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The campus community biweekly February 21, 2002, vol. 2, no. 4

Shall we dance? Microlaser delivers macropower

Caltech applied physicists have demon­ strated an ultrasmall Raman laser that is 1,000 times more efficient than previous devices. The device could have signifi­ cant applications for telecommunications and other areas where compact, highly efficient, and tunable lasers are desirable. Reporting in the February 7 issue of Nature, Professor of Applied Physics Kerry Vahala and graduate students Sean Caltech molecular Spillane and Tobias Kippenberg describe biologist Davidson their progress in making the tiny device, which incorporates a small spherical glass passes away bead and a stretched fiber-optic wire. The laser is especially efficient because of the Norman Davidson, whose ground­ way it stores light inside the microsphere, breaking work in molecular biology at or resonator, as well as the manner in Caltech led to a better understanding of which the optical wire permits efficient the genetic blueprint of life, died at Hun­ coupling of light into the sphere. tington Hospital in Pasadena on February According to Vahala, the light wraps 14 after a brief illness. He was 85. around the sphere in a ring orbit and Davidson was Caltech's Chandler subsequently intensifies over hundreds Professor of Chemical Biology, Emeritus; of thousands of orbits, resulting in he had been a faculty member since extreme concentration of optical power 1946. He took emeritus status in 1986, within the sphere. In this way, very weak but served as executive officer for biol­ signals applied to the sphere from the ogy from 1989 to 1997 and remained fiber-optic wire can build to enormous active in research until his death. intensities within the sphere itself. "It was with the deepest personal At these higher power levels, the Abby Fietzer and Steven Verschoor of the Occidental Folk and Historic Dance Troupe whirled their regret that I heard of the death of Norman way across Dabney Lounge at the recent Viennese Waltz Night. The annual event is also cosponsored physics within the sphere enters a non­ Davidson," said Caltech president David by the Caltech Ballroom Dance Club and Caltech-Occidental Orchestra. see Micro/aser, page 6 Baltimore. "Norman was a friend long before the prospect of my being president of Caltech arose, and he symbolized for Caltech searches for 85 years old and going strong me the essence of the Institute. "His movement into biology from a development officer background in chemistry allowed him to What Institute organization has brought She notes that the Y's programs-the play a special role in the development of The recent announcement of Jerry such luminaries as Martin Luther King, Jr., majority of which are still entirely stu­ molecular biology. He saw imaginative Nunnally's departure from the vice presi­ and Supreme Court Justice William 0. dent-initiated and led-have continued ways that structural understanding could dency for development and alumni rela­ Douglas to campus? Inspired Robert to impact generations of students and illuminate functional questions. He tions has prompted the formation of a Millikan to bequeath the bulk of his estate alums, as its founders envisioned years trained some of the finest and most committee that will begin an immediate to it? Can claim Frank Capra as an alum? ago. Last year's annual report, for in­ imaginative people in the field. And he search for his successor. And does everything from involving stu­ stance, brought to the Y's current staff a was deeply loved by all with whom he Chaired by Bill Jenkins, Caltech's execu­ dents in community service to serving variety of fond reminiscences from alums came in contact because of his unalloyed tive vice president for administration, the them home-cooked chili during finals? of theY ExComm, the student executive see Davidson, page 2 committee includes Peter Dervan, Bren That would be the Caltech Y, of course. committee, some of those alums hailing Professor of Chemistry, Sandra Ell, treasurer TheY has come a long way since its mod­ back to the 1930s. A number of Y and and chief investment officer, Jean Grinols, est beginning in 1916, when a group of other Caltech alums have also returned administrator for the Division of Geological students decided to form a Young Men's to serve on the board of directors, includ- and Planetary Sciences, John Ledyard, chair Christian Association at Throop College of see Caltech \'; page 6 Kirschvink wins of the Division of the Humanities and Social Technology. As the organization celebrates Feynman Prize Sciences, Bob O'Rourke, vice president for its 85th birthday this year, it is no longer a public relations and interim vice president part of the national YMCA, but is an inde­ Professor of Geobiology Joseph for development and alumni relations, and pendent, nonprofit service organization Kirschvink has been awarded the 2002 Caltech trustee Wally Weisman. officially affiliated with Caltech. It has, Richard P. Feynman Prize for Excellence "This superb committee will play a key however, continued to take to new levels in Teaching "for his innovative teaching role in finding and selecting the best can­ the original vision of its founders "to en­ style and outstanding mentorship, which didates and then help convince the candi­ rich student life; to enable students to learn have inspired a generation of Caltech dates about the many positive attributes about themselves and their place in the students," Provost Steve Koonin has of Caltech and Pasadena," Jenkins said. world community through increased so­ announced. The quest for candidates was assigned cial, ethical, and cultural awareness; and to When asked about his reaction, to Gary Posner, a recruiter with Witt/ address unmet student needs." Kirschvink said, "I was stocked and Kiefer, a firm that specializes in searches As Athena Castro, who joined theY shunned!" and then broke into laughter. for senior personnel and executives at staff in 1997 and became executive direc­ Being a Caltech alum (BS '75, MS '75), he institutions of higher education. tor in 2000, observes, "Eighty-five years believes, contributes to his classroom Given that Caltech's ambitious capital is a long time, but as I reflect on its his­ tory, theY and its mission really haven't The Caltech Y staff, from left: Molly Hood, rapport. "I was an undergrad here-1 campaign has advanced into the plan­ Athena Castro, Diana Salazar, Greg Fletcher, and see VP search, page 6 changed since the beginning." Armida McGill. see Kirschvink, page 2 2 Caltech 336, February 21,2002

Davidson. from page 1 commitment to pushing the frontiers of understanding. "Caltech is diminished by the loss of NewsBriefs this great man who, undaunted by infir­ mity, almost to the end drove himself around the campus in his cart, asking questions, making suggestions, and still fully contributing to the institution to which he had given so much of his life," Baltimore said. Born in 1916, Davidson earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry at the University of Chicago in 1937, and another bachelor of science degree at the Univer­ sity of Oxford in 1939 as a Rhodes Scholar. Caltech's most recent Feynman Prize winner, In 1941 he completed his doctorate in circa mid-1970s, before he launched his chemistry at the University of Chicago. professorial career. During the war he worked for the National Defense Research Committee Kirschvink, from page 1 Project at USC, and for the Division of know the capabilities of the students," he War Research at Columbia University and said. In addition, undergrads enjoy the the University of Chicago. From 1943 to hands-on nature of his lab classes; for 1945, he worked on the University of many of them, it's the first real research Chicago's Plutonium Project. opportunity they've received. After the war, Davidson joined the Perhaps more telling, though, as to Caltech faculty as a chemistry instructor. why his class enrollments keep growing is He became a full professor in 1957, exec­ his view ofthe learning process. "It's a utive officer for chemistry in 1967, and chance to have fun with science," he said. Chandler Professor of Chemical Biology " Science should be enjoyable. " At the in 1982. same time, he makes sure things remain Davidson was known in the scientific challenging: "Students like to compete, community for his innovative methods and so do 1." in bridging the gap between the physical Koonin said that the many under­ and biological sciences. He pioneered graduate and graduate students who take new methods in physical chemistry and Kirschvink's classes are "inspired by his electron microscopy, the latter proving unabashed enthusiasm for the Earth especially useful for genetic mapping sciences, embraced by his sincerity and dedication to education, and challenged New NA~A admi~istrator Sean O'Keefe (left) recently made his first official visit to JPL and Caltech. and exploring the information properties Along w1~h ~PL director Charles Elachi and Tom Gavin, he toured the lab of Valerie Thomas, JPL's of DNA and RNA. by the depth and breadth of his knowl­ X2000 av1omcs electronics manager. O'Keefe later attended an Athenaeum reception with Elachi and In 1996, when he was awarded the edge." The courses blend science funda­ three past JPL directors: William Pickering, Bruce Murray, and Ed Stone. National Medal of Science by President mentals with state-of-the-art research Clinton, the White House cited him "for and opportunities for field work in the breakthroughs in chemistry and biology United States and abroad. which have led to the earliest under­ The Feynman Prize is awarded annu­ Honors and awards biology; Mark Lacy, staff scientist, SIRTF; Or­ standing of the overall structure of ally to a Caltech professor who "demon­ lando Lopez, dishwasher and general helper, genomes." Davidson was a founding strates unusual ability, creativity, and Dining Services; Sam Martin, supervisor, JPL Barry Barish, Linde Professor of Physics and innovation in undergraduate and gradu­ Store; Douglas McElroy, team deputy lead­ member of the advisory council to the director of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational­ ate classroom and laboratory teaching." observatory planning, SIRTF; Eugenio Mendoza, Human Genome Project. Wave Observatory Laboratory, has been selected gardener, Physical Plant; James Mertens, cook, Nominations for the Feynman Prize can by the awards committee of the American Asso­ "Norman was a major figure in both Dining Services; Brett Miller, shift supervisor, be made by any member of the Caltech ciation of Physics Teachers (AAPT) to received the chemistry and biology for more than half Security; David Mispagel. project manager, 2002 Klopsteg Award. He will give a major lecture a century, and one of the people who community. Physical Plant; Cecilia Nakamura, department at the summer meeting of the AAPT in Boise, The prize, consisting of a cash award aide, biology; Wade Okumura, director of hu­ helped bring the two together, not just at Idaho, this August on a topic of current signifi­ of $3,500 and an equivalent raise in the man resources systems, Human Resources· Caltech, but in the subject as a whole," cance for nonspecialists. Gustavo Munoz, assistant animal lab technician said Caltech provost Steve Koonin. honoree's salary, is made possible by a biology; Vivian Niller, accounts payable proces-' gift from lone and Robert E. Paradise, in Steve Koonin, professor of theoretical physics Davidson's many awards included his sor, Financial Services; Irma Perez; administra­ and provost, has been elected a member of the designation as the 1980 California Scien­ appreciation of Richard Feynman's contri­ tive assistant, chemistry; Anitha Rao, research Council on Foreign Relations. Dedicated to in­ butions to excellent teaching. aide B, biology; Christoph Rasche, research tist of the Year, the Robert A. Welch creasing America's understanding of the world assistant I, biology; Luisa Rebull, staff scientist, Award in Chemistry, the Dickson Prize for • and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy, the SIRTF; Veronica Robles, office assistant, electri­ council "aims to enhance the quality of study and Science, and the American Chemical cal engineering; Jerry Rodriguez, banquet debate on world issues, develop new generations Society's Peter Debye Award. He was a supervisor, Athenaeum; Joseph Schaeffer, of thinkers and leaders, and help meet interna­ member of the National Academy of research assistant I, computer science; Samuel tional challenges by generating concrete and Sharp, department clerk, and Stephanie Sciences and a fellow of the American workable ideas." Solario, assistant project accountant. Financial Academy of Arts and Sciences. Services; Laurie Thompson, director of the Davidson is survived by his w ife, Pasadena Center and educational researcher, Annemarie Davidson, of Sierra Madre; Caltech Precollege Science Initiative (CAPSI); Chi four children; and eight grandchildren. Personals Wang, research assistant I, biology; Geoffrey Wardle, director of the Entrepreneurial Fellows • Welcome to Caltech Program, engineering.

February January L. A. Sparks star Mwadi Mabika David Adamczyk, software engineer, high­ Joshua Adams, computer assistant, aeronau­ recently spoke on energy physics; Nina Bales, server, Athenaeum; tics; Stephen Barba, senior system engineer, campus about Anthony Cava, coach, Athletics; Megan Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF); Libera women in sports. Gianakos, administrative aid, Financial Aid; Berghella, assistant biologist, biology; Marco Her visit was in Douglass Jourdan, cook, Dining Services; Bonati, computing analyst, Palomar Observa­ honor of National Vernon Leggins, custodian, Physical Plant; tory; Jacqueline Campos, administrative aide, Girls and Women in Natanael Lopez, lead cook, Dining Services; Financial Services; Yun Cao, research assistant I, Sports Day and the Thomas Reid, administrative aid, Alumni Asso­ biology; Anne Carasik, network system admin­ 30-year anniversary ciation; Patricia Velez, accounting assistant, istrator, Center for Advanced Computing Re­ of Title IX, a federal Caltech Auxiliary and Business Services. search (CACR); Sean Carey, staff scientist, SIRTF; statute that bans Kathleen Carpenter, shift supervisor, Security; sex discrimination Mi Sook Chang, research assistant I, biology; in educational Oscar Cortez, bus person, Athenaeum; Mat­ Retirements programs. thew Evans, application developer, Laser Inter­ ferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory March 1 (LIGO); Matthew Gardner, research assistant, Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy; Jeff Kuszta Boguslaw, an administrator and mem­ Hickey, assistant engineer, Palomar Observatory; ber of the professional staff in chemical engineer­ Heather Jackson, administrative secretary, ing, has retired after 14 years at Caltech. electrical engineering and computation and neural systems; Scott Kee, senior research Jerald Burk has retired after 26 years at Caltech. assistant, electrical engineering; Caroline He was the provost's special assistant in the Kennedy, assistant veterinary lab technician, Office of the Provost. the acad em ic week at ca It ec h is a printed version of selected events from the online @Caltech calendar, http://atcaltech.caltech.edu/calendar/. To publish events online, register as an event planner on the @Caltech calendar. If unable to submit electronically, please call (626) 395-3630. For further information or a schedule of deadlines, call (626) 395-3630, fax (626) 449-2159, write 336 Calendar, 1-71, California

Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, or e-mail [email protected].

February 25-M arch 3, 2002

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Monday, February 25 Tuesday, February 26 Wednesday, February 27 Thursday, February 28

Aeronautics Seminar Caltech Library System Presents: Mathematical Physics Seminar Special Biochemistry Seminar 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota Copyright for Researchers in 351 Sloan, noon-"Quantum Dynamics 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.-"Spaceflight Academia of Many-Body Systems, Euler Equations, 3 p.m.-"Chirality Generation and Safety," Jeff Claxton, NASA Dryden. Sherman Fairchild Library, multimedia and Nonlinear Schrodinger Equations," Recognition," Professor Reiko Kuroda, Information: www.galcit.caltech.edu/ conference room, noon to 1:30 p.m.­ Horng-Tzer Yau, professor of mathe­ University of Tokyo. Refreshments. seminars.shtml. Rights and responsibilities under copy­ matics, Courant Institute, New York right law will be discussed by Kimberly University. Information: www.math. William and Myrtle Harris Astronomy Tea Talk Douglas, director of the Sherman caltech.edu/events/mathphys.html. Distinguished Lectureship in 106 Robinson, 4 p.m.-Topic to be Fairchild Library, and attorney Peggy Science and Civilization announced. William Holzapfel, professor Luh, Caltech's Office of the General Astronomy Colloquium Beckman Institute auditorium, 4 p.m.­ of physics, UC Berkeley. Information: Counsel. Information and registration: 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, "Einstein and the German Question," http://astro. ca ltech .ed u/-j lc/colloq u ia. http:// I i bra ry.ca Itech .ed u/lea rn i ng/ 4 p.m.-"Early-Type Galaxies: Old Stars Fritz Stern, University Professor Emeri­ html. form.htm. Open to Caltech community in Young Galaxies," Pieter van Dokkum, tus, Columbia University. Refreshments. members only. postdoctoral scholar in astronomy, Information: www.hss.caltech.edu/ses/ Computation and Neural Systems Caltech. Information: http://astro.caltech. SEPP.html. Seminar Institute for Quantum Information edu/-jlc/colloquia.html. 24 Beckman Labs, 4 p.m.-Topic to be 74 Jorgensen, 3 p.m.-" Implementation W. N. Lacey Lectureship in Chemical announced. Jean Ensminger, professor of Quantum Repeaters and Long­ Environmental Science and Engineering of anthropology, Caltech. Distance Quantum Communication Engineering Seminar 106 Spalding Lab, Hartley Memorial through Laser Manipulation of Atomic 142 Keck, 4 p.m.-"ENSO and Tropical Seminar Room, 4 p.m.-"Microfluidics: General Biology Seminar Ensembles," Luming Duan, senior Pacific Climate of the Last Millennium From Fundamentals to Applications," 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.-" Identifying postdoctoral scholar in physics, Caltech. from U/Th-Dated Fossil Corals," Kim Dr. Sangtae Kim, Lilly Research Labora­ Genetic Regulatory Networks in the Cobb, graduate student, Scripps Insti­ tories. Refreshments, 113 Spalding Lab, Developing Mesoderm," Marc Halton, Joint Mechanical Engineering/Solid tution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. 3:30 p.m. Information: www.cheme. research fellow in medicine, Brigham Mechanics Seminar Refreshments, Keck lobby, 3:40p.m. caltech.edu/seminars/seminars.html. and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical 206 Thomas, 3 p.m.-"The Emergence Information: www.ese.caltech.edu/ School. and Development of Control Control: seminars.html. Physics Research Conference The Hidden Technology," Professor Karl 201 E. Bridge, 4 p.m.-" Alternatives for Geology and Planetary Sciences J. Astrom, UC Santa Barbara. Refresh­ Neurobiology Seminar Building a Quantum Computer," David Seminar ments, 210 Thomas, 2:45p.m. 24 Beckman Labs, 4 p.m.-Topic to be DiVincenzo, IBM. Refreshments, 108 East 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, announced. Joshua Sanes, professor Bridge, 3:45 p.m. Information: www.pma. 4 p.m.-" Global Seismic Anisotropy," Ulric B. and Evelyn L. Bray Seminar of anatomy and neurobiology, School caltech.edu/- physcoii/PhysColl.html. Professor Jean-Paul Montagner, lnstitut 25 Baxter, 4 p.m.-"lntertemporal of Medicine, Washington University in de Physique du Globe de Paris. Informa­ Substitution at Work? Evidence from a St. Louis. tion: www.gps.caltech.edu. Field Experiment," Lorenz Goette, Friday, March 1 department of economics, UC Berkeley. Organic Chemistry Seminar Solid State Sciences Seminar Series Refreshments. 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Thesis Seminar (S"5) 4 p.m .-"Self-Assembly of 153 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, 102 Steele, 4 p.m.-" Ballistic Electron Carnegie Observatories Colloquium Resorcinarene-Encapsulated Nano­ 10 a.m.-"Force-Detected NMR in a Emission Microscopy (BEEM) of Buried Series particles," Professor Alexander Wei, Homogeneous Field: Experiment Design, Semiconductor Heterostructures, William T. Golden Auditorium, 813 Santa department of chemistry, Purdue Apparatus, and Observations," Louis Quantum Wells, and Quantum Dots," Barbara Street, 4 p.m.-"SIRTF Sings: University. Madsen, graduate student in chemistry, Professor Venky Narayanamurti, Harvard The SIRTF Nearby Galaxies Survey," Caltech. University. Refreshments, Watson lobby, Professor Robert Kennicutt, department 3:45p.m. Information: www.its.caltech. of astronomy, University of Arizona. Fluid Mechanics Seminar edu/-yehg rou p/s5/. Refreshments, 3:30 p.m. 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota Lecture Hall, 3 p.m.-"Contact Line Applied and Computational General Biology Seminar Dynamics," Professor Stephen Davis, Mathematics Colloquium 119 Kerckhoff, 4 p.m.- Topic to be an­ department of engineering sciences 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota nounced. York Marahrens, department of and applied mathematics, Northwestern Lecture Hall, 4:15 p.m.-"Stochastic human genetics, UCLA. University. Information: www.galcit. Lattice Gas Models for Fluid," caltech.edu/Seminars/Fiuids/ Horng-Tzer Yau, professor of mathe­ W. N. Lacey Lectureship in Chemical CurrentFI uids/i ndex. htm I. matics, Courant Institute, New York Engineering University. Refreshments, 3:45 p.m. 106 Spalding Lab, Hartley Memorial Kellogg Seminar Seminar Room, 4 p.m.-" Informatics in Lauritsen Library, 4 p.m.-"Charged Pharmaceutical R & D," Dr. Sangtae Kim, Particle Multiplicities at RHIC," Lilly Research Laboratories. Refresh­ Patrick Decowski, Laboratory for ments, 113 Spalding Lab, 3:30p.m. Infor­ Nuclear Science, MIT. mation: www.cheme.caltech.edu/ Albert Einstein, riding his bicycle in Santa Barbara seminars/seminars.html. circa 1932, will be the subject of the February 28 John D. Roberts Lecture Harris Lectureship in Beckman Auditorium. 22 Gates Annex, 4 p.m.-" Liquid Crystal­ line Media Offer New Opportunities in NMR Structure Determination," Dr. Ad Bax, National Institutes of Health. Refreshments. the academic week at Ca Itee h is a printed version of selected events from the online @Caltech calendar, http://atcaltech.caltech.edu/calendar/. To publish events online, register as an event planner on the @Caltech calendar. If unable to submit electronically,

please call (626) 395-3630. For further information or a schedule of deadlines, call (626) 395-3630, fax (626) 449-2159, write 336 Calendar, 1-71, California

Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, or e-mail [email protected].

March 4-10,2002

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Monday, March 4 Wednesday, March 6 Thursday, March 7 Focusing on Aeronautics Seminar Mathematical Physics Seminar Ulric B. and Evelyn L. Bray Seminar improved vision 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota 351 Sloan, noon-" Energy Growth for 25 Baxter, 4 p.m.-"The Ordinal Nash Lecture Hall, 1 p.m.-"Space-Based Schri:idinger Equations on the Circle with Social Welfare Function," Eran Hanany, The winter quarter 2002 Watson Lecture Radar, " Steve Bayliss, Aerospace Corpo­ Markovian Potentials," Wilhelm Schlag, Center for Mathematical Studies in Series continues on Wednesday; March ration. Information: www.galcit.caltech. associate professor of mathematics, Economics and Management Science, 6, with a talk by Julia Kornfield, profes­ edu/seminars.shtml. Caltech. Information: www.math.caltech. Northwestern University. Refreshments. sor of chemical engineering and director ed u/events/math phys.htm I. of the Center for the Science and Engi­ Astronomy Tea Talk Physics Research Conference neering of Materials. The lecture is free 106 Robinson, 4 p.m.-" Energy Release Environmental Science and 201 E. Bridge, 4 p.m.-"Why Did Arnold and open to the public, and will begin at in the Central Engines of AGN," Neal Engineering Seminar Sommerfeld Never Get the Nobel 8 p.m . in Beckman Auditorium. Turner, department of astronomy, Uni­ 142 Keck, 4 p.m.-"(Per)chlorate­ Prize?", Valentine Telegdi, CERN. "New Materials for Perfect Vision" versity of Maryland at College Park. Reducing Bacteria: A Unique and Refreshments, 108 E. Bridge, 3:45p.m. will be the topic of Kornfield's lecture. Information: http://astro.ca ltech.ed u/-jlc/ Exceptionally Versatile Group of Micro­ Information: www.pma.caltech.edu/ As most people age, they suffer a loss colloquia.html. organisms," Professor John Coates, - physcoii/PhysColl.html. of visual acuity due to cataracts-a department of microbiology, Southern clouding of the lenses of their eyes. Geology and Planetary Sciences Illinois University. Refreshments, Keck Though cataracts are not yet prevent­ Seminar lobby, 3:40 p.m. Information: www.ese. Friday, March 8 able, they can be treated surgically by 155 Arms, Robert Sharp Lecture Hall, caltech.edu/seminars.html. replacing the opaque lens with a syn­ 4 p.m.-Dix Lecture, topic to be Fluid Mechanics Seminar thetic one-about two million cataract announced. Professor Bradford Hager, Frontiers in Science Seminar 101 Guggenheim Lab, Lees-Kubota operations are performed in the United department of earth, atmospheric, and Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Lecture Hall, 3 p.m.-Topic to be States each year. Polymer physicists and planetary sciences, MIT. Information: Music Room 3400, Woodland Hills, announced. Professor Ellen Longmire, chemists at Caltech, working with an eye www.gps.caltech.edu. 4 p.m.-" Structural Studies of Cell-Cell department of aerospace engineering surgeon at UC San Francisco, have Interactions: What We Can Learn f rom and mechanics, University of M innesota, developed new materials to make a 3D Structures of Proteins," Pamela Twin Cities. Information: www.galcit. laser-adjustable lens to provide optimal Bjorkman, professor of and executive caltech.edu/Seminars/Fiuids/ Tuesday, March 5 vision for every patient. Kornfield will officer for biology, Caltech, and full Cu rrentFI uids/i ndex.html. explain these new technologies and their Caltech Library System Presents: investigator, Howard Hughes Medical implications for the future. Life Sciences Information Institute. Presented jointly by Caltech lnorganic-Organometallics Seminar No tickets or reservations are Resources and Pierce College. Admission is free. 151 Crellin, 4 p.m.-"The Polymerization required for the Watson Lectures. A Sherman Fairchild Library, multimedia Information: 395-6024 or (818) 703-0826. of Chiral a-Oiefins by Optically Active minimum of 700 seats will be available conference room, noon to 1:30 p.m.­ Ansa-Zirconocene Catalysts," Cliff Baar, on a first-come, first-served basis, begin­ Learn how to make the most of biology Organic Chemistry Seminar postdoctoral scholar in chemistry, ning at 7:30 each lecture evening. For and chemistry information tools and 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, Caltech. more information, call Caltech Public services provided by the Caltech Library 4 p.m.-"Diversity-Based Approaches Events at (626) 395-4652, e-mail System. Registration: http://library. to Developing New Asymmetric Reac­ Kellogg Seminar [email protected], or visit www. caltech.edu/learning/form.htm. Open to tions," Professor James P. Morken, Lauritsen Library, 4 p.m.-"Anapole events.caltech.edu/watson/. Caltech community members only. department of chemistry, University Moments in a Chain of Fr Isotopes: of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Possibilities and Current Advances," • Mechanical Engineering Seminar Professor Luis Orozco, department of 206 Thomas, 3 p.m.-" Scaling in Solid Earnest C. Watson Lecture physics and astronomy, SUNY Stony Mechanics: From Nano to Mega," Beckman Auditorium, 8 p.m.-" New Brook. Zdenek P. Bazant, professor of civil Materials for Perfect Vision," Julia engineering, Northwestern University. Kornfield, professor of chemical engi­ Science, Ethics, and Public Policy Information: www.me.caltech.edu/ neering, Caltech. Admission is free. Seminar seminars.html. Information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 25 Baxter, 4 p.m.-" Anthropic Explana­ 2CALTECH, or [email protected]. tion in Cosmology," Dr. Ernan McMullin, Carnegie Observatories Colloquium Individuals with a disability: 395-4688 director emeritus, Program in History Series (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public and Philosophy of Science, University of William T. Golden Auditorium, 813 Santa Events at www.events.caltech.edu. Notre Dame. Refreshments. Information: Barbara Street, 4 p.m.-"Central Struc­ www.hss.caltech.edu/ses/index.html. tural Parameters of Early-type Galaxies: Relics of the Formation Process?", Dr. Swara Ravindranath, Carnegie Observatories. Refreshments, 3:30 p.m.

Chemical Physics Seminar 147 Noyes, Sturdivant Lecture Hall, 4 p.m.-" Electronic Spectra of Carbon Chains and Their Relevance to Astro­ physics," Professor John P. Maier, Insti­ tute of Physical Chemistry, University of Basel, Switzerland. Caltech 336, February 21,2002 5 CampusEvents

Monday, February 25 Taping of NPR's Wait, Wait . .. Don't Tell Me! Paco A. Lagerstrom Chamber Music Concert Thursday, March 7 Beckman Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.-Pasadena City Beckman Auditorium, 3:30p.m.-The California Baby Furniture and Household Equipment College's NPR-affiliate radio station, KPCC, will Classical Ensemble will perform works by Digital Media Center Presents Hands-On Pool present National Public Radio's Wait, Wait . .. Berio, Bach, Korngold, Part, Bartok, and Scanning Workshop 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-Loans of Don't Tell Me! on the Caltech campus. The one­ Moszkowski. Tickets and information: 395-4652, New Media Classroom, 363 S. Hill Avenue, kitchen and household necessities and baby hour weekly news quiz will be taped for nation­ 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or [email protected]. 10 a.m. to noon-Learn solid techniques for furniture are made to members of the Caltech wide broadcast on the following Saturday. Tickets Individuals with a disability: 395-4688 (voice) or accurate scanning. Basic image enhancement community. Information: 584-9773. and information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public Events at www.events. techniques with Adobe Photoshop will also be [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: caltech.edu. covered. Registration: 395-3420 or dmc@caltech. Ballroom Dance Club 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public edu. Information: http://twing.caltech.edu/ Winnett lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Nightclub two-step Events at www.events.caltech.edu. workshops. Open to Caltech community for beginners, taught by a professional instructor. members only. This is the third lesson of a five-week series. Fee: Monday, March 4 $6 per lesson for Caltech students, $8 for others. Women's Water Polo No partner required. Refreshments and a half­ Friday, March 1 Baby Furniture and Household Equipment vs. Whittier College, 7:30p.m. hour practice period will follow each class. Pool Baseball 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-Loans of Love's Labour's Lost Ballroom Dance Mini Party vs. Cal Lutheran, 2:30p.m. kitchen and household necessities and baby Ramo Auditorium, 8 p.m.-Theater Arts at Winnett lounge, 9 p.m.-Open dancing; make furniture are made to members of the Caltech Caltech presents the play by William Shakespeare. requests or bring your own music. No partner is Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble community. Information: 584-9773. Runs weekends through March 9. Tickets and required. Refreshments. First half-hour coincides Beckman Auditorium, 8 p.m.-Kitka's unaccom­ information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or with the nightclub two-step practice session. panied singers blend a contemporary sensibility Men's Golf [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: with specialized vocal techniques from Eastern vs. Pomona-Pitzer College, at Brookside, 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD) . Visit Public Europe. Their material ranges from ancient vil­ 12:30 p.m. Events at www.events.caltech.edu. lage duets to complex choral works. Tickets and Tuesday, February 26 information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or Ballroom Dance Club [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: Winnett lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Nightclub two-step Preschool Playgroup 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public for beginners, taught by a professional instructor. Friday, March 8 Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Song and Events at www.events.caltech.edu. This is the fourth lesson of a five-week series. storytime, crafts and free play for toddlers Fee: $6 per lesson for Caltech students, $8 for Men's Tennis and preschoolers (from walking to age 4). Love's Labour's Lost others. No partner required. Refreshments and a vs. University of Puget Sound, 3 p.m. Parents and caregivers sign up in advance to Ramo Auditorium, 8 p.m.-Theater Arts at half-hour practice period will follow each class. bring snacks and organize crafts. Information: Caltech presents the play by William Shakespeare. Women's Tennis (3 23) 550-8075 or [email protected]. Runs weekends through March 9. Tickets and Ballroom Dance Mini Party vs. University of Puget Sound, 3 p.m. information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or Winnett lounge, 9 p.m.-Open dancing; make Caltech Folk-Dancing Club [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: requests or bring your own music. No partner is Armchair Adventures Series Dabney Lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Meets every Tuesday 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD) . Visit Public required. Refreshments. First half-hour coincides Beckman Auditorium, 8 p.m.-" China, the 21st until midnight. Drop-ins are welcome. Donations Events at www.events.caltech.edu. with the nightclub two-step practice session. Century," narrated by Buddy Hatton. Tickets and accepted. information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: Lyrical Jazz Dance Class 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public Braun Gym, multipurpose room, 10 p.m.-An Saturday, March 2 Tuesday, March 5 Events at www.events.caltech.edu. intermediate-level lyrical jazz dance class, open to members of the Caltech community with Athletic Men's Tennis Preschool Playgroup Love's Labour's Lost Center membership. Some prior dance experi­ vs. Cal Lutheran University, 9:30a.m. Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Song and Ramo Auditorium, 8 p.m.-Theater Arts at ence is required. The cost per term is $20 for storytime, crafts and free play for toddlers and Caltech presents the play by William Shakespeare. CaltP.r.h st~cJdents and $30 for nonstudents. Women's Tennis preschoolers (from walking to age 4). Parents and Runs weekends through March 9. Tickets and at Cal Lutheran University, 9:30a.m. caregivers sign up in advance to bring snacks and information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or organize crafts. Information: (323) 550-8075 or [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: Planning for Your Child's Educational Future [email protected]. 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD) . Visit Public Wednesday, February 27 Verdugo Hills Hospital, 182 Verdugo Boulevard, Events at www.events.caltech.edu. Glendale, 4th Floor Council Rooms, 10 a.m. to Caltech Folk-Dancing Club Baby Furniture and Household Equipment noon-David Levy, assistant dean and director of Dabney Lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Meets every Tuesday Pool financial aid, Caltech, and Catherine Thomas, until midnight. Drop-ins are welcome. Donations 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-Loans of associate dean of admissions and financial aid, accepted. Saturday, March 9 kitchen and household necessities and baby USC, will discuss financial planning for your furniture are made to members of the Caltech child's college education. The free seminar is Lyrical Jazz Dance Class Women's Tennis community. Information: 584-9773. hosted by the Child Educational Center and the Braun Gym, multipurpose room, 10 p.m.-An vs. Southwestern College, 9:30a.m. Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation. Continental intermediate-level lyrical jazz dance class, open to Wednesdays in the Park breakfast, 9:45a.m. Reservations and informa­ members of the Caltech community with Athletic Track and Field Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Conversation tion: (818) 354-3418, [email protected], Center membership. Some prior dance experi­ SCIAC 4-way, at Pomona-Pitzer College, and coffee for parents and caregivers, and or [email protected]. ence is required. The cost per term is $20 for 10:30 a.m. playtime and snacks for children. Information: Caltech students and $30 for nonstudents. 744-9919 or [email protected]. Track and Field Baseball SCIAC 4-way, at Caltech, 10:30 a.m. at University of Redlands, 1 p.m. Men's Tennis at Whittier College, 3 p.m. Ballet Classes Wednesday, March 6 Lazer Vaudeville Braun Gym, multipurpose room, 1 p.m .- The Beckman Auditorium, 2 p.m.-A high-tech laser Ballroom Dance Club Caltech Dance Troupe offers free ballet classes to Baby Furniture and Household Equipment and juggling show for the entire family. Tickets Winnett lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Ceroc for beginners, members of the Caltech community with Athletic Pool and information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or amateur-taught. Ceroc is a swing/hustle variant Center membership. No prior dance experience 234 S. Catalina, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.-Loans of [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Britain. or special shoes or clothing are required for the kitchen and household necessities and baby 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public This is the third lesson of a five-week series. Fee: beginners' class. Intermediate dancers meet from furniture are made to members of the Caltech Events at www.events.caltech.edu. $1 per lesson; free for freshmen or those taking it 1 to 2:30, beginners from 2:30 to 3:30. community. Information: 584-9773. for PE credit. No partner required. Refreshments Love's Labour's Lost and a half-hour practice period will follow each Love's Labour's Lost Wednesdays in the Park Ramo Auditorium, 2 p.m.-Theater Arts at cl ass. Ramo Auditorium, 8 p.m.-Theater Arts at Tournament Park, 10 a.m. to noon-Conversation Caltech presents their final performance of the Caltech presents the play by William Shakespeare. and coffee for parents and caregivers, and play by William Shakespeare. Tickets and infor­ Runs weekends through March 9. Tickets and playtime and snacks for children. Information: mation: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or events@ information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or 744-9919 or [email protected]. caltech.edu. Individuals with a disability: 395-4688 Thursday, February 28 [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public Events at 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public Ballroom Dance Club www.events.caltech .edu. Caltech Architectural Tour Events at www.events.caltech.edu. Winnett lounge, 7:30 p.m.-Ceroc for beginners, Athenaeum, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.-Meet in the amateur-taught. Ceroc is a swing/hustle variant Men's Tennis entry hall of the Athenaeum. Led by members of popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Britain. vs. Southwestern College, 2:30 p.m. the Caltech Architectural Tour Service. Reserva­ This is the fourth lesson of a five-week series. tions: Susan Lee, 395-6327 or [email protected]. Sunday, March 3 Fee: $1 per lesson; free for freshmen or those taking it for PE credit. No partner required. Re­ Amnesty International Monthly Meeting Love's Labour's Lost freshments and a half-hour practice period will Sunday, March 10 Caltech Y lounge, 7:30 p.m .-Amnesty Inter­ Ramo Auditorium, 2 p.m.-Theater Arts at follow each class. national Group 22 holds its monthly meeting to Caltech presents the play by William Shakespeare. Caltech-Occidental Symphony Concert discuss current activities and plans. All are Runs weekends through March 9. Tickets and Ramo Auditorium, 8 p.m.-Allen Robert Gross w elcome. Refreshments. Information: information: 395-4652, 1 (888) 2CALTECH, or conducts the Caltech-Occidental Symphony (8 18) 354-4461 or [email protected]. [email protected]. Individuals with a disability: Orchestra in performances of music by Weber, 395-4688 (voice) or 395-3700 (TDD). Visit Public Prokofiev, and Beethoven. Nicole Elliott is the Events at www.events.caltech.edu. violin soloist. Admission is free. No tickets are required. 6 Caltech 336, February 21,2002

Caltech Y, from page 1 ing current president John Gee, class of traditions, she says, including Frosh 1953, as well as members John Fee, class Camp and the little t freshman hand­ Winners and losers of 1951, and Frank Dryden, class of 1954. book-"things that are now institutional­ "It's great to see alums coming back," ized. That's really exciting, and it feels Castro says. "I think it's exciting for them good to be a part of this." to give back to something they enjoyed In addition to Castro, theY staff has when they were students." grown to include four other members: She believes the Y's staying power Armida McGill, community service ac­ and loyalty-inspiring ability are due to its countant; Diana Salazar, bookkeeper; Greg > immediacy and relevance to students: Fletcher, activities coordinator; and Molly :;;"' .,Cl "Our strength is that we're an integral Hood, board programs and office coordi­ .J:: part of campus, providing great services nator. There is also the board of directors, w" "' and programs that really enhance stu­ comprising Caltech alumni, Caltech and w dent life." People often don't realize it JPL faculty and staff, and community was theY that birthed many Caltech members; and the ExComm, a committee of both undergraduate and graduate stu­ dents that plans and governs the Y's day­ Selected events from the to-day activities, which are myriad. Caltech V's first 85 years A typical academic term might include collaborating with other campus groups compiled by John Fee '51, board treasurer on a cultural celebration such as Black October 1, 1916 Eleven students of Throop History Month, Semana Latina, or Asian College of Technology petition for a cam­ Pacific Heritage Week; numerous com­ pus YMCA. later to be called the Caltech Y. munity service opportunities; and global A little staff rivalry emerged for this year's Super Bowl, with Physical Plant cheering the Rams and others favoring the Patriots (who 1918 Primarily a service organization, theY and political awareness events such as bested the Rams 20-17). The "losers," top: Rene Stone (front); from provides refreshments to soldiers training Earth Day and a Social Activism Speaker left, Orlando Villegas, Fred Maldonado, Ronald Anderson, Raul locally during World War I. Series lecture. Add in Decompression, a Turcios, George White, Davy Stone, Don Thomas, and Ernie Garcia. 1920 Throop College becomes the California weekend-long social just before finals "Winners," bottom, from left: Luana Lovato, Susan Davis, Eloisa Institute of Technology. that features the Y's traditional chili; sev­ Imel, Bob O'Rourke, Chris Smith, Jean Grinols, and Tom Schmitt. 1924 An advisory board, composed of faculty, eral noon concerts; hikes; a camping trip; clergy, and alumni, is formed. and a museum or symphony outing. Microlaser, from page 1 VP search, from page 1 1925-34 Many programs are begun, such as linear regime wherein conventional rules ning and organizing phase, there is a sense student counseling, assembly speakers, a Multiply everything by three school of urgency to find a successor. The kickoff is club to assist foreign students, faculty­ terms, and it adds up to a heaping plate, for light propagation break down. In the student mixers, the little t freshman hand­ which suits theY just fine. Caltech work, the molecules of the glass planned for the fall. book, and a student loan fund. To Castro, that means the organization bead itself are distorted, resulting in a According to Jenkins, the successful candi­ 1930s-1940s As World War II approaches, is excelling at its task of involving Caltech process called Raman emission and las­ date will be a seasoned development profes­ theY meets student interests with speak­ students in the world beyond academia, ing. Because Raman lasers require enor­ sional who must take charge of a range of ers on peace, government reforms, labor not always easy at such a study-intensive mous intensities to function, they are development, fund-raising, and outreach func­ issues, and other moral and political ques­ institution. She notes with satisfaction usually power-hungry devices, but tions. His or her duties will be to identify, culti­ tions. The Y also fills a huge need by as­ Vahala's team uses the physics of the vate, and attract new donors; solicit and sisting students with wartime anxieties. that this year's Alternative Spring Break sphere to reduce both power and size. procure gifts to support the Institute's priori­ 1949 TheY incorporates and gains nonprofit community service trips to Tecolote, ties; plan and direct programs to meet annual status. Mexico, and the Navajo Nation in Utah Central to this breakthrough was the fund-raising goals; and meet or surpass the 1951 Board chair Stan Johnson donates had nearly reached its capacity of 40 by ability to couple directly to the sphere's $4,000 to establish the Leaders of America the end of the first day of sign-ups. ring orbits while preserving the sphere's goals set for the capital campaign. Through program, bringing Martin Luther King, Jr., "We're getting some pretty awesome exquisite ability to store and concentrate staffing and creative partnerships both within Justice William 0 . Douglas, and other numbers," she says, even as she and her light. The Caltech team uses stretched Caltech and with outside entities, the new vice personalities-m-ealtech""to speak. president will also establish an efficient-fund­ staff continue "racking our brains" to optical fiber to achieve coupling efficien­ 1961 The Friends of theY program is founded raising organization that will serve the Institute bring in more and more students. cies, in which loss is negligible, both to to assist in raising needed funds. Plans for this year include an anniver­ and from the sphere. through the coming decade. 1960s The Y's China Institute and the Ghetto sary celebration for students, board mem­ Because Raman lasers and amplifiers The office of development and alumni and the City conference address racial and can operate over a very broad range of relations includes the Alumni Association, civil rights issues. bers, and alums on Sunday, May 19, wavelengths, they are important devices whose members have graduated as far back 1970s With female undergraduates entering Alumni Seminar Day weekend. In addi­ that extend other lasers into new or previ­ as the 1920s; Gift and Estate Planning, which Caltech, the board realizes Y students are tion, Castro explains, "There's always raises funds through deferred gifts and be­ not all young, men, or Christian. It votes confusion about theY and its relationship ously inaccessible wavelength bands. For quests; the Alumni Fund, which contacts on a friendly separation from the national with Caltech," so a committee, formed in example, Raman amplifiers are now used 17,000 alumni every year for support; and YMCA. keeping the name Caltech Y. 2000, has been expanding public relations widely in commercial long-distance fiber Corporate Relations, which develops mutually 1980s TheY begins renting event and camp­ outreach to the campus community. communications systems because of their ing equipment to students; expands its And, as always, the focus will remain wavelength flexibility. Also, it is possible beneficial relationships with corporations. program of free or subsidized student The new officer will also oversee Founda­ on fulfilling the ideals that have fueled to cover even greater wavelength bands cultural events tickets; and establishes by using one Raman laser as the pump for tion Relations, which works with faculty and noon concerts and Noon Update talks. theY for more than fourscore years. As another, called cascading. In this way, a the administration to establish relationships 1990 A community volunteering program for Castro says, "We're planning to continue whole series of wavelengths can be gen­ with private foundations; Development Ser­ students is started. doing what we do best-to provide expe­ vices, which comprises Donor Relations, Gift 1996 The first Alternative Spring Break is riences for students to learn about them­ erated in a kind of domino effect. Processing, and Research; Principal and Major established by a trip to the Navajo Nation. selves and broaden their perspectives." The article, "Ultra/ow-threshold Raman 1999 The first Compression is held, and the For more information on the Caltech Y, laser using a spherical dielectric micro­ Gifts, which works to increase support from Social Activism Speaker Series is begun. call ext. 6163, e-mail caltechy@caltech. cavity," is available at www.nature.com. select individuals; and the Associates, a sup­ port group of dedicated friends of Caltech who 2001 Make-a-Difference Day is established, edu, or visit www.caltechy.org. More information can also be found at expanding the Y's community service • www.its.caltech.edu/-vahalagr. provide the Institute with private donations. program. • • Caltech 336 ... en ...... en en ...

The campus community biweekly California Institute of Technology February 21,2002, vol.2, no. 4 Pasadena, California 91125

Editor: Daryn Kobata ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED (626) 395-6240; [email protected] Assistant Editor: Javier Marquez (626) 395-6624; jmarquez@caltech .edu Cal endar Administrator: Debbie Bradbury (626) 395-3630; [email protected] Graphic Artist: Doug Cummings Photographer: Bob Paz Published by the Office of Public Relations