with an industrial salary, I was approached by the Department of Energy to After a coupleErich of Harth years being a grad student with an industrial salary, I was approached by the Department of Energy to move to DC and take over leadership of fusion laser system development across the country, including the National Lab move to DC and take over leadership of fusion laserJoe system published development over 200 papersacross thewhich country, have 10,000including citations! the National Even Labthough he is programs. I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to “play” with these even bigger toys! But after a few years at DoE, I real- programs. I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to “play”retired with he these is still even active bigger in research toys! But and after continuing a few years to publish. at DoE, We I real- wish him contin- ized that the quest for laser fusion would be multi-generational, and having been approached by the CIA to help them ized that the quest for laser fusion would be multi-generational, and having been approached by the CIA to help them ued success. - Carl Rosenzweig understand other nation’s capabilities in strategic weaponry (lasers, missiles, etc.), I joined the Agency. As one would understand other nation’s capabilities in strategic weaponry (lasers, missiles, etc.), I joined the Agency. As one would expect, I can’t talk about this phase of my career, other than to say I developed and fielded a number of special collection expect, I can’t talk about this phase of my career, other than to say I developed and fielded a number of special collection systems. Departmentalsystems. Teaching Awards 2013-2014

My Agency work prepared me for the next step in my career, being the first Intelligence Community lead for the just My Agency work prepared me for the next step in my career, being the first Intelligence Community lead for the just formed Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO, and now renamed as the Missile Defense Organization). But formed Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO, and now renamed as the Missile Defense Organization). But while an exciting job, it was more bureaucratic than I could accept, and so soon fled the government to go to a small com- while an exciting job, it was more bureaucratic than I could accept, and so soon fled the government to go to a small company, Photon Research Associates (PRA), that specialized in physic-based modeling of observables related to missiles, pany, Photon Research Associates (PRA), that specialized in physic-based modeling of observables related to missiles, aircraft and space systems. With my background, I helped PRA rework its mission such that it quadrupled in size and aircraft and space systems. With my background, I helped PRA rework its mission such that it quadrupled in size and were ultimately bought by Raytheon about 10 years ago (I have served as PRA president for the last 15 years). 2013were ultimately bought by Raytheon about 10 years ago (I have served as PRA president for the last 15 years). Fall During my years at PRA, we developed the first optical discriminates used for determining ballistic missile threats from During myDuncan years atBrown PRA,: we developedMatt LaHaye the first: opticalSteve discriminates Blusk: Sheldon used for Stone determining: Cristian ballistic missile threatsJen from Schwarz : non-lethal objects; deployed a very sensitive OE/IR space system (MSX) to measure the infrared space background, par- non-lethalAST objects; 101 deployed a veryPHY sensitive 216 OE/IRPHY space 424 system (MSXPHY) to 568 measure the infraredArmendariz-Picon space background, PHY par- 831 ticularly near the earth’s limb; pioneered the use of multi-static radars for use in the missile defense mission; and were the ticularly nearDinner the earth’s limb; pioneeredDinner the use of Lunchmulti-static radarsLunch for use in the missilePHY defense 567 Lunchmission; and wereLunch the leads in showing how the sensor systems on the Predator and Reaper UAV’s could be repurposed to detect/track/ leads in showing how the sensor systems on the Predator and Reaper UAV’s could be repurposed to detect/track/ discriminate ballistic missiles, leading to an entirely new class of sensors for the MDA. Also during this period, I chaired discriminate ballistic missiles, leading to an entirely new class of sensors for the MDA. Also during this period, I chaired a number of government/industry organizations including IRIS and MSS missile defense focused groups, and am very a number of government/industry organizations including IRIS and MSS missile defense focused groups, and am very proud to have founded and nurtured the only joint missile defense Intelligence Communities technical coordination group, proud to have founded and nurtured the only joint missile defense Intelligence Communities technical coordination group, MDICI. MDICI.

So while I still don’t want to throw in the towel quite yet, I do look back and conclude: I’m indebted to SU Physics for So while I still don’t want to throw in the towel quite yet, I do look back and conclude: I’m indebted to SU Physics for preparing me for a career where I could contribute to the national good and still have a lot of fun along the way! preparing me for a career where I could contribute to the national good and still have a lot of fun along the way! Spring 2014 Thx, Owen Thx, OwenMitch Soderberg: Lisa Manning: Jen Schwarz: Paul Souder: Jay Hubisz: Matt LaHaye: PHY 212 PHY 211 PHY 216 PHY 300— PHY 885 PHY 651 Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch Lunch Lunch 15

Degrees Granted—2013-2014 Bachelors:  Chad Kilmer  Almir Alemic  Marcel LaChance Doctor of Philosophy: Masters::  Manu Arul  Peter Nelson  Samantha Blatt  Eleni Degaga * Nicholas Baxter Deborah Noble  Diamond Breland  Jonathan Raad Justin Garofoli Michael Bowles  Lena Deb  Paige Samblanet  Sean Dunfield  Robert Stout Bilas Pal David Kelley  Anna Fadeeva  David Tagg Jyothish Vidyadharan Liaming Liu  Daniel Goldman  Andrew Tenney Xu Ma  Dylan Hsu  Neill Warrington

Undergraduate Commencement Awards—2013 Doctoral Dissertation Awards—2013 Neil F. Beardsley Prize—Neill Warrington, Daniel Goldman Shiladitya Banerjee Paul M. Gelling Scholarship—Dylan Hsu Award for Academic Excellence—Almir Alemic

Contributions can be made to the following:

_____Henry Levinstein Fellowship Fund—this graduate fellowship is to foster graduate student research with members of the Physics faculty, based on academic excellence of the nominee and promise of excellence in research.

Henry Levinstein (1919-1986) came to Syracuse University in 1947 and established a laboratory to study the properties of various lead salts sensitive to the infrared spectrum. He introduced a once a week lecture course on the Physics of Toys which was oversubscribed and overfilled Stolkin Auditorium. Much loved by his students, the Henry Levinstein Fellowship Fund was established by them.

_____ William Fredrickson Fund— this undergraduate fund was established to provide a partial tuition scholarship for an incoming freshman who indicates an interest in physics.

William R. Fredrickson came to Syracuse University in 1928 and was Chairman of the Physics Department from 1939-65. With the end of World War II, he began to build the department by choosing a faculty with strong interests in research. He was admired for his warmth and consideration of both the students and faculty. For his 75th birthday, former students, faculty, and university colleagues contributed funds for the William R. Fredrickson Scholarship Fund.

_____Niel F. Beardsley Prize—an award to an undergraduate physics major, based on outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the department.

Niel F. Beardsley was not a student at Syracuse University. He was both the monitor at Wright Patterson Air Force Base of some of the research carried out in Henry Levinstein’s laboratory and a contributor to that research. When he died in 1962, friends and colleagues raised the funds to establish the Neil F. Beardsley Memorial Award whose undergraduate awardee would be selected by the Syracuse University Physics faculty.

_____Paul M. Gelling Fellowship Fund—a memorial scholarship fund made to an outstanding undergraduate physics major based on outstanding achievement.

Paul Gelling was a long time jack-of-all-trades in the department from 1949-84. He set up the demonstrations, printed laboratory manuals, constructed laboratory space, and generally took care of the building. When he died in 1984, his chil- dren, Paul D. and Susan Gelling and Mary Gelling Merritt, recognized Paul’s identification with and devotion to the department by establishing the Paul M. GellingFellowship.

_____General Department Gift Fund: At the discretion of the Chair, funds are used to support teaching, research, travel and other general departmental needs.

Checks should be made out to Syracuse University with an indication of the selected fund, and sent to: Chair, Department of Physics, Syracuse University, 201 Physics Building, Syracuse, NY 13244-1130. SSyracuseyracuse Univeiversitity University DepartmentSyracus ofofe Physics PhysicsUnive rsity 201 PhysicsPhysics BuildingBuilding Syracuse, NY 13244-1130 13244-1130 Department of Physics 201 Physics Building Syracuse, NY 13244-1130

Physics Matters Physics Matters

Physics Matters is published by the Department of Physics Mattersof Syracuse Matters is published University by for the its Department students, of alumniPhysics andof Syracuse friends toUniversi informty them for its about students, the departmentalumniPhysics and Matters friendsand tois published serveto inform as a bychannelthem the about Department of the of communication.departmentPhysicscommunication. of Syracuse and toReadersReaders serve University as withwith a channel commentscomments for its ofstudents, oror questionscommunication.alumni and are friends urged Readers toto informsend with them them comments to about Department or the of Physics,questionsdepartment Syracuse are and urged to University, serve to send as athem channel201 toPhysics Department of Building, of Syracuse,Physics,communication. Syracuse NY 13244-1130. Readers Universi with ty,Fax 201 commentsto 315-Physics443 -9103.or-9103.Building, EmailSyracuse,questions to [email protected]. NYare urged13244 -to1130. send Fax them to 315Theto Department- 443Web-9103. address of EmailisPhysics,is http://www.phy.syr.edu/.http://www.phy.syr.edu/. to [email protected]. University, 201 The Physics Web Building, address isSyracuse, http://www.phy.syr.edu/. NY 13244-1130. Fax to 315-443-9103. OnEmail November to [email protected]. 18, 1887, classes were suspended The at Webthis fledgling address univer- sitysityis http://www.phy.syr.edu/. soso studentsstudents andand facultyfaculty couldcould attendattend thethe dedicationdedication ofof thethe CharlesCharles Demarest Holden Observatory. The main speaker on that occasion was PhysicsDr. Simon Machine Newcomb Shop of Washington: clockwise DC; from his talk top was entitled "The PlacePlaceOn November ofof AstronomyAstronomy 18, 1887, inin thethe classes Sciences."Sciences." were Also,Also,suspended undergraduateundergraduate at this fledgling HenryHenry univer-Sibley,Sibley, Lesclassclasssity Schmutzlerso ofof students 1889,1889, wrotewrote and— facultya aSenior poempoem could toto Experimental celebratecelebrate attend thethe dedication:dedication dedication:Machinist of (1987) the Charles PhilDemarest Arnold Holden—Experimental Observatory. TheMachinist main speaker (1995) on that occasion was LouDr. Simon Buda Newcomb—Laboratory Hurrah,of Washington Manager hurrah forDC;II (1978Syracuse! his talk ) was entitled "The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences." Also, undergraduate Henry Sibley, Charlieclass of 1889,Brown wrote—Senior a poemYe winds Experimental to celebrate repeat the the storyMachinist dedication:.. (1995 ) SingSing inin thythy loftiestloftiest strains,strains, mymy muse,muse, Hurrah,Our new hurrah Observatory. for Syracuse! Ye winds repeat the story. Sing in thy loftiest strains, my muse, Our new Observatory.