Fall 2012 the Physics Illinois Vol. 1 No. 1 Bulletin

inside this issue: Dark Energy Survey’s first light Illinois contributes to Higgs boson discovery Helium shortage threatens research efforts Saturday Physics for Everyone celebrates 20 years Alumnus Dr. Charles Henry, Hall of Famer Goldenfeld awarded $8 million NASA center

Department of Physics College of Engineering University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign four more faculty searches in progress for next year. In addition, we are engaged with two exceptional senior professors at other institutions whom we hope to attract to Illinois. We A Message from the Head are hoping to grow back to our target size of 60 faculty in Physics, which we believe to be a productive and sustainable size for our faculty. • Staff: We have also made a number of investments in growing our staff over the last few years, hiring coordinators for advancement, communications, undergraduate advising, and To Illinois Physics colleagues, alumni, and friends, course delivery. These steps are helping us to enhance the educational experience of our We in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois are at an important and students and to share our accomplishments and plans with our peers, our alumni, and the exciting crossroads in our history. For the last several years, we have faced difficult challenges public. brought about by financial pressures, leadership changes in the University administration, • Educational programs: Enrollments all over campus have risen sharply in the last five increasing student enrollments, and declining faculty and staff sizes. Because of the years but nowhere more than in Physics. We are now teaching over 5,000 students per dedication and creativity of our Physics community at all levels and the steadfast support of semester—an increase of 30 percent over the last five years—and the number of graduate our loyal alumni, we survived and even thrived in that period, maintaining our scholarship, research students and undergraduate Physics majors is at an all-time high. To respond commitment to learning, and the unique camaraderie within the department that is one of to this rapid growth, we have revised our introductory course sequences, developed new our greatest and most treasured assets. On balance, we have upper-level laboratory courses, and designed and presented new courses that fulfill our done rather well, but it is never easy or much fun to be looking multiple missions to teach the substance of Physics and its excitement to people of all ages. behind us and hoping to survive. The increased number of Physics students creates real problems, but it is a good problem to Now, the landscape has changed dramatically—we are able have, indicating the importance of and interest in our field. to look forward and the view ahead is much brighter. Due in • Infrastructure: We have launched a series of initiatives designed to increase the size and part to downsizing and in part to the implementation of sound quality of our classrooms, offices, and laboratories in the Physics complex. Remodeling fiscal policies by the University in the last few years, there is a is currently underway to modernize the main department office and to renovate some stable financial situation that will allow increased hiring across of our instructional spaces with the help of funds from the College of Engineering and campus, investment in new initiatives, and long-overdue the campus Academic Facilities Maintenance Fund Assessment, a student fund directed rewards for our talented and dedicated faculty and staff. to improve the educational experience for students. We are planning conversion of the There is a strong leadership team on the campus, one with space behind the library that formerly held our research journals into a flexible interactive particular knowledge and appreciation for scientific discovery classroom and a faculty-staff lounge area adjacent to the Physics Interaction Room. We and creativity—Chancellor Phyllis Wise, a biologist; Provost are also in the process of carrying out feasibility studies to generate a design and cost Ilesanmi Adesida, an electrical engineer; and Vice Chancellor estimate for an addition to Loomis Laboratory over the lecture halls and a new Advanced for Research Peter Schiffer, a physicist. And most of all, there is a pervasive feeling across Experimental Research Building to be located next to MRL. These are ambitious projects, campus that this is our time to grow and take on new challenges. but Physics is an ambitious department and we want to position ourselves for opportunities That is not to say that all is perfect—far from it. The State of Illinois continues to have for major capital projects that may come up from the State, University, or the help of our long term financial problems that will almost certainly bring decreases in State support for loyal alumni. the University, increases in tuition for our students, and major changes in the pensions and • Alumni: As we grow in our size and our reach, it has never been more important benefits of our faculty and staff. It is possible, actually likely, that there will be significant for us to keep in contact with our alumni, former colleagues, and friends. You serve as reductions in federal funding for science, making it crucial that we compete aggressively for role models for our students, reminding them where they can go and what they can do these resources. Along with that are increases in cost of doing research, especially for some with a Physics degree, and we greatly appreciate your loyalty to Illinois that you have essential commodities such as energy and liquid helium for cryogenic research. Resources demonstrated through your gifts and service to the department. We are stepping up will continue to be limited, compelling us to be thoughtful in our planning and the choices our efforts to keep you better informed about our activities and accomplishments, and we make. These are real problems, but no more difficult than the research problems that we increasing opportunities for you to visit the department and share your story with our embrace and address every day in our labs and offices, so we are confident that we can control students. and even solve them. As I enter my seventh year as head of the Department of Physics, I continue to be honored So what we see in the next few years is a unique window of opportunity to shape the by the opportunity to serve our talented faculty and staff and to strive to maintain and Department of Physics and the University of Illinois and to put ourselves in a strong position enhance our cherished legacy of excellence in education and scholarship. It a good time for for the future. In Physics, this is already happening: Physics. A time to be thoughtful. A time to be aggressive. A time to think big, reach high, and • Faculty: After four years of no faculty hiring and a nearly 20-percent reduction in our become even greater as a department. numbers from 65 to 50, we hired three faculty members last year, four this year, and have the Physics Illinois Physics Illinois invites alumni Bulletin to stay in touch! To receive our latest news, Dale Van Harlingen Professor and Head 10 16 please update your contact Illinois contributes to Higgs discovery Goldenfeld leads $8 million NASA information. center Celia Elliott Director of External Affairs http://go.physics.illinois.edu/alumni and Special Projects

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World’s most powerful digital Siv Schwink 14 41 camera records first images Alumnus Charles Henry inducted Communications Coordinator in hunt for dark energy into COE Hall of Fame

the Physics Illinois Bulletin is a semiannual publication of the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Please send us your comments 34 43 or ideas for future stories: Stelzer, Gladding, and Selen win APS Alumni mentor today’s education award physics students the Physics Illinois Bulletin Department of Physics Loomis Laboratory, MC-704 6 Physics Illinois welcomes new faculty 1110 West Green Street 8 iRISE and Denos work to get students hooked on science in middle school Urbana, IL 61801-3080 12 Tevatron observes Higgs decay channel, first predicted by Willenbrock or contact Siv Schwink at 18 Research Experiences for Undergraduates at Physics Illinois [email protected] 21 Interaction Room new intellectual hub or (217) 300-2201 24 Saturday Physics for Everyone turns 20 26 Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics comes to Illinois Cover image: The silvered dome of the Blanco 4-meter telescope, 28 Helium shortage threatens research efforts which holds the Dark Energy Camera at the Cerro Tololo Inter- 31 Faculty highlights American Observatory in Chile. 40 Alumni highlights Photo credit: T. Abbott and NOAO/ AURA/NS 44 Student highlights Printed on recycled paper with soybean ink. 51 In memoriam New faculty spotlight Physics welcomes three new faculty members

theoretically describe potential biophysical forces that determine the architecture and organization of genomes,” said Kuhlman. Kuhlman’s molecular-engineered tools—now in use at dozens of labs around the world and licensed to several commercial biotech companies—allow the precise eter Schiffer is an extensively Sciences at Penn State in 2006, and integration of large synthetic gene published condensed won the Ruth and Joel Spira Award constructs into any desired location matter experimentalist for Teaching Excellence at Penn of the E. coli chromosome. Pwhose research interests include State in 2008. As just one example of the kind magnetic oxides, geometrically Schiffer said he is looking of research enabled by these tools, Assistant Professor frustrated magnets, and magnetic forward to his new role on the Assistant Professor Kuhlman and his colleagues were Gregory MacDougall nanostructures. Working with Illinois campus: “The faculty and Thomas Kuhlman able to disrupt and rearrange the novel magnetic materials provides Vice Chancellor of other researchers at the UI are organization of genes on the E. coli his research group with excellent Research and Professor of already among the very best in the chromosome, and to measure how n his lab, condensed matter model systems in which to Physics Peter Schiffer world, and their work has wide- iological physicist Thomas these rearrangements affected the experimentalist Gregory explore new physics; this work has ranging impacts both within their E. Kuhlman performs in distribution of transcription factor MacDougall explores emergent important implications for future He moved to Pennsylvania State fields and for the public good. vivo genome manipulation proteins in the cell and their ability Imagnetic properties of novel developments in technologies. University in 2000 as an associate My goal as the vice chancellor for Bexperiments that have tremendous to regulate gene expression. Since correlated-electron materials. Schiffer’s research group is professor of physics and was research is to continue to build on implications for our understanding the fundamental mechanisms of Once assembled, MacDougall’s currently looking at geometrically promoted to professor in 2003. In the tradition of excellence, to foster of how gene expression is gene regulation are similar over all research group will synthesize frustrated magnets, in which 2007, he was appointed associate an environment in which Illinois controlled and contributes to the domains of life, these observations novel compounds and grow large the spins enter cooperative spin vice president for research and researchers can be creative and development and propagation of may have implications for single crystals. MacDougall will use liquid and spin ice phases at director of strategic initiatives at productive, and to facilitate their genetic diseases. understanding gene regulation in probes such as neutron scattering low temperatures; exotic oxides Penn State. efforts in whatever ways I can.” Kuhlman’s work has focused higher organisms as well, including and μSR as tools to study orbital that display both magnetic and Schiffer has led numerous Chancellor Phyllis Wise said, “In primarily on the genome of the humans. order, the effects of magnetic electronic order; and frustrated committees and task forces and Peter Schiffer we were able to find bacterium Escherichia coli. With Kuhlman received his Ph.D. frustration, the interplay between lattices of interacting ferromagnetic has achieved numerous honors, an extremely successful researcher, the aid of cutting-edge single- in physics from the University magnetism and superconductivity nanostructures, in which the local including a Presidential Early an award-winning teacher and a molecule microscopy, Kuhlman’s of California, San Diego in 2007. in correlated materials, and the accommodation of frustration Career Award for Scientists and strategically minded administrator. experimental manipulation of While at UCSD he worked at the coupling between spin, charge, can be directly observed through Engineers in 1997, a Faculty Early These are exactly the combination the E. coli genome exposes how interface of theoretical physics and and lattice degrees-of-freedom in magnetic force microscopy. Career Development Award from of skills that will allow him to lead transcription factors regulate genes experimental biology, studying and condensed matter systems. Schiffer earned his doctorate in the National Science Foundation our efforts to increase our broad and reveals the consequences of validating statistical mechanical It was the department’s physics from Stanford University in 1997, and an Alfred P. Sloan research and discovery mission.” genome organization on gene models of transcriptional and post- international reputation in his in 1993 with thesis advisor Douglas Research Fellowship in 1998. Also joining the Illinois family expression. transcriptional gene regulation in area of research that attracted Osheroff, and his bachelor of He was named a fellow of the is Schiffer's wife, Sharon Hammes- Kuhlman’s experimental findings E. coli. MacDougall to Illinois. science (with distinction) from American Physical Society in 2004 Schiffer, who was hired as a faculty are used to construct theoretical From 2008 to 2012, he was “Illinois has this long tradition Yale University in 1988. After two "for pioneering studies of novel member in the department of models, which in turn motivate a postdoctoral fellow in the of condensed matter physics,” said years as a postdoctoral member magnetic materials including chemistry. She had been the Eberly further in vivo experiments. Department of Molecular Biology MacDougall. “The fathers of this of technical staff at AT&T Bell colossal magnotoresistance Professor of Biotechnology at Penn “By disrupting and rearranging at Princeton University, working in field—Bardeen, Legett, Slichter— Laboratories in Murray Hill, New manganites and geometrically State. She earned her doctorate in the spatial and genomic the lab of Professor Ted Cox. are from here, and the current Jersey, he became an assistant frustrated magnets." chemistry at Stanford University in organization of regulatory networks This semester, Kuhlman is faculty specializing in condensed professor of physics at the He also received the Faculty 1993. n in E. coli, my lab attempts to teaching Physics 101, College matter are very well known in the University of Notre Dame. Scholar Medal in the Physical directly observe, quantify, and Physics: Mechanics and Heat. n field.” 6 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 7 STEM Education “I was very impressed by how collaborative the faculty here is. iRise and Denos get middle school students Collaborations can bring together scientists with different areas of hooked on science expertise to interact with one Denos said, “It really does build past spring visited the another on bigger projects.” their ability to develop curricula, Illinois campus. During By improving our understanding and also their teaching skills. the field trip, students of magnetism at the atomic level— It’s a chance for them to develop took part in hands-on particularly in new materials a complete lab or lesson from lessons taught by iRISE/ exhibiting geometric frustration— scratch.” CPLC graduate students, MacDougall hopes to contribute Denos points out, teaching and by Joe Muskin to the development of heretofore college students is different from and Matthew Alonso unimagined new applications. teaching younger students: “The of Illinois’ Center for “Having the ability to create kind of teaching that you do with Nanoscale Chemical- Sharlene Denos (right) discusses a lesson plan with teachers during iRISE professional Teachers enjoy a hands-on activity at iRISE 2012 summer your own materials opens the development. Also helping with the professional development are Barbara Hug (standing, undergrads, you sort of warn them workshop on the Illinois campus. Photo by Elizabeth Innez Electrical-Mechanical possibility of discovering some new left) and grad student Yan Zhou (standing, center). Photo by Andrew Stengele of what they have to learn, and Manufacturing Systems. phenomenon,” said MacDougall. then they go and learn it. But with the lessons they had developed Denos considers middle school by Elizabeth Innez MacDougall received a bachelor’s the younger students, it takes a lot with program participants—all to be a crucial age in science degree in mathematical physics ne of Sharlene Denos’s single lab, ever, in my entire time of skill to be able to communicate middle school teachers. During education, based on a research from Simon Fraser University passions is to expose t h e re .” these very complex ideas. So this the workshop, the teachers had article published in 2006, “Planning (Burnaby, B.C., Canada) in 2002 middle school students It was this passion to change exercise really helps to develop grad the chance to try out the hands-on Early for Careers in Science,” in the and a Ph.D. in physics from Oto hands-on activities that pique the way science is taught to K–12 students’ communication skills.” activities they could later opt to use journal Science. McMaster University (Hamilton, their interest in science, to inspire students that brought Denos to her And, Denos said, the benefits of with their middle school students. Denos said, “The report Ontario, Canada) in 2008. His a life-long interest—possibly even current position, K–12 Education these communication skills go well According to Denos, these indicated that a middle school doctoral research focused on a career. Denos hopes to give Coordinator at the Center for the beyond teaching: “People often say lessons are beneficial because “they student with a strong science exploring the magnetic properties today’s middle school student Physics of Living Cells (CPLC) that if you’re writing something for tie the curriculum together with interest and an average test score of unconventional superconductors opportunities she didn’t have. and Director of iRISE (Illinois the general public, you should aim current research in science and is more likely to end up with a using techniques such as μSR, “I never had an opportunity Researchers in Partnership with for an eighth-grade level in terms engineering and with important STEM degree than one with high magnetometry and neutron to do any of these things when I K–12 Science Educators). of reading ability and scientific social issues. If there’s something test scores and low interest. Getting scattering. was in school. I never once met a As a grad student, Denos was understanding—maybe even that people are talking about a lot students interested—getting them For the last four years, scientist or an engineer before I a National Science Foundation less than that. So in this way, this in the news, the graduate students hooked at this age—is absolutely MacDougall worked as a post- came to the university. We have an K–12 Fellow. In this program, program also trains future scientists will pull from that and turn that crucial.” n doctoral research fellow in the inquiry-based, hands-on focus to she was paired up with a local to communicate really well with the into a lesson, and talk about the Two teachers at the iRISE workshop prepare to smell a rather putrid-smelling product Quantum Condensed Matter all of the lessons that we develop, teacher to develop a curriculum public. science behind it.” made from algae. Photo by Elizabeth Innez Division of Oak Ridge National and that’s also something that to teach together. This meaningful “If they can communicate their Some of the lessons offered in Laboratory. There he used primarily I didn’t have the benefit of. The experience served as the basis research to a seventh-grader, then last summer’s workshop included neutron scattering facilities at the schools I went to weren’t that great. for the iRISE program’s current they can communicate it to the Wind Turbine Design, Carbon Spallation Neutron Source and In middle school I didn’t do one emphasis on three audiences: general public, who is in charge Cycle and Bioreactor Design the High-Flux Isotope Reactor graduate students, middle school of whether or not they get funded Competition, Asteroid Impacts, to explore material properties of teachers, and middle school to do their research. So it’s really and Representational Color in frustrated antiferromagnets, high- students. crucial that scientists have the skill Astronomical Images. temperature superconductors, and Graduate students are involved to explain to the public, ‘OK, here’s In addition to providing lessons thin-film multiferroics. Throughout through the Physics 598SE course, what I’m doing, and this is why it’s for middle school teachers, his research career, MacDougall has in which students create hands-on important.’” iRISE works with middle school maintained a strong interest in the lessons for use by middle school Of course, a primary objective students directly. For example, in growth of large single crystals of science teachers. of iRISE is to provide science- May 2012, AVID (Advancement novel compounds. based professional development Via Individual Determination) This semester, MacDougall is Edison Middle School AVID student lowers for middle school teachers. In last students at Edison Middle School the stage during a lesson Matthew Alonso teaching Physics 211, University presented on rapid prototyping (3D printing) summer’s iRISE teacher workshop, who had been involved in iRISE Physics: Mechanics. n in May 2012. Photo by Elizabeth Innez Physics 598SE students shared science enrichment activities this 8 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 9 sprays of particles called “jets” large missing Illinois contributes to Higgs discovery expected to result from a Higgs transverse boson-type particle. Since other energy (from far more common processes can an unobserved mimic Higgs decay, it has taken a neutrino), and multinational team of physicists two high energy years to sort through the data jets. and arrive at this momentous Neubauer’s announcement. group also The contributions of the Illinois investigated the team have been substantial and far- 130-GeV to150- Particle accelerator at CERN: View from above the calorimeter reaching. GeV excess in end cap, barrel open. Photo courtesy of ATLAS Steven Errede, Deborah Errede ATLAS data using and their team (including three sophisticated multivariate analysis researchers in high-performance technicians and more than 20 techniques that make maximal use computing to help meet this physics undergraduate students) of the available information in the challenge as a resource within the built and installed a major portion Higgs candidate events. Worldwide LHC Computing Grid of the ATLAS detector, called Starting in 2011, Neubauer also (WLCG). Online since last winter, the Scintillating Tile Hadron spearheaded a project with senior the UI Tier-2 center contributed to background image courtesy of CERN Calorimeter, or TileCal for short. research physicist David Lesny to the processing of the data used in Neubauer’s group works on build a Tier-2 computing center the Higgs discovery. niversity of Illinois Professor and Department Head physicists Steven Errede, Deborah a part of the ATLAS detector in collaboration with the National The Liss group works on the physicists celebrated Dale Van Harlingen said, “Physics Errede, Tony Liss, and Mark called the “trigger,” a sophisticated Center for Supercomputing ATLAS muon system, one of the announcement on is really defined by creativity and Neubauer, along with their many assembly of electronics that Applications (NCSA) at Illinois. the key detector components for UJuly 4 from CERN, the European discovery, and this discovery team members, have worked on analyzes the collisions in real time With 15 petabytes of data generated identifying the final states of some Organization for Nuclear Research represents a remarkable effort ATLAS since Steven Errede first and determines which results are by LHC experiments each year, of the decay modes of the Higgs based in Geneva, Switzerland, of worldwide of scholarship and joined the collaboration in 1994. interesting enough to keep for it is an enormous technological boson. His group has been studying the discovery of a new subatomic technology. We are proud of the In an interview following further analysis. This team played a challenge to process and share the the top quark, the last big discovery particle consistent with the long- role our own high energy physicists the worldwide news release, leading role in the search for a high data with thousands of physicists in high energy physics, which is sought Higgs boson—the final played, and at the same time Neubauer said “Before Tuesday’s mass (240-GeV to 600-GeV) Higgs around the world. interesting in its own right, and can missing piece in the standard want to recognize that the Illinois announcement, all particles in the boson that decays to W boson The Tier-2 center at UI leverages mimic the Higgs signal and must be model (SM) of particle physics. impact in this discovery goes back SM have been definitively observed pairs that subsequently decay into the substantial expertise and understood so it can be separated Since 1994, University of Illinois to the very beginning, in that the by scientists except for the Higgs a high energy electron or muon, infrastructure available to UI from the new particle. researchers have been heavily prediction of the Higgs mechanism boson. What physicists working on involved in the design, building, has its origins in the concept of the ATLAS and CMS experiments A physics undergrad works with Professor Steven Errede (right) and commissioning, data taking, spontaneous broken symmetry that have discovered is a new particle technician Dave Forshier (middle) to produce a TileCal submodule and data analysis at the ATLAS was introduced in the BCS paper that looks very much like the for the ATLAS project in 1999. A large team of undergraduates experiment at CERN. on the theory of superconductivity elusive Higgs boson. The new worked on the project, to produce a total of 193 TileCal submodules. This respresents just one phase of the Illinois team’s The SM describes the by our colleagues John Bardeen, particle is the heaviest boson ever contributions to the project. fundamental particles from which Leon Cooper, and Bob Schrieffer. produced with a mass of 125 GeV— every visible thing in the universe This is indeed a proud time for that’s 133 times the mass of the is made and the forces that govern Illinois physics.” proton, or approximately the mass ATLAS collaborators at the UI Physics Department them. First theorized in 1964, the The discovery is the result of two of a single cesium atom.” include Professors Steven Errede, Deborah Errede, Tony Liss and Mark Neubauer; visiting Associate Research existence of the Higgs boson would years of analysis of proton-proton The discovery was long in Professors Nectarios Benekos, Viviana Cavaliere, and explain how subatomic particles collisions at the Large Hadron coming because the particle itself Irene Vichou; Senior Research Physicist David Lesny; systems programmer Larry Nelson; graduate students acquire their mass. And while Collider (LHC) at CERN. Two cannot be directly observed. Since Markus Atkinson, Austin Basye, James Coggeshall, further analysis is needed before independent experiments, ATLAS the particle decays a tiny fraction Philip Chang, Arely Cortes Gonzalez, Ki Lie, Hovhannes Khandanyan (graduated March 2012) and Allison this discovery can be positively and CMS, each observed the of a second after it is created, McCarn; and undergraduate UI students Ian Dayton, identified as the Higgs particle, the particle. detectors at ATLAS and CMS Matthew Feickert, Tony Thompson, Tim Thorp, and Brian findings are cause for excitement. University of Illinois high energy look for secondary particles and Wang, and REU external student Julia Gonski . 10 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 11 Liss said, “The discovery verge’ because even though we have is of absolutely fundamental discovered this new particle, we Tevatron observes separate Higgs decay importance. The SM has been don’t know quite yet that it is the enormously successful for 50 SM Higgs boson; it could be a more channel, first predicted by Willenbrock years and explains nearly every exotic Higgs boson. That would be experimental measurement the greatest thing! It would point made over that period. But the the way to things beyond the SM, SM requires a mechanism for which we know must be there. But separating the electromagnetic that’s another story.” and weak forces (weak forces The ongoing goal for the are responsible for some kinds ATLAS and CMS teams is positive of radioactive decay—such as identification of the new particle’s those that make the sun shine). characteristics, and this will take This effect is called electroweak considerable time and data. symmetry breaking (EWSB). In Steven Errede said, “In reality, the SM, EWSB occurs via the the Higgs work is just beginning. Higgs mechanism, and the Higgs Said Deborah Errede, “ We have Photo courtesy of Fermilab. mechanism requires a Higgs boson. anticipated the discovery of the The Higgs boson, in turn, is what Higgs particle, fundamental to the gives mass to the fundamental fabric of our SM of elementary particles. particles physics, since its “We know that electroweak introduction by Steven Weinberg ermilab’s CDF and DZero computations from a network of channel of the Higgs-like particle. This paper was the contrarian—it symmetry is broken—this is a and Abdus Salam in 1967, for collaborations at the now supercomputing centers around the This has not been seen at LHC said, ‘Hey, we have a chance.’ People measurable fact of nature—the over forty years. The collaboration retired Tevatron collider globe, reaffirming the discovery. because of backgrounds—things paid attention to it, and it was one electromagnetic force is much of nations accomplishing this Fdid not discover the standard ATLAS collaborators now report that mimic the signal you are of the things that motivated people stronger than the weak force. So achievement is truly remarkable model Higgs boson, but their the observance of a Higgs-like looking for. to push Fermilab’s Tevatron to its something has to do it, and now and we at the University of Illinois collective contribution to the Higgs particle with a 5.9-sigma signal, “At the Tevatron, because the limit,” said Willenbrock. we are on the verge of establishing are proud to have contributed to boson search was nevertheless an based on analyses of five decay machine is not as energetic as the Fermilab’s Tevatron near what it is that does it. I say ‘on the this.” n important one. channels using 2011 data and LHC, the backgrounds are smaller. Batvia, Illinois, was turned off on July 27, the CDF collaboration— three decay channels (including For this particular decay channel, September 30, 2011. In its 24 years including a team of University the W-boson pair decay mode) the Tevatron actually had an of proton-antiproton collision of Illinois physicists—and the using 2012 data. CMS collaborators advantage.” experiments, the Tevatron made DZero collaboration published report observance of the same In 1994, Willenbrock and his many discoveries, most notably, the the combined results of their particle with a 5-sigma signal, collaborators were the first to top quark in 1995. The Tevatron’s analysis of about 500 trillion based on analyses of five decay propose that the particle could observation of the Higgs-like boson proton-antiproton collisions channels using data from 2011 and potentially be seen at the Tevatron is no small part of its great legacy.n since 2001, confirming their 2012. by looking for its decay to a bottom July 2 announcement of the likely But the Tevatron’s ultimate quark and antiquark. In their paper, Co-authors of the Tevatron joint paper existence of a subatomic particle contribution to the Higgs search “Higgs bosons at the Fermilab at Illinois include Professors Steven consistent with the Higgs boson was not a small one: the CDF and Tevatron,” in Physical Review D, Errede, Mark Neubauer, and Kevin Pitts; (observed at a 2.9-sigma level). DZero collaborations observed 49, 3154 (1994), Willenbrock and postdoctoral Research Associates Viviana The report was, of course, the Higgs-like subatomic particle his co-authors, Alan Stange and Cavaliere, Heather Gerberich and Olga Norniella; and graduate students Ben Carls eclipsed by the bigger through a decay channel—to a William Marciano, asserted that (graduated March 2012), Keith Matera, Ed announcement on July 4 from bottom quark and antiquark—that the observation of the Higgs in this Rogers (graduated December 2010), and The High Energy Physics Group is supported CERN of a Higgs-like boson was not observed by ATLAS or decay mode is strong evidence that Greg Thompson (graduated June 2011). by the US Department of Energy, Grant No. discovery at the Large Hadron CMS. it really is the Higgs particle. Other Physics Illinois students who have DOE DEFG02-91ER40677O/C. MSN is also worked on the CDF collaboration include supported by the National Science Foundation Collider (LHC). The ATLAS and University of Illinois theoretical “At the time we wrote the paper, graduate student Benjamin Esham, CAREER 1056987. CMS collaborations independently physicist Scott Willenbrock said, no one was thinking about looking The conclusions presented are those of the undergraduate student Stephanie Brandt, scientists and not necessarily those of the published their respective data “The Tevatron did play a useful for the Higgs boson at the Tevatron; and REU external undergraduate students funding agencies. analyses on August 1, with role in finding this particular decay everyone was focused on the LHC. Andrew Kerr and Benjamin Stickel. 12 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 13 With this device, the history of the formation of Gruendl, together with Don World’s most powerful digital scientists in the structure (galaxies and galaxy Petravick of NCSA and other international Dark Energy clusters). collaborators, has developed and camera records first images Survey (DES) collaboration “Gravitational lensing is similar will operate a data management in hunt for dark energy will undertake the to optical lensing: just like glass, framework for processing, largest galaxy survey gravity also bends light. Light from calibrating, and archiving the ever attempted and will distant stars and galaxies bends on massive amounts of data— use that data—to be its way to Earth as it is pulled by the petabytes over the lifetime of the stored and processed at gravity of objects that it passes— survey—that will be collected for Illinois’ National Center this bending distorts the shapes of the DES. This system relies on the for Supercomputing distant galaxies. Normal matter and iForge cluster and a 100-terabyte Applications (NCSA)—to dark matter both have this effect, Oracle database at NCSA and also carry out four probes of so measuring this distortion tells us uses high-performance computing dark energy: studying how the dark matter contributes to resources provided by the National galaxy clusters, supernovas, galactic structure,” he said. Science Foundation’s Extreme the large-scale clumping Over five years, the survey will Science and Engineering Discovery of galaxies, and weak create detailed color images of one- Environment (XSEDE) project. gravitational lensing. This eighth of the sky, or 5,000 square The DES is expected to begin Photo courtesy of Dark Energy Survey Collaboration is the first time all four degrees, to discover and measure in December, after the camera is methods will be possible in 300 million galaxies, 100,000 galaxy fully tested, and will take advantage The Dark Energy Camera’s 62 charged- a single experiment. clusters, and 4,000 supernovas. of the excellent atmospheric coupled devices (CCDs) record ight billion years ago, rays of The 570-megapixel camera, “The combined analyses of the “Hidden within the galaxy conditions in the Chilean Andes to 570 megapixels per snapshot. Credit: Fermilab light from distant galaxies roughly the size of a phone booth, scientists in the DES collaboration cluster distribution are clues to deliver pictures with the sharpest began their long journey is the product of eight years are expected to contribute the nature of the universe we live resolution seen in a wide-field The DES is supported by funding from the US Department of Energy; the National Science Eto Earth. On September 12, that of planning and construction significantly to our understanding in,” said Dr. Robert Gruendl of the astronomy survey. n Foundation; funding agencies in the United ancient starlight found its way to by scientists, engineers, and of the properties of dark energy Illinois Astronomy Department. Kingdom, Spain, Brazil, Germany, and a mountaintop in Chile, where the technicians on three continents. and dark matter,” said Thaler. “The Switzerland; and participating DES institutions. newly constructed Dark Energy Much of the camera’s data Illinois physics team will look at Camera, the most powerful sky- acquisition electronics and control supernovas to chart the expansion mapping machine ever created, software were built in Urbana by an of the universe over time, and at captured and recorded it for the Illinois team led by Thaler. gravitational lensing to determine first time. That light may hold the answer to one of the biggest mysteries in physics—why the expansion of the universe is speeding up. Professor Jon Thaler explains, “The history of the universe, its expansion rate, and the formation of structure shed light on two of the most important questions in modern particle physics and cosmology—the nature of the dark matter and of the dark energy. Because these two entities, about which we know very little, comprise 96 percent of the total energy in the universe, learning more about them The first picture from the Dark Energy Camera, a zoomed-in image of the barred spiral is crucial to our understanding of galaxy NGC 1365, in the Fornax cluster of galaxies, which lies about 60 million light years the universe as a whole.” from Earth. Photo courtesy of Dark Energy Survey Collaboration The Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the Blanco telescope in Chile. Photo courtesy of Dark Energy Survey Collaboration 14 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 15 and astrobiologist Carl Woese, field of universal biology, because formal education in astrobiology Goldenfeld leads $8 million NASA center winner of the 2003 Craaford Prize. we may never find traces of life on at the undergraduate level, but also Research team to uncover the universal aspects of the evolution of life in deep time In their paper, “Collective evolution other planets. But if we understand a massively online open course as and the genetic code” (Proc. Natl. that life is generic, maybe even an part of the university’s initiative Acad. Sci. 103, 10696-10701) the expected outcome of the laws of in this arena. Other public researchers assert that in order for physics, then we’ll know for sure outreach will include a partnership the complexity of our genetic code that we are not alone.” with a science program at the to have evolved in the time span Co-investigators on the research middle school science level, the that it did, earliest life—from which team include Elbert Branscomb, development of short web-based our first genomic ancestor sprung Isaac Cann, Lee DeVille, Bruce videos on astrobiology concepts 3 billion years ago—had to have Fouke, Rod Mackie, Gary Olsen, and findings called “AstroFlix,” existed as a collective. Zan Luthey-Schulten, Charles and a new astrobiology course for “We want to help answer not only “In this collective, genetic Werth, Rachel Whitaker, and Carl lifelong learners in the community. material would have been Woese from Illinois, Scott Dawson “We are really excited to be a part the basic questions of ‘How does life exchanged horizontally across from the University of California, of NAI. It’s a unique group. NASA begin and evolve?’ and ‘Is there life generations, rather than just Davis, and Philip Hastings and is the only organization presently beyond Earth?’ but also vertically from parent to offspring. Susan Rosenberg from Baylor trying to answer these questions,” ‘Why does life exist at all?’” Picture microbial organisms that College of Medicine, Houston. said Goldenfeld. n would have sucked each other up The research will be based and spit each other out. With this, in the university’s Institute of the speed of evolution goes up,” Genomic Biology. IGB Director said Goldenfeld. Gene Robinson said, “This bold The National Aeronautics and In a complementary study, the research program fits perfectly at Space Administration established group plans to perform laboratory the IGB, which was established to the NASA Astrobiology Institute work to investigate how individual help faculty compete for the large (NAI) in 1998 as an innovative cells sense, respond and adapt to grants that are necessary to address way to develop the field of changing environments. grand challenges with a team-based astrobiology and provide a scientific framework for flight “We say that evolution is a multidisciplinary approach. The missions. n interdisciplinary team Astrobiology Institute is the most laboratory investigations, looking random process—it’s not clear that NASA award reflects the creativity NAI is a virtual, distributed from the University far-sighted attempt to address for signatures of early collective this is true,” said Goldenfeld. “We and vision of the faculty in the organization of competitively of Illinois at Urbana- foundational questions that states of life that would have will look at cells under stress to biocomplexity research theme, the selected teams that integrate AChampaign is among five new everyone asks at some time. We are preceded the rise of individual quantify how they adapt. Could IGB, and the campus as a whole.” astrobiology research and training programs in concert with research groups selected to join the thrilled to participate with them organisms on Earth. stress trigger mutation, or does In addition to the research, novel the national and international NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) in perhaps the most important Goldenfeld said, “With modern it just select for it? This has never educational activities related to science communities. to study the origin and evolution of questions in all of science.” genomics, we now have the data been tested.” the field of astrobiology will take Read more at astrobiology. life. The NAI invitation comes with The team’s goal will be to and the tools to examine carefully Additionally, the team will place. These will include not only nasa.gov/nai/about. a five-year research grant totaling characterize the fundamental the evolutionary relationships look for signatures of the major about $8 million. principles governing the origin between parts of the cell. And even transitions that life must make as Nigel Goldenfeld, Swanlund and evolution of life anywhere in more than that, theory gives us a evolution changes from communal Professor of Physics and leader the universe. The multidisciplinary clear hypothesis to test: namely to individual organismal lineages. of the biocomplexity research effort to define and characterize that early life was communal, and “Why is the genetic code unique? theme at the Institute for Genomic “universal biology” will include indeed had to have been, based There is only one for all of life on Biology (IGB), will serve as the leading-edge scientists from the on general universal biology Earth, whether plant or animal,” principal investigator. fields of microbiology, geobiology, considerations related to the said Goldenfeld. “And the genetic “We want to help answer not computational chemistry, detailed structure of the genetic code is designed to be tolerant only the basic questions of ‘How genomics, and physics. code.” of noise—if there is a mistake in does life begin and evolve?’ and The Illinois team will use In this aspect, the work will reading an amino acid, the one you ‘Is there life beyond Earth?’ but genomics to explore deep build on the 2006 findings of get in place of the correct one will also ‘Why does life exist at all?’” evolutionary time through Goldenfeld and his mentor and be very similar to it. Physics Illinois said Goldenfeld. “The NASA computer simulations and research partner, Illinois physicist “It is important to develop the 16 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 17 Undergraduate research and play around with their young woman. And she was Summer in a big-U research lab setups. I learned so much. I despondent—she wanted research REU program at Physics Illinois hosts 14 students from across US wasn’t told, I experienced it,” experience because she knew it’s TheResearch Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program of the National Science Foundation supports active said Akinyi. important to getting into graduate research participation by undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Physics To help with her research, school, but she was stymied,” said Illinois has hosted annual summer REU student participants since 1993, giving students from small liberal arts Teckla was paired with Elliott. “I told her that while I could campuses a chance to experience physics at a major research university. There were 14 participants this summer. postdoc I-Ren Lee. not make any promises, we did These are just a few of their stories. “He worked solely with have some discretionary funds—

Teckla Akinyi works with postdoc I-Ren Lee in me over the summer, giving gifts from our alumni tagged for The prototype is one step in the “My REU experience was Professor Taekjip Ha’s research lab. me enough attention for undergraduate research—and I development of the the DC56 drift empowering—it has taken my me to optimize my learning would do what I could.” chamber that will be installed in career plans, which had been orking in one of the from him, while giving me enough Elliott worked with Assoc. Head the COMPASS spectrometer on theories in my head, and confirmed WIllinois research labs of independence to learn on my own,” for Undergraduate Programs and the M2 beamline of the Super them,” said Blatnik. Professor Taekjip Ha last summer, said Akinyi. Professor Kevin Pitts to secure the Proton Synchrotron (SPS) particle A highlight of the program was undergraduate Teckla Akinyi “Being in the Ha Lab has funding for Akinyi’s participation, accelerator. a field trip to Fermilab, where experimentally isolated single- reinforced my career plans for in part through the generous Blatnik explained that the program participants toured the stranded DNA molecules to graduate school, to explore support of a private donor, alumnus drift chamber uses high voltages, CDF project. study the transfer of a key protein techniques used to study biological Dr. John Gardner. The Center for stretched wires, and gas to detect “Everything was big and from one strand to the next. events,” said Akinyi. “Growing up the Physics of Living Cells, an charged subatomic particles: “The beautiful and amazing—if you These molecules are important in a society with limited exposure NSF “Physics Frontiers Center” particle passes through the plane of just ponder the complexity for a in maintaining the stability of to pure sciences, I hoped someday that provides research training for the detector, ionizing the gas along moment! All of these tiny particles the genome and in preventing to work in a company that came young scientists, also contributed to its path. Electrons ejected from traveling at different velocities serious threats to human health. up with ideas like MRI and worked making Akinyi’s dream a reality. Marie Blatnik, a visiting undergraduate, the gas feel an electric field from a near the speed of light along Sophisticated new techniques with microscopy.” “It was just an amazing works with Professor Matthias Grosse Perdekamp in his lab. series of wires, and migrate toward a complicatedly shaped track, being employed by Ha’s research This formative educational opportunity, the exposure to the nearest anode wire. This signal swirling around in a helical orbit— group in the Center for the Physics experience very nearly didn’t research at a large university, leveland State junior Marie is timed and used to determine and that beam must be switched of Living Cells are providing happen at all for Akinyi. coming from small department. CBlatnik is interested in “the the position at which the particle from one track to another. It’s previously unattainable data on this When she first looked into I learned about many different inner workings of everything.” The passed through the detector.” amazing that we do this, that we elementary biological process. applying for a spot in a National opportunities, and learned just 21-year-old aspires to be a nuclear Blatnik’s part in the project can even keep track of that beam, Akinyi learned to apply Ha’s Science Foundation REU program, how big the field of physics is—not physicist. In fact, the business card involved determining the and transition it from track to own single molecule fluorescence she learned that foreign nationals just its physical size here, but its she presents to new acquaintances specifications for the first prototype. track with such important but resonance energy transfer are not eligible; funding is intellectual size. You learn you can lists her occupation as “aspiring She designed tests to determine the ‘impossible’ precision.” technique (smFRET )—now in use restricted to US citizens, nationals, do anything with physics.” physicist.” For Blatnik, a summer best O-ring materials, studied the “The physics here is amazing, the world over—using different and permanent residents. The then- “The exciting results as the working in the research laboratory mechanical wires, and developed and the people are very talented experimental setups. sophomore at Xavier University program comes to an end are the of Illinois nuclear physicist the method of cathode stretching and interesting,” she said. “The “It’s a large lab, with people in Cincinnati, OH, would not be amount of knowledge obtained in Matthias Grosse Perdekamp was for the chamber. University of Illinois has been so from different fields, all related to deterred, however, and at last year’s the field, the skills from hands-on nothing short of extraordinary. “The precision with which good to us, from the awesome biophysics, all learning together— Midwest Regional Conference for research, and the hopefully lifelong “It’s shown me how big the the mechanical wires are placed REU program, to the cutting-edge no superiority of one science over Undergraduate Women in Physics friends I have made in the program field of particle physics is—and determines the precision of the research. I love it here.” n the other,” said Akinyi. “About half in Cleveland, she made use of the and in the lab where I worked. I how big the world is. This was the chamber,” said Blatnik. of the graduate students and post- networking opportunity to share leave with much appreciation for commencement of my nuclear Blatnik and the 13 other docs in Ha’s lab are looking into her goals for the summer. the opportunity offered to me by physics career,” said Blatnik. undergraduates enrolled in the developing techniques with even During that conference, Akinyi Illinois Physics, Prof. Ha, I-Ren During the 10-week program, program had the opportunity to higher resolution to investigate made a big impression on Celia Lee, and the Ha lab in its entirety,” Blatnik helped to design a present their work to one another, biological events, while the other Elliott, director of external affairs said Akinyi. n prototype of a drift chamber— to attend weekly lectures by various Blatnik’s summer research was funded half are working with smFRET. for Physics Illinois, who set the by National Science Foundation Grant The Center for the Physics of Living Cells is that’s a gaseous subatomic particle “Different grad students and gears in motion to make the funded by the National Science Foundation professors about their current No. 1062690 and NSF 08555699. detector—for the COMPASS II research, to participate in special postdocs work on different necessary funding a reality. Grant No. 0822613. The conclusions presented are those of The conclusions presented are those of the project at CERN, the European workshops, and to network with the scientists and not necessarily those experimental setups, and they were “She is the most engaging, scientists and not necessarily those of the Center for Nuclear Research. future colleagues. of the funding agencies. so open with me, letting me touch interesting, positive, personable funding agencies. 18 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 19 Undergraduate research

measure the complex, or phase- significant acoustical differences Physics Graduate Student Association sensitive, aspects of the sound between the viola and its close members meet in the field, through which a deeper relative, the violin,” said Powell. Interaction Room for the “Physics Phridays” understanding of the acoustical The resonant frequencies of the ice cream social on physics of musical instruments is viola do not lie on the pitches of the July 7. Pictured left achieved.” open strings, as with a violin. This to right are Sean Vig, Eric Huemiller, For Powell, the two studies— could contribute to the viola’s more Mark Schubel, and science and music—form a subdued, mellower timbre.” Billy Passias. In the background are Meredith Powell discovers the physics of natural union. The fourth-year Powell said the methods she Hannah Gelman, music in Professor Steven Errede’s lab. physics major has been playing learned in experimenting with the Patrick Mears, Yu Gan, his summer, UC Davis piano and viola for as long as physics of music taught her about and Daniel Sussman. Tundergraduate Meredith Powell she can remember and plans to how physics research is approached took her lifelong appreciation of graduate with a minor in music. in general. At the same time, it gave music to a deeper level. Powell And her talents have not gone her one more reason to love her investigated the physics at work unrecognized—she has performed instruments. behind the performance of as principal violist in the UC Davis “Music has given me the instrumental music. Symphony Orchestra and plays opportunity to tour and perform Interaction Room new intellectual hub Through the National regularly around the Sacramento overseas and expand my insights Science Foundation’s 10-week area with her quartet. into other cultures. It has not only ocated on the second floor Physics and Astronomy Library managed to postpone the closure REU program, Powell had the In Errede’s lab, Powell used an instilled in me qualities such as of Loomis Laboratory in the branch. for several years, but it would opportunity to work side by side experimental apparatus to measure teamwork, leadership, hard work, area that formerly housed the As Department Head and eventually prove inevitable. with Professor Steven Errede, who vibration at various frequencies and dedication, but also fostered LPhysics and Astronomy Library, Professor Dale Van Harlingen Van Harlingen remembers when has been researching and teaching and to determine the pitches at my creative development which has the new Interaction Room is a explains, the physics library was the first closure notice came, and the acoustical physics of music for which her viola resonated. She allowed me to look at physics from modern, open space with clean always more than the sum of its then Associate Head Jim Wolfe more than a decade. also measured physical quantities another perspective,” she said. n lines and bright colors. It’s a place parts: (now emeritus) organized a petition “This was really a unique such as sound intensity, acoustic Powell’s summer research was funded by for physicists to come together, “The library represented an to keep the library doors open. opportunity,” said Powell. “The impedance, and energy density National Science Foundation Grant No. 1062690. form connections, and share their extensive resource, most notably, “At the time, I was ambivalent. The conclusions presented are those of the Illinois physics of music lab is the across the back of the instrument. scientists and not necessarily those of the funding science. in the intellectual environment I used to spend hours in the only place that uses techniques to “It turns out that there are agencies. Though not yet fully finished, it provided, and of course in the library, but over time, things had the versatile room already serves as remarkable staff we enjoyed over changed. Journals were available Through the REU program, Hicks program definitely helps us grow a meeting place for a wide variety the years,” said Van Harlingen. “It electronically,” said Van Harlingen. spent her summer investigating as scientists. Working alongside of functions in the department, really was a hub for intellectual In 2006, the library closure high-temperature superconductors, graduate students and postdocs was from the Physics Graduate Student activity and interactions in our was once again on the table, and working in Professor Dale Van helpful. They were always there to Association’s Physics Phridays department for 100 years. It was Van Harlingen had a different Harlingen’s research laboratory. answer questions—and I had a lot (ice cream socials), to department a centrally located space that perspective. Now head of the High-temperature superconductors, of questions.” celebrations, emeritus luncheons, supported our core missions of department, he was opposed to despite the name, work only at Hicks said she hopes her summer receptions, CPLC summer school teaching and research, and it was losing such a vital space. temperatures way below freezing. experience at Physics Illinois won’t classes, and special talks. vital to our ability to promote Director of External AffairsCelia Hicks, whose primary research at be her last: “The REU program In between scheduled events, the creativity and train students.” Elliott remembers, “That time, UCA is in chemistry and molecular has really sparked an interest in Interaction Room serves as a quiet The closure came about as part The Physics and Astronomy acoustics, said she was stepping out both superconductivity and Illinois space set apart for physics faculty, of a University-wide plan to reduce Ashley Hicks works with superconducting Library officially closed as a materials in Professor Dale Van Harlingen’s on a limb by applying to be part of as a grad school. I want to come postdocs, graduate students, and the number of separate library branch of the University of Illinois lab. a condensed matter physics group, back—and I want to see where the upper-level undergraduate students sites because of a combination Library System on Friday, June hile temperatures soared but the risk paid off. work that the Dale Van Harlingen to study. Sometimes, this is a place of financial constraints and 12, 2009, fully 100 years after outside this summer, “I’ve obtained valuable skills, research group is doing goes.” n for aspiring physicists to step back diminished usage—with today’s its doors had first opened. The W collection moved to Grainger, University of Central Arkansas like how to prep materials for from their coursework and take the journals and books readily available Hicks’ summer research was funded by NSF along with librarian Mary senior Ashley Hicks was keeping creating superconductors, and Grant No. 1062690 and EFRC Grant No. A 2779 time to consider opportunities that online, fewer scholars regularly Schlembach. The Physics and things cool in the lab. In fact, she how to characterize them at DOE BNL 150252. might open up their futures. visit library stacks to carry out their Astronomy Library still maintains The conclusions presented are those of the an online presence to serve was keeping them very cool—at low temperatures using liquid scientists and not necessarily those of the funding The Interaction Room fills a void research. around –262 degrees Fahrenheit. helium,” she said. “The REU agencies. created by the 2009 closure of the Department administrators had faculty, postdocs, and students. 20 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 21 we managed to stave them off by in matching showing them pictures of Tony funds from A brief history of the physics library Leggett reading Physical Review each the Office by Assoc. Professor of Library Administration Mary Schlembach Letters in the library. He spent a of the Provost, hen the original good deal of time there—he was the College of Laboratory of Physics Some highlights always in the library at the same Engineering, and (now the Materials 1948–1949 A subscription to all materials published by the Atomic Energy table, sitting in the same chair, the University WScience and Engineering Building) Commission is begun (Illinois physics library is one of the first in the nation to reading the journals.” Library. was built in 1909, a room was set subscribe). A telephone is installed in the library. Students prefer to study in the adjacent seminar room where they can smoke and talk. Three years later, notice came To raise its aside for use as a departmental 1952–1953 Dr. Frederick Seitz submits the classification schema for books in solid state again that the closure would own share of library. The shelving, 120 feet in physics to the library cataloging department. go forward, and by now, Van the bill, the length, reached no higher than 1954–1955 In 5 years prior, the number of physics graduate students has grown by nearly 20 percent. All European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) reports are given Harlingen had come to the department Department members and friends celebrate the Higgs-like boson the mantel over the gas fireplace. to the Physics Library. conclusion that this could be a reached out discovery at a reception in the Interaction Room following a The furniture consisted of one 1955–1956 The Control Systems Laboratory receives over $3 million dollars from positive thing—if the library were to alumni and special talk by Professor Mark Neubauer on July 10. long conference table in the center the Armed Forces for research in military physics. Graduate summer school in semi- conductors and transistor electronics is started. replaced with a communal space friends, and the response was very interdisciplinary, and collaborative surrounded by 12 arm chairs, plus a 1956–1957 Book collection is reviewed by 26 physics faculty members to determine better equipped to support modern positive: over 130 individuals have nature of much of physics research heavy mission-style oak davenport which books to transfer to the Main Library. research and teaching. together contributed a total of today. with two matching rockers and two 1958–1959 The Physics Library moves into new quarters in the completed half of the new Physics Building on Oct. 18–19. The new space measures 3,740 square feet. “Usage had gone way down, $17,000 to the Interaction Room With sufficient funding, future straight chairs. 1966–1967 Bernice (Bunny) Hulsizer starts as physics librarian in September. and even Tony Legett had already Fund. plans to complete the space include There have been several physics 1977–1978 Mary Kay Newman starts as library clerk in August. INSPEC is added to gotten a study room at Grainger,” “Today, we have a very flexible adding comfortable furniture to librarians over the years. Della the library’s bibliographic record service online databases. 1979 Astronomy collection merges with physics. said Van Harlingen. space, and that’s hard to come the rear room, now a graduate Rogers McCown served as both 1983 Entire collection is cleaned after Loomis Lab fire. There was talk at the time of by in an old building,” said Van student lounge; procuring artwork; librarian and departmental 1986 After 20 years of service, Bunny Hulsizer retires, but returns half time until a converting the space into offices Harlingen. installing a faculty-staff lounge and secretary from 1911 to 1948, when replacement is hired. with cubicles, but Van Harlingen In the brief time it’s been a multi-purpose classroom with a full time librarian was hired 1987 David Stern starts as physics and astronomy librarian. (He leaves July 1994 to become head of science libraries at Yale University). High-Tc Update is the first preferred not to break it up. He available, usage of the room by state-of-the-art media capabilities (McCown stayed on as secretary electronic open-access journal published in superconductivity (ceases at end of 2003). put forth a proposal to renovate students and postdocs has gradually in what had been the journal room; until she retired in 1959). Bernice 1988–1989 New Astronomy Building reading room is planned. the library space into a Physics increased. Additional upgrades and and creating a modern conference Lord Hulsizer (“Bunny”) was the 1993–1994 Journal room expansion is completed. Physics Briefs ceases publication. Content is added to INSPEC database. Interaction Room at a total renovations are in the works for the room with online video capabilities longest-serving physics librarian, 1995 Greg Youngen starts as physics and astronomy librarian, then transfers to the projected cost of about $200,000. space, to make it more functional in what had been a book room. from 1966 to 1986, and she came Veterinary Medicine Library in January. Physics library administration is transferred to Van Harlingen secured $50,000 and able to support the global, As Van Harlingen put it, this back part time before David Stern Grainger Engineering Library, and Mary Schlembach becomes the physics/astronomy librarian. is “valuable real estate”—a place was hired in 1987. 2007 Mary Kay Newman retires in May. where all of the department’s The Library was moved to the July 12, 2009 Physics and Astronomy Library closes; the collection is moved to members can come together and new physics building in 1959, Grainger Engineering Library. n enjoy the camaraderie that comes into a larger space.The growth of being part of a very large of the Physics and Astronomy enterprise. n Library over the years is reflected in the total number of volumes For more information, or to make a (books and bound journals) in the gift to the Interaction Room Fund, collection, listed here by year: please visit http://physics.illinois.edu/ 1930, 2650 1970, 19,862 support/interaction-room.asp. 1940, 4300 1980, 33,331 1950, 5072 1990, 37,393 1960, 8690 2000, 46,147

Emeritus faculty pose for a photo following a luncheon in their honor September 27. Pictured left to right are (back) Charlie Slichter, Miles Klein, Ralph Simmons, Dale Van Above: The original 1909 Physics Reading Room in the former Laboratory of Physics Harlingen, Andy Anderson, Andy Granato, Jim Wolfe, (front) Gordon Baym, Mort Brussel, (now Materials Science and Engineering). Michael Weissman, Alan Nathan, Gary Gladding, Bob Eisenstein, and Jeremiah Sullivan. The physics library in the 1970s. Left: A commemorative plaque now hangs in the Grainger Library.

22 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 23 Community outreach his fall, University of Illinois physicists are giving high Saturday Physics for Everyone celebrates 20 years schoolers and the general Tpublic access to some of the For the last two decades, science, technology, engineering now Emeritus Professor David 1980 Pulitzer prize winner, packed received community outreach strangest and most exciting topics participants in these Saturday and math, Physics Illinois is proud Hertzog, had been to invite high the house for his talk Is Music opportunity. at the leading edge of science today. lectures have learned how physics of its longstanding tradition of school seniors at the top of their Composition More Elusive for Karliner said some members of Quantum mechanics in ultrafast affects our everyday lives by outreach to K–12 schools across the respective science classes. Computers? the SPE audience have attended computation, how a subatomic inspiring modern technology and state. Hertzog had himself been “When he came, people came regularly since the very first talks microscope is built, the search for engineering. Pitts said he believes the selected to participate in an from all over to hear him speak—it two decades ago: life-sustaining planets in distant Much of today’s technology department has an obligation invitational honors physics was a full room. His book, Gödel, “We are delighted to see the solar systems, how the body works has come about as a direct result to taxpayers to inspire young program, the Westinghouse Science Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden great interest about the many at the tiniest, atomic scale, the fact of physics research. Magnetic students in Illinois with a love Honors Institute, as a high schooler Braid, has a cult following,” topics we have presented. People and fiction of our global energy resonance imaging (MRI) has had of science, and that is what this in Pittsburgh, and pictured a explained Karliner. are fascinated and want to challenge—it’s all a part of the a huge impact in a broad range of program is designed to do: “We similar program at Illinois. But A theme that evolved almost by know more about black holes 20th season of Saturday Physics areas from medicine to national have had middle school students from the very first year, it was clear accident, at least one talk each year and what everything is made for Everyone (SPE) at Loomis security—our world would not be come and tour our department the Saturday talks had a broader has focused on careers for physics of; the weird world of quantum Laboratory. the same without it. Our ability and watch demonstrations relating community appeal, and no one was degree holders that fall outside of mechanics and its applications in Since 1993, SPE has hosted to capture solar energy likewise to the kinds of investigations our ever excluded. academic research and teaching. quantum computers; properties crowds of anywhere from 100 to developed out of the study of physicists are working on. When Karliner helped out in those For example, lawyer and journalist of new materials such as liquid 300 participants, with lectures by physics. Radiation therapy, used to the tour is done, they will ask, ‘Is early days by emailing everyone she Amy Gajda gave a talk entitled crystals and superconductors; renowned physicists, including two treat many cancer patients, is a by- science really this much fun?’ They knew, contacting local high schools, Law and Physics, and theoretical new developments in medical Nobel laureates. product of nuclear physics. And the think we’re trying to trick them into and putting up flyers in libraries, physicist and Champaign visualization that rely on very The talks are aimed at a high- global positioning system (GPS), liking science.” nursing homes, and restaurants. ophtalmologist Dr. Samir Sayegh, clever theoretical physics; and the school level of understanding, but used by air traffic controllers, the The SPE program has received “The program was a great who works as a doctor and a fate of the Universe.” n deal with leading-edge topics that military, and civilian drivers alike, generous support from Physics success,” said Karliner. “From researcher in Champaign, did a talk aren’t likely to be taught in a high relies on general relativity. Illinois alumni who recognize the very beginning, we got entitled From Blindness to Sight: The school classroom. It’s a chance for Assoc. Head for the value of the participation from the top research Physics of Vision Restoration. scientists at the front of their fields Undergraduate department’s public people—our Nobel laureates After Hertzog’s success with to instill excitement over science in Programs and outreach activities. on campus and members of the the program in its first two years, people of all ages. Professor Kevin For most of its 20 National Academy of Sciences were others took over directing it. These Retired research physicist Dr. Pitts said with years, the program generous with their time and gave include Dr. Inga Karliner and Inga Karliner said, “All children the recent call for ran under the name talks. I am very grateful to Tony Professors Paul Goldbart, Scott start out curious about the world renewed focus on Saturday Honors Leggett for being a great example— Willenbrock, Mats Selen, Jon and how things work. In our STEM education Physics Program. The he has given two talks.” Thaler, Kevin Pitts, and Naomi science outreach, we want to to meet a growing first conceptualization Karliner remembers the very first Makins. The name change to nurture this curiosity in children demand for for the program under lecture, given by Professor Enrico Saturday Physics for Everyone came and bring it back for adults.” professionals in its very first organizer, Gratton: Looking into the Brain with just last year, to recognize that the a Laser. program has always been a well- “He was using visible light to see inside the body. It was very magical,” said Karliner. “With this Left: Professor Paul Kwiat opens the season to a full house technique, you could see the human Above: Professor Paul Selvin with his talk, The Quantum brain inside the skull. I thought it demonstrates how cells “burn” fuel: Information Revolution. Above: was fascinating.” ATP, represented as two balls stuck Professor Matthias Grosse together, is split in two, releasing Perdekamp demonstrates the Karliner said over the years, energy which is then used by the quark structure of the proton. some speakers have drawn larger cell and by “molecular motors.” Right: Two volunteers toss a Left: A volunteer is propelled medicine ball to demonstrate crowds than average, for example, backwards by the force of a fire- the energy momentum transfer Doug Hofstadter, a professor extinguisher’s spray, demonstrating between two fundamental how an optical trap works to particles when they exchange of cognitive science at Indiana measure how much force a photons. University in Bloomington and “molecular motor” expends. 24 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 25 Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics comes to Illinois

Optical Society of America, and career panel,” said Glavin. “A lot US Department of Energy’s Office Director of Fermi National for Undergraduates program; the American Association for the of physics students aren’t aware of of Science, the Society of Physics Laboratory, Louis Block Professor Joannah Metz, geologist/ Advancement of Science. She was all of the career options they have, Students, Airgas, Inc., the Fermi of Physics at the University geophysicist at Shell Oil and Illinois elected to the American Academy since they’re mostly just exposed National Accelerator Laboratory, of Chicago specializing in alumna (BS Physics 2004); of Arts and Sciences in 2006 and to academic and research careers. the Universities Research experimental particle physics, and Lisa Reed of the the National Academy of Sciences Our attendees are going to have Association, Inc., Eastern Illinois fellow of the American Association Communications, Education in 2004. She is a recipient of the a chance to hear about lots of University, Millikin University, and for the Advancement of Science and Public Affairs Division of Boyle Medal, Ireland’s highest different options for careers.” the University of Illinois at Urbana- and of the American Physical Argonne National Laboratory, accolade bestowed on scientists. Glavin said she and the rest Champaign. Society; who coordinates graduate-student Murnane will be presenting of the planning committee are Among the speakers confirmed Arlene Modeste Knowles, research assistant appointments; from the Rocky Mountain regional working hard to make sure the at the Midwest regional are career & diversity programs Tierney Smith, physics teacher location, at the Colorado School of conference is a success and are Hannah DeBurg, graduate administrator for the American at Alan B. Shepard High School and Mines. excited to be able to host this student in biophysics at Illinois; Physical Society’s Minority Bridge Illinois alumna (BS Physics 2005 important career development Aida El-Khadra, professor of Program; and M.Ed. 2008); “Events like this and networking opportunity for physics at Illinois specializing in Sue Larson, associate professor Emily Sprague, Illinois alumna Physics Illinois undergrad Shannon Glavin conference help to undergraduate women in physics. high energy physics and leader of civil and environmental (dual bachelor’s degree in physics encourage us and “Although over the past few of one of the most successful engineering at Illinois, specializing and piano performance 2012), remind us that there decades the opportunities for collaborations working in lattice in experimental, field, and currently a graduate student in he 6th Annual Conference are a good number of women to pursue careers in physics field theory in the world; modeling investigations in air applied physics at Northwestern for Undergraduate Women have greatly improved, the playing Pamela Gay, astronomer, quality, and director of the College University; in Physics will take place accomplished female field between genders still isn’t podcaster, educator, and science of Engineering’s Women In Cacey Stevens, University of Tat six campuses across the nation physics students, even equal,” said Glavin. “Events like this communicator at the STEM Center Engineering Program; Chicago graduate student studying from January 18th through 20th, if we might sometimes conference help to encourage us at Southern Illinois University- Naomi Makins, professor of soft condensed matter physics; 2013. About 175 undergraduate be the only girl in the and remind us that there are a good Edwardsville, and project director physics at Illinois, specializing Lauren McNeil Van students and scholars are expected room.” number of accomplished female of CosmoQuest, a citizen-science in nuclear physics, and analysis Wassenhove, Illinois alumna to attend this year’s Midwest physics students, even if we might astronomy research group; coordinator for the HERMES (BS Physics 2007) and University regional conference, hosted by the Illinois Chancellor Phyllis M. sometimes be the only girl in the Laura Greene, professor of experiment at the Deutsches of Michigan doctoral student University of Illinois at Urbana- Wise will deliver an address at ro om .” physics at Illinois specializing in Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in researching breast cancer Champaign, with most talks the banquet. Wise is a fellow of Glavin also commented on the the physics of highly correlated Hamburg, Germany; progression; and scheduled in Loomis Laboratory. the American Association for value of fostering diversity among electron materials and fellow of Felicia Martinez, Illinois Sam Zeller, research scientist A distinguished group of invited the Advancement of Science our nation’s top scientists: the American Physical Society alumna (BS Physics 2011), at Fermi National Accelerator speakers will form a career panel, and a member of the National “Conferences that promote and the American Association for currently working in the financial Laboratory, spokesperson for a graduate student panel, and an Academies’ Institute of Medicine. diversity have the potential to the Advancement of Science, and industry in Chicago; the MicroBooNE experiment, undergraduate research panel. Wise maintains an active research advance the entire field of physics. member of the American Academy Kathy McCloud, program and analysis coordinator for the Other events at the Midwest program in issues relating to Whether it’s differences in gender, of Arts and Sciences and the director for the National Science MiniBooNE (E898) experiment. n regional include the liquid nitrogen women’s health and gender-based culture, education, or background, National Academy of Sciences; Foundation’s Research Experiences ice cream social, laboratory tours, biology. She has been particularly having a more diverse group Kawtar Hafidi, Argonne National and campus tours. interested in whether hormones supports more innovative problem Laboratory physicist specializing in All six locations will share over influence the brains of women and solving—and physics is all about the experimental study of quantum MIDWEST CONFERENCE live video stream this year’s keynote men during development, during problem solving.” chromodynamics, winner of the FOR UNDERGRADUATE speaker, Margaret Murnane, adulthood, and during aging. Conference sponsors include the 2011 Innovator Award of the 6TH ANNUAL distinguished professor at the Physics Illinois undergraduate American Astronomical Society, Chicago Chapter of the Association University of Colorado Boulder Shannon Glavin is one of the the National Science Foundation, for Women in Science, and the WOMEN and award-winning physicist for organizers of the regional the American Physical Society, 2010 Outstanding Mentor Award her work with ultrafast lasers. conference. MacMillan Publishers, the Argonne of the US Department of Energy’s UNIVERSITY OF IN ILLINOIS PH AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGNYSICS Murnane is a fellow of the “One of the things that I’m National Laboratory, the American Office of Science; JANUARY 18 - 20, 2013 American Physical Society, the really excited about is our diverse Association of Physics Teachers, the Young-Kee Kim, Deputy 26 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 27 things,” said Van Harlingen. “And Price fluctuations and shortages affect all helium users, but where Helium shortage threatens research efforts industrial, biomedical, and larger national-security-related users have some it corresponds to a time when ability to respond, smaller research groups at universities are harder pressed. new systems are being designed to Several research groups at Physics Illinois rely on the availability of helium for Associate Professor use less helium. We’re caught in a cryogenics, including those led by Professors Nadya Mason, Alexey Bezryadin, nationwide shortage of Raffi Budakian, and Dale Van Harlingen: helium and sky-high prices Nadya Mason said, transition period because we have a Mason’s research group studies the behavior of specialized for the commodity threaten “My lab spends about lot of old equipment. materials—carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanostructured Aprogress in low-temperature $200,000 per year on “In the last months, we have superconducting materials, and topological insulators—at very low temperatures. The group is particularly interested in the physics and superconductivity helium to run two seen periods where there was effects of reduced dimensionality and correlations on electron research in Urbana. “We’re in the systems full time for just no helium to be bought. At coherence. The understanding and control of electronic coherence is relevant to a variety of systems, including quantum middle of a serious crisis,” said seven students and the same time, we’ve seen a huge communication, information storage, and qubit control for department head Dale J. Van postdocs, so the cost spike in cost; if you are already quantum information processing. The team’s work also has Harlingen. and supply issues affect barely paying for your research, ramifications for elucidating high-temperature superconductivity. Over the past years, shortages us drastically.” and all of a sudden, you’re hit with Bezryadin and his students study quantum phenomena in one-dimensional superconducting systems. This team has and price spikes in the global The current helium a 30-percent cost increase in an fabricated superconducting nanowires by using individual helium market have had an crisis is in large part due essential material, it’s difficult.” carbon nanotubes or individual strands of DNA as substrate templates and sputtering these with layers of superconducting impact on critical users, including to passage of the 1996 The department’s liquid helium materials. The group studies the movement of single electrons NASA, the Department of Helium Privatization facility sells about 6,000 liters per through the nanowires (probably the thinnest superconductors ever measured) and attempts to understand the nature of the Defense, medical facilities that Act that required month to labs in physics and other superconductor-insulator transition found in such samples. offer MRI, national laboratories, the Bureau of Land campus departments, according to Budakian and his students have achieved high-resolution and university research groups, Management (BLM) to facilities manager Jerry Cook. The magnetic resonance force microscopy by using a highly including physicists at the sell off federal helium current in-house charge is $14 per sensitive silicon nanowire mechanical oscillator as a low- temperature NMR force sensor. Budakian’s research group can University of Illinois. reserves by 2015—with liter. now perform 3D nanometer-scale magnetic resonance imaging Between 2006 and 2010, the cost an equal volume of gas Cryogenic technician Ken with 10-nm resolution, far more sensitive than the millimeter across the nation of liquid helium to be sold each year, Roemer, who manages the resolution of medical MRI. Ultimately, with further refinements to this technology, 3D imaging of single molecules could become doubled from $3−5 per liter to regardless of market department’s helium liquefaction a possibility. $7−10 per liter, according to a 2010 demand—at a price system, said good stewardship The experiments of Van Harlingen’s group are aimed at report by the National Research sufficient to repay the practices—recovery and better understanding the superconducting properties of exotic Council (NCR). As of October federal government for conservation—are more critical materials and at determining complex order parameters Liquid helium is collected in a 1,000-l storage dewar of subdominant superconductive phase transitions. Recent 2012, the contract cost of liquid its total outlays on the following liquefaction of helium gas in the department’s than ever in light of the current work is directed toward the understanding of decoherence in superconducting qubits for quantum computing and the helium in the United States was $10 helium program. Linde 1410 Helium Liquefier. It takes 26.63 cu. ft. of gas to helium crisis. make 1 l of liquid helium. search for novel excitations in the newly-discovered topological to 11 per liter, but shortages have Since the reserve Crude helium gas is stripped insulator and topological superconductor materials. led some suppliers to charge up to supplies about one-half of the research groups at Illinois from natural gas deposits after $26 per liter. domestic helium demand and about have been somewhat protected these are extracted from mines. Helium’s many uses, including one-third of the global demand, the from short-term shortages and As such, helium is a limited cryogenic applications in science, straight-line sale without regard price volatility by the Physics resource. When natural gas industry, and government, arise from to fair market value has unduly Department’s foresight in installing mining operations do not strip its unique physical and chemical characteristics (including its stable influenced the open market price of its own helium gas recovery and extant helium, it is lost into the systems where practicable. Helium’s main commercial electronic configuration and low helium and has deterred domestic liquefaction system to recycle atmosphere. “We are working with the application is in MRI scanners; it is atomic mass): helium extraction from natural the helium gas boiled off from Cook said at present, about also used as a pressurizing and purge • second lightest element: gaseous chemistry department, installing gas for rockets, to make magnets helium is much lighter than air, gas exploration and production, cryostats. half the helium being used in recovery lines. That’s a half mile to for wind turbines, as a protective making it very buoyant; according to the NCR’s 2010 report. But with recent supply shortages the department’s labs is being three-quarters of a mile away,” said gas in arc welding, and for growing • chemical inertness: where the crystals used to make microchips alternative, hydrogen (the lightest To make matters worse, unless disrupting necessary helium gas recovered, purified, and reused. Cook. “With more efficiency, we and fiber optic cables. NASA and element) is highly flammable; further legislation is passed, deliveries and continued price That is a substantial increase from could get another two weeks on our the Department of Defense (DOD) • temperatures of phase transitions: use helium to purge and pressurize helium has the lowest melting once the national helium debt is escalation, our research groups are earlier rates, after the department trailers between deliveries.” the tanks and propulsion systems of and boiling points of any element retired—possibly within the next now feeling the pinch. Research spent about $50,000 in 2007 to “We offer the labs a rebate of rockets fueled by liquid hydrogen (It liquefies at 4.2 K and 1 atm and and oxygen and for various research solidifies only at extremelyhigh year—the funding mechanism budgets simply don’t expand and tighten up its recovery system and 33 cents per cubic foot of recovered and development programs funded pressures, 25 atm, and low for operation of the Federal contract with fluctuations in helium repair 55 leaks. gas,” said Roemer. “The machine by these agencies. The DOD temperatures, 0.95 K.); also uses helium for balloon- and • high thermal conductivity; Helium Reserve would expire, and gas prices. Less gas is being recovered from takes the dirty gas and runs it dirigible-based surveillance systems • low viscosity; and operations would cease. “It’s the first time we’ve really labs in outside departments, and through purification. First, water, employed for national security. • high ionization potential. Since the 60s, helium-using faced a change in how we do plans are in place to install recovery oil, and solids are removed in the 28 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 29 Faculty highlights THE FEDERAL HELIUM RESERVE recovery compressor; then in the liquefier, everything but the helium Schulten shares The Federal Helium Reserve is the number one supplier of helium worldwide today. Its operations are slated for shut freezes on a mesh, and this isolates down as soon as its $1.3 billion debt is paid down, possibly within the next six to twelve months. the helium, which is liquefied. The IEEE Computer Society’s Shortly after US sources of helium were discovered early in the last century, the government recognized helium’s liquid helium is stored in a large 2012 Sidney Fernbach Award potential importance to national interests, particularly for use in dirigible air transport during World War I. In 1925, Congress 1,000-liter dewar then transferred created a Federal Helium Program that placed production and availability from federally owned mineral interests under to smaller storage dewars—we strict control. The Bureau of Mines—the predecessor of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)—was commissioned with the task of constructing and operating a large helium extraction and purification plant that went into operation in 1929. have 35-liter and 60-liter sizes—for The Federal Helium Reserve comprises a naturally occurring rock dome near Amarillo, TX, called the Bush Dome distribution to the labs.” Reservoir, an extensive helium pipeline system running through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas that connects crude helium Pushing that in-house recovery extraction plants with each other, with helium refining facilities, and with the Bush Dome Reservoir, and various wells, pumps, and related equipment used to pressurize the Bush Dome Reservoir. rate higher is an urgent goal, and rofessor Klaus Schulten Until 1960, the US Government was the only domestic producer of helium. During and after World War II, helium Cook would like to see it as high as was selected to receive demand increased, and in 1960, Congress passed amendments to the Helium Act, providing incentives to private natural 90 percent. the prestigious 2012 gas producers to strip helium from natural gas and sell it to the government; the amendments required that any debts This would reduce helium PIEEE Computer Society Sidney incurred in helium collection be repaid with funds from the sale of the helium. As a result of these procurement efforts, debt mounted. purchases and would make the Fernbach Award, “for outstanding department less dependent on contributions to the development By the 1990s, it was clear that federal demand for the gas would not match supply, and Congress passed the 1996 Helium Privatization Act requiring the BLM to sell off the reserve to pay down its $1.3 billion debt by 2015. external pricing, said Cook. of widely used parallel software The National Research Council (NRC) was commissioned to monitor the effects of the sell-off on the helium market. To that end, Cook has done for large biomolecular systems A report issued in 2000 by the NRC found no substantial impact of the sell-off on helium users, based on the then-stable extensive research on how to simulation.” He shares the honor market. The NCR’s 2010 report reversed those earlier findings, pointing out that the earlier report failed to address the improve the rate of recovery, with Illinois Computer Science effects of the mandated sell-off on helium availability or on crude helium prices and also failed to predict the eventual growth in demand from an expanding market in Europe. collaborating with cryogenic Professor Laxmikant “Sanjay” Kale. The report states, “In response to its charge, the committee finds that selling off the helium reserve, as required by the specialists at similar university The award was established 1996 Act, has adversely affected critical users of helium and is not in the best interest of US taxpayers or the country.” facilities in other states. in 1992 in memory of high- The 2010 report suggests that a market-based pricing system would encourage new exploration and production of helium, ease current market tensions caused by BLM’s helium pricing mechanism, and accelerate payoff of the reserve’s “Some suggestions for performance computing debt. It re-evaluates the policies behind the Act that call for the sale of all federally owned helium on a straight-line basis. improvement include more pioneer Sidney Fernbach And it recommends BLM look into the feasibility of extending the Helium Pipeline to other fields with deposits of helium to efficient meter monitoring for to recognize outstanding prolong the productive life of the government’s reserve and refining facilities. The report further urges the federal government to provide financial support to federal agencies and researchers at earlier detection and isolation of contributions in the universities and national laboratories to acquire helium liquefaction systems and gaseous recovery systems to reduce leaks, slower transfer of gas from application of high-performance supercomputing centers. consumption. dewars to minimize burn off, lining computers using innovative Schulten’s group is presently The 2010 report also notes that the Middle East and Russia are poised to become the next big suppliers of helium; the United States is likely to be a net importer by the year 2025. up experiments back to back to approaches. developing a new computational minimize usage, and installing Schulten is a Swanlund Professor method to assists biologists in The bipartisan Helium Stewardship Act of 2012, introduced last April by Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and John booster pumps and auxiliary of Physics, directs the Center for solving the structures of the very Barrasso (R-WY) with co-sponsors Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Enzi (R-WY), draws on recommendations from private helium refiners, retailers, end users, BLM officials, and the National Academy of Sciences. bags in remote locations to better Biomolecular Modeling at the large macromolecular complexes If enacted, it would change the current sales structure in favor of market-based pricing, to remove current market capture the gas,” said Cook. n Beckman Institute, and co-directs that form the machinery of living distortions. It lays out a responsible resource management strategy for the reserve by securing long-term access to BLM the Center for the Physics of Living cells. crude helium for all Federal users; authorizing continued operation of the Reserve beyond January 1, 2015, on which existing authorizations expire; ensuring Cells in the Department of Physics. Schulten holds a Diplom degree remaining helium is managed and Schulten’s research, focused in physics from the University of sold off responsibly by selling BLM on molecular assembly and Münster, Germany, and a PhD in crude helium at prices that recover fair market value for taxpayers; cooperation in biological cells, chemical physics from Harvard and stimulating development requires large-scale computing. University. He was junior group of private sources of helium by He was the first to demonstrate leader at the Max Planck Institute adopting market-based prices for that parallel computers can be for Biophysical Chemistry from BLM helium sales, thus encouraging helium extraction from natural gas practically employed to solve the 1974 to 1980 and professor of exploration and production. classical many-body problem in theoretical physics at the Technical The 2012 helium bill doesn’t biomolecular modeling. Thousands University of Munich from 1980 to authorize any new appropriations. The bill was sent to the Committee of researchers worldwide use his 1988, before joining Illinois. on Energy and Natural Resources, group’s software in molecular Schulten and Kale accepted which heard testimony on the matter graphics (VMD) and modeling the award at the keynote session in May. In September, Senator Charles The first helium airship flight, December 1, 1921. Helium is popularly known for its buoyant Schumer (D-NY) publicly promised to (NAMD) on personal computers at SC12 in Salt Lake City on properties, though its usage as a lifting gas accounts for the smallest portion of its use. push the legislation forward. as well as at the world’s leading November 13. n 30 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 31 Faculty highlights Faculty highlights incorporating innovative educational both the introductory classes taken problem-solving, and improves APS Undergraduate Education Award technologies, and drawing on the by science and engineering students communication and leadership results of their nationally recognized and the advanced classes and skills. The Illinois approach benefits ast April, the American segments are enhanced by the the courses have been based on physics education research group. laboratories taken by physics majors. not only the undergraduate students Physical Society announced use of a wireless student response sound research proven not only The renaissance in undergraduate An innovative, integrated model for who take their classes, but it also the Department of Physics at system, the i>clicker, developed at to improve students’ overall teaching begun in 1995 at Illinois physics teaching has been created gives their graduate teaching LIllinois was among four programs Physics Illinois. understanding of curriculum, but has involved more than 90 percent that develops higher-order thinking assistants excellent training in best in the nation selected to receive The introduction of Physics also to contribute to a greater sense of the faculty and has transformed competencies, promotes collaborative practices. n the inaugural 2012 Award for 100, a new preparatory course, of satisfaction from students and Improving Undergraduate Physics teachers alike. Education. “Students are learning more with Administered by the APS less time spent in class and they Committee on Education, the are much happier with the courses DeMarco awarded 2012 COE Dean’s Award award recognizes programs that now than they were a few years demonstrate a commitment ago, which is an added bonus,” said for Excellence in Research to inclusive, high-quality Mestre. ssociate Professor of ultracold atom gases trapped in a undergraduate education Department Head and Professor Physics Brian DeMarco lattice created by intersecting laser in physics. Recipients are Dale Van Harlingen said, “Teaching received a 2012 College beams. acknowledged for a three-year is very important to us, and we’ve Aof Engineering Dean’s Award “Brian’s pioneering work has period. devoted a good deal of time for Excellence in Research. opened a whole new world of The exceptional quality of the represents another major and resources over the course The award, formerly called the opportunities for elucidating the Physics Illinois undergraduate effort to improve the success of of many years to improving our Xerox Award for Senior Faculty quantum behavior of a wide range curriculum and teaching undergraduates in physics. This undergraduate physics courses. Research, is presented annually of many-body systems that are methodologies is the result of course is designed to provide the We have in a sense revolutionized to outstanding young faculty in intractable to even supercomputer almost 15 years of concerted foundation needed to do well in the the way that physics is taught at the College of Engineering at modeling—opportunities that effort by the department’s faculty introductory courses. It is aimed this level. This award from the Illinois for extraordinary research many researchers worldwide are to reform the introductory level at retaining students who have American Physical Society is an accomplishments. DeMarco was just starting to recognize,” said courses based on proven research inadequate high school preparation honor well-deserved by our physics recognized for his ground-breaking Department Head and Professor findings. Almost a decade ago, a and encouraging minority student education research group and by all work on the behavior of ultracold Dale Van Harlingen. “Brian is at the physics education research group participation in STEM fields. faculty members who contributed atoms confined in atomic lattices forefront of this emerging field.” was formed at Illinois and this A new comprehensive TA to improving our undergraduate to simulate the quantum behavior DeMarco and his students made team’s leadership was instrumental training program was implemented program. Our innovations in of condensed matter systems. He headlines last fall when they were in the successful research, in conjunction with the course teaching certainly place us among was presented with the award on the first to demonstrate three- development, and implementation revisions, to introduce the new the very best undergraduate Monday, April 23, 2012. After serving as a postdoc at the dimensional Anderson localization of the new teaching model. pedagogy to graduate student TAs, programs in physics worldwide.” DeMarco received his National Institute of Standards and of quantum matter waves. The overhaul of the Physics who play a vital role in course The award letter reads: bachelor’s degree in physics with a Technology in David Wineland’s Understanding the mechanism Illinois undergraduate program lectures, facilitating active learning All members of the Department of mathematics minor from the State group at Boulder, where he of Anderson localization—the included a massive curriculum segments. Physics at the University of Illinois, University of New York at Geneseo developed improved quantum logic cessation of the propagation of revision of the algebra-based Professor Jose Mestre, who from the greenest assistant professor in 1996, graduating summa cum elements and used trapped ions waves in a disordered medium— Physics 101–102 series and the specializes in education research, or teaching assistant to the most laude. He earned a doctorate in to scale up quantum information is critical to understanding the calculus-based Physics 211–214 contributed to the design of studies distinguished senior researcher, physics from the University of processing systems, DeMarco effects of impurities and defects series. The courses now leverage that tested new teaching models demonstrate their commitment to Colorado Boulder (2001), where joined the Department of Physics at in three-dimensional conduction. multi-media technologies before they were developed and undergraduate education every he extended magnetic trapping Illinois in 2003. DeMarco’s work thus has important to provide a better learning implemented under the leadership day. In the last 15 years, they have and evaporative cooling techniques Exploiting the experience he implications for understanding environment inside and outside of Professors Gary Gladding, Mats collectively and completely recreated used to produce Bose–Einstein gained on two different quantum the behavior of ultrasonic waves the classroom. Online pre-lecture Selen, and Timothy Stelzer. the way undergraduate physics condensates to create the first systems as a graduate student and used in medical imaging, photonic preparations have proven a very “It’s been a long effort,” said courses are taught—to almost 9,000 quantum degenerate Fermi gas of postdoc, DeMarco embarked on effects in materials, and electron successful aid to conceptual Mestre. “Each year something new students per year—by rethinking atoms. His achievement was ranked a bold and aggressive research transport in semiconductors and understanding. In class, peer gets tweaked and gets better.” curricular content, redesigning as one of the top ten scientific program to create a laboratory- superconductors. n instruction and active learning Mestre said all changes to labs, remodeling classrooms, discoveries in 1999 by Science. scale “quantum simulator,” using 32 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 33 Faculty highlights introductory algebra-based courses, not a one-shot effort but became a exam, and eventually an intelligent Stelzer, Gladding, and Selen win APS’s as well. The success of the project process of continuous improvement tutoring tool that can help students can be attributed to the hard which led to the development of address their areas of weakness. 2013 Excellence in Physics Education Award work of many faculty members the outstanding physics education The second project the smartPhysics methodology and curriculum improve and the introduction of materials research (PER) group that now team has begun work on is the conceptual learning and higher-order thinking and methods inspired by physics exists in Urbana. They are certainly development and evaluation of an education research.” among the best—my Urbana loyalty inexpensive hand-held wireless learning physics. This in turn Boston University Professor leads me to say they are the best— device, called IOLab, that integrates directly correlates to higher David Campbell said, “I was of the PER groups in the country a large collection of sensors student retention and an expressed absolutely delighted when I learned and thus are very deserving of this (accelerometer, magnetometer, improvement in instructor that my long-time Illinois physics recognition.” gyroscope, barometer, satisfaction. colleagues Mats, Gary, and Tim Gladding, Selen and Stelzer thermometer, force probe, light The lectures have been had won the 2013 APS Physics currently devote the bulk of their intensity, speaker, microphone, transformed to promote Education Award. This is the research time to projects in the PER EKG, and more) with an online instructor-student interaction by culmination of an effort begun group. content delivery system, to enable incorporating peer instruction nearly two decades ago—in 1995, Not content to rest on their students to explore many key and active learning segments. to be precise, when I was head of laurels, the team has embarked introductory physics concepts on These activities are enhanced the department—with the “reform” on two new projects this year. their own. At a unit cost of about by the use of a wireless student of our major introductory physics First, along with Professor Jose $40, the device will also provide a Pictured left to right are Assoc. Professor Timothy Stelzer, Professor Emeritus Gary Gladding, response system, the i>clicker, courses. In an article Celia Elliott, Mestre, the team has begun a hands-on laboratory experience and Professor Mats Selen, co-developers of smartPhysics. that was jointly invented and Gary, and I wrote about this for project aimed at improving the for online learners and students at n recognition of their sustained way this content is introduced and developed by Gladding, Selen, the APS Forum on Education retention of students with majors underfunded public schools. commitment to excellence in explored with students results in a Stelzer, and graduate student Benny Newsletter, we called this ‘parallel in the sciences and engineering. The Excellence In Education physics education, Professors whole new learning experience. Brown, and is now in use by over parking an aircraft carrier,’ because The ultimate goal of this project is Award will be presented to the IGary Gladding, Mats Selen, and The smartPhysics curriculum is 2 million students at more than 900 we had to make the changes in real to develop two online tools, first team at a special ceremonial session Tim Stelzer were selected by the delivered in three integrated and institutions. time with 2,500 students a semester a diagnostic tool that can provide during the April APS meeting in American Physical Society to interactive phases: first, fifteen- University of Washington passing through our courses. an accurate assessment of each Denver. n receive the 2013 Excellence in minute web-based animated Physics Professor David Hertzog “Importantly, the reform was student’s understanding prior to an Physics Education Award. PreLectures introduce students said, “What Gary, Mats, and The award citation reads: to base content prior to class; Tim have done is modernize the For the creative application of then, lecture content is guided delivery of Introductory Physics in physics education research results by assessments of students’ a way that just works with today’s with components of modern understanding of the introductory students. Our department at UW Physics students use the i>clicker during technology to create a new pedagogy material; and finally, an online has committed to smartPhysics. It’s an active learning segment in a lecture included in the smartPhysics learning for an introductory physics homework system delivers clever, relevant, accurate, and fun. environment. curriculum that substantially interactive tutorials and immediate From an instructor’s perspective, it’s changes the roles of the instructors assessments. a delight—I’ve been re-energized in and students and, as measured “Our most valuable time with teaching these materials.” through research, provides our students is the time when we Gladding attributes the success significant and nationally recognized are face to face,” said Stelzer. “By of the smartPhysics project to the learning benefits. providing content in an easily long-term commitment of Physics About five years ago, Gladding, accessible format before the Illinois to continually refining its Selen and Stelzer developed lecture, we can spend more time course offerings. This material is based upon work supported smartPhysics, a new learning on activities that actually apply that “This award is an outgrowth by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. 0817185, 0831820, and 1122534. environment for the first year of new knowledge in class.” of the departmental effort begun Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or introductory calculus-based physics The demonstrated results of the almost 15 years ago to improve recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect (Physics 211 and Physics 212). team’s new pedagogical approach the instruction in the introductory the views of the National Science Foundation. And while the foundational subject include improved overall student calculus-based courses,” said MS would like to acknowledge the continued matter of the introductory courses comprehension, coupled with Gladding. “This project was support and encouragement of the Research remains primarily the same, the a greater sense of enjoyment in later extended to improving the Corporation for Science Advancement. 34 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 35 Faculty highlights Faculty Highlights

Nadya Mason adjusts a Eckstein shares Matthias Prize cryostat in her laboratory in Pines Honored by AAPT the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory. Photo by Ivan Petrov he American rofessor James N. Eckstein Association of was awarded the 2012 Bernd Physics Teachers T. Matthias Prize, a triennial T(AAPT) has selected Paward that recognizes innovative Professor Emeritus David contributions to the material Pines for the 2013 John aspects of superconductivity. David Jackson Excellence Eckstein shared the 2012 Prize in Graduate Physics with colleagues Ivan Božović Education Award. and Dirk Johrendt. Eckstein was This prestigious award cited for his “pioneering and will be presented to Pines sustained contributions to the Mason receives APS’s Maria at a Ceremonial Session novel synthesis and engineering of of the 2013 AAPT Winter superconducting materials.” Goeppert Mayer Award Meeting in New Orleans. A distinguished condensed ssociate Professor Nadya she was elected a Junior Fellow in Pines was selected to matter experimentalist, Eckstein Mason was awarded the the Harvard Society of Fellows. She receive the Jackson Award is best known for his technical American Physical Society’s joined the faculty at Illinois in 2005. in recognition of his expertise in creating high- A2012 Maria Goeppert Mayer Her achievements have authorship of The Many quality oxide thin films to study heterostructures aimed at reducing Award. The citation reads: previously been recognized by Body-Problem and Elementary to receive this quite unexpected fundamental physical properties decoherence in superconducting For innovative experiments that a National Science Foundation Excitations in Solids, and the honor and recognition and very of cuprate superconductors and qubits by reducing material elucidate the electronic interactions CAREER Award (2007), a two-volume text/monograph, The much look forward to attending magnetic materials. His pioneering defects. His group is also studying and correlations in low-dimensional Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Theory of Quantum Liquids, written the AAPT Winter 2013 meeting in development of atomic layer-by- novel two-dimensional systems systems, in particular the use of local (2008), the Denice Denton with Philippe Nozières. New Orleans and giving the award layer molecular beam epitaxy that couple superconducting gates and tunnel probes to control Emerging Leader Award of the These publications served to lecture, not least because David (MBE) has enabled research on electrodes separated by topological and measure the electronic states in Anita Borg Institute (2009), and define and describe significant Jackson is a former colleague and complex materials and atomic scale insulators. Such materials are of carbon nanotubes and graphene. a fellowship in the UI Center for sub-fields of physics. Additionally, friend of long standing.” heterojunctions with new levels of great technological importance as “Nadya is a remarkable young Advanced Study (2011). Pines is recognized as the founder Pines is distinguished research precision and sophistication. potential decoherence-protected experimentalist who works at The Maria Goeppert Mayer of the innovative series, Frontiers professor at UC Davis, research His group has developed qubits for quantum information the intersection of complex Award recognizes outstanding in Physics, containing over 100 professor of physics and professor some of the best planar tunnel processing. materials, superconductivity, and achievement by a woman physicist volumes, for which he has served emeritus of physics and electrical junctions ever made using Eckstein received his bachelor’s nanotechnology,” said Department in the early years of her career. as editor since its inception and computer engineering in single crystal oxide barrier and degree in physics from St. Olaf Head and Professor Dale Van In addition to a cash prize, the in 1961. The series has been a the Center for Advanced Study superconductor layers. These have College in Northfield, MN, in Harlingen. “She has superb Award provides travel support for significant source of knowledge and at Illinois, and retired last year revealed unusual behavior of the 1973, and his doctorate in physics technical skills and excellent taste the recipient to present a series of inspiration for graduate students as the founding director of the superconducting state in these from Stanford University in 1978. in selecting important and timely public lectures in the spirit of Maria in all fields of physics. To quote Institute for Complex Adaptive materials at ordered interfaces. He joined the department as a problems and has already made Goeppert Mayer, recipient of the from the Editor’s Foreword: “The Matter, a global partnership His work has also been central to professor in 1997. He is a fellow of pioneering contributions to the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physics for her series has made it possible for connecting scientists who study research on superconductors using the American Physical Society and physics and electronic properties development of a mathematical leading physicists to communicate emergent behavior in matter in measurements of angle-resolved the holder of six US patents. of carbon nanotubes and transport model describing the nuclear shell in coherent fashion their views its 71 branches representing 111 photoemission and terahertz The Bernd T. Matthias Prize is in low-dimensional systems at the structure of the atomic nucleus. of recent developments in the institutions. conductivity. sponsored by the Texas Center quantum limit.” Goeppert Mayer was the second most exciting and active fields of The award recognizes physicists Most recently, Eckstein for Superconductivity at the Mason earned a bachelor’s woman to win the Nobel Prize in physics—without having to devote and physics educators who have has employed MBE, as well University of Houston. The award degree in physics from Harvard Physics, after Marie Curie. the time and energy required made outstanding contributions as nanoscale lithography and was presented to Eckstein at the University in 1995 and a doctorate Mason received her award at a to prepare a formal review or to curriculum development, advanced etching methods, to Materials and Mechanisms of in physics from Stanford University special session of the American monograph.” mentorship, or classroom teaching create Josephson devices based Superconductivity Conference, July in 2001. She returned to Harvard Physical Society’s annual meeting Pines said, “I am most pleased in graduate physics education. n on single-crystal superconducting 29–August 3, in Washington DC. n for postdoctoral training, where in Boston in March 2012. n 36 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 37 Faculty highlights Faculty Highlights The fellows are provided with Chemla and Neubauer one semester’s teaching release to El-Khadra and Makins elected APS Fellows Named CAS Fellows pursue groundbreaking research rofessors Aida El-Khadra and activities. Naomi Makins were elected During his fellowship Fellows of the American PPhysical Society. They are joined appointment, Chemla is exploiting the capabilities of in the 2011 class by Physics Illinois a unique instrument that he alumni Jean-Philippe Ansermet developed, which combines high- (Ecole Polytechnique Federale resolution optical trapping with de Lausanne), Nicholas Curro single-molecule fluorescence (UC Davis), Donald J. Holmgren microscopy to study the molecular (Fermilab), Patrick T. Lukens “nanomachines” involved in (Fermilab), Jonathan L. Machta (U. genome maintenance. Massachusetts, Amherst), and Eric

Neubauer is using his fellowship Weeks (Emory University). Professor Aida El-Khadra Professor Naomi Makins Asst. Professor Mark Neubauer Asst. Professor Yann Chemla appointment to launch a new The citation for El-Khadra reads: computing facility at the University For contributions to lattice El-Khadra was nominated by through the study of polarized ssistant Professors Yann for Advanced Study supports of Illinois to process and analyze QCD and flavor physics including APS’s Division of Particles and semi-inclusive deep-inelastic lepton R. Chemla and Mark S. the extraordinary human and the massive datasets obtained pioneering studies of heavy quarks Fields. scattering. Neubauer were appointed physical resources of the University by the ATLAS experiment at on the lattice, semileptonic and The citation for Makins reads: Makins was nominated by APS’s Afellows in the Center for Advanced of Illinois by encouraging and the Large Hadron Collider. He leptonic heavy-light meson decays, For her contributions to our Division of Nuclear Physics. n Study (CAS) for 2012-13. promoting exemplary scholarship is also working on detector the strong coupling constant, and understanding of the transverse Fellows are selected by the in all areas of knowledge. One of commissioning and development quark masses. quark structure of the nucleon permanent faculty of the CAS in an the primary missions of the Center of a fast hardware tracker (FTK) for annual competition. CAS director is to identify the very best scholars ATLAS. n Leon Dash said , “The Center at the University.” Wiss selected for Nordsieck Physics Award he learned from in high school methods and the abiding influence and university (at Illinois): “I he has had on our students.” try to convey the excitement of The Nordsiek Award is made the physics of the course I am possible by a memorial endowment Vishveshwara Receives Fellowship in teaching, engage the class with from the family of distinguished questions during the lecture, and Professor Arnold T. Nordsieck Theoretical Physics give them relevant and instructive (1911–1971), a theorist in the Professor James Wiss homework problems to solidify mathematics of computation ssociate Professor Smitha Vishveshwara was awarded an inaugural their understanding.” at Illinois from 1947 to 1961. Simons Foundation Fellowship in Theoretical Physics for the rofessor James Wiss has Wiss regularly appears on the Among his many contributions, 2012–13 academic year. The Simons Foundation is a private been selected to receive the Incomplete List, a registry of Nordsieck built the first computer Aorganization with the primary mission of advancing the frontiers of Arnold T. Nordsieck Physics teachers ranked as excellent by to be used at Lawrence Livermore research in mathematics and the physical sciences. PAward for Teaching Excellence their students, compiled by the National Laboratory, the differential The 27 scholars chosen in this first-ever nationwide competition were for the 2011–12 academic year, University’s Center for Teaching analyzer. This innovative analog selected by rigorous peer review on the basis of their proposed research for his “patient, insightful, and Excellence. computer was assembled in Urbana plan. inspiring physics teaching, one Department Head and Professor in 1950 from $700 worth of surplus A condensed matter theorist, Vishveshwara is using the fellowship to problem at a time, that encourages Dale Van Harlingen said, “The World War II supplies and is today study topological aspects and quantum dynamics of strongly correlated undergraduate students to take enthusiastic comments of the on display at the Computer History systems. She has previously made pioneering contributions to our their understanding to a new level.” students who have benefited from Museum in Mountain View, Wiss said his teaching style is Assoc. Professor Smitha Vishveshwara understanding of the quantum-mechanical behavior of both solid-state Professor Wiss’s office-hours California. n materials and cold atomic gases. n inspired by the excellent teachers tutorials attest to the success of his

38 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 39 Alumni highlights Alumni highlights hysics Illinois alumnus Charles H. Henry (PhD 1965) was inducted into Gardner recognized for Pthe Engineering at Illinois Hall of Fame in a ceremony held distinguished service Friday, September 14, 2012, at the Beckman Institute for Science and Technology in Urbana. Henry attended with his wife, Helene Henry. Professor Charles miscroscopic structure of materials into ViewPlus’s new ink and Braille Slichter, Henry’s doctoral advisor, using nuclear hyperfine methods products, the Pro Ink Attachment was also present to see his student and developed experimental and Emprint Color Tactile Printer. immortalized. methods employing perturbed- In addition, Gardner has Henry was among eight angle-correlation spectroscopy, contributed significantly to the distinguished alumni of the MÖssbauer spectroscopy, development of MathML, which College who were honored for NMR, nuclear quadrupolar has become the underlying their significant achievements

resonance, and magnetic language for scientific notation in leadership, entrepreneurship, Physics Illinois alumnus Charles Henry (right) with his doctoral advisor, Professor Emeritus susceptibility. and publications on the Web, and innovation of great impact to Charles Slichter, at the Engineering at Illinois Hall of Fame Ceremony. At the age of 48, Gardner and to DotsPlus Braille, a two- society. lost his eyesight, leading dimensional Braille that expresses After graduating from Physics him to develop creative complex mathematical equations in Illinois, Henry spent his entire Charles Henry, Hall of Famer new tools and techniques a format similar to standard print professional career working in the lumnus John Arvy Gardner, to access data and carry on his math notation. Other innovations Physics Research Division at Bell The 1976 patent for the the 1999 Charles Hard Townes Jr., (MS 1963, PhD 1966) ambitious research program. include a graphing calculator Laboratories in Murray Hill, New quantum well laser is one of 28 Award of the Optical Society of was presented the College While a professor of physics and augmented with audio and tactile Jersey. Over the course of his 32 patents Henry holds. Throughout America, and the 2001–2002 Prize Aof Engineering Alumni Award an investigator in the Center for feedback that operates on a flexible years as a leading researcher, his his career, Henry worked at the for Industrial Applications of for Distinguished Service at a Advanced Materials Research at Windows platform; the Tiger many discoveries, observations, and forefront of semiconductor-based Physics of the American Institute ceremony held April 21, 2012, “for Oregon State, Gardner founded its Braille printer, which embosses theories truly revolutionized the optical technologies and science— of Physics. In 2001, he received an bringing the world of science and acclaimed Science Access Project, tactile text and graphics onto field of optoelectronics. LEDs, semiconductor lasers, and Alumni Award for Distinguished mathematics to the blind through which created assistive technologies standard Braille paper and plastic Henry is a condensed matter integrated optical circuits. He is Service from Engineering at pioneering technologies that allow for visually impaired students. media; and the IVEO Tactile- physicist best known for his known as a great inventor as well as Illinois. visually impaired scientists to read In 1996, he founded ViewPlus Audio System, a hands-on learning invention of the quantum well a great theorist. Henry said the news that he formerly inaccessible materials.” Technologies, now recognized as a system incorporating touch-screen laser, the device that made possible . . .his career involved would be inducted into the College Gardner is a distinguished world leader in the development of technology. Gardner’s collaboration modern optical communications. a rich succession of of Engineering Hall of Fame 2012 scientist and professor emeritus of assistive technology for people with with the American Physical Society, It was near the end of 1972 when came as a very pleasant surprise. physics at Oregon State University sensory and learning disabilities. a leader in using accessible markup his “greatest idea as a physicist” first important contributions “I am deeply honored that my and is founder and CTO of Gardner has worked proactively languages for publishing, will occurred to him: to science and work will be remembered in this ViewPlus Technologies, Inc., in with industry to make new make text, math, and figures in “In the early 70s when I had technology. . . way,” said Henry. Corvallis, OR. technologies accessible to the blind. APS online journals accessible to the sudden realization that the In addition to his seminal work Slichter said Henry was an He is an expert in materials He was a leader in the national people with visual or other print quantum well could be a greatly on quantum wells and the quantum extraordinary student, one of the science and has made important effort that forced Microsoft to disabilities. improved semiconductor laser, I well laser, Henry established the most talented he had ever known. contributions to the development incorporate accessibility features Gardner has a long history of sensed that it was an important “alpha parameter” to explain “The citation for his award of perturbed-angle-correlation in their operating systems, collaboration with the Division of fundamental advance in the behavior of semiconductor mentions his most important spectroscopy and time-differential allowing users to employ assistive Resources and Education Services semiconductor laser technology,” lasers and initiated a new optical scientific/technical contributions, perturbed-angle correlation software and hardware with at Illinois. He has served as a said Henry. “I am proud that this integrated circuit technology in my opinion, but his career spectroscopy. Known for research Microsoft applications. He also colloquium speaker for physics and potential has been realized in the that enabled optical routers and involved a rich succession of on the properties and processing of worked with Hewlett Packard’s has addressed the campus working development of lasers and devices multiplexing. important contributions to science materials at elevated temperatures, Specialty Printing Systems group to group on accessibility in the Office used in many fields today that have Henry is a recipient of the 1999 and technology that are only hinted he has frequently published on the incorporate HP inkjet technology of the Chief Information Officer.n transformed our lives.” IEEE Jack A. Morton Award, at in the award,” said Slichter. n 40 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 41 Alumni highlights Alumni highlights Koster wins AGS & RHIC Thesis Award

lumnus John Koster (PhD spin asymmetries (SSA) 2010) shared the 2012 observed in high energy Relativistic Heavy Ion polarized hadron collisions. ACollider­­ & Alternating Gradient Koster developed the Synchrotron Thesis Award with instrumentation required to Len K. Eun of the Lawrence measure SSAs for hadrons Berkeley National Laboratory. produced at small scattering The researchers were recognized angles with high transverse for their outstanding research momentum, pT, using the PHENIX Illinois alumnus Dr. Frank Lederman, retired chief technology officer and vice president of Alcoa, returns to speak with students about conducted at the accelerator proton collisions, as well as for detector at RHIC. career opportunities for physics PhD graduates in the private sector, on October 17 in the Interaction Room in Loomis Laboratory. facilities at Brookhaven National the development of two compact The SSA are thought to be a Laboratory (BNL). electromagnetic calorimeters for consequence of the strong nuclear Alumni mentor tomorrow’s graduates The award was presented by the PHENIX detector at RHIC. interaction, which is mediated BNL’s Steve Vigdor, associate Koster developed two compact by gluons. Measurements at high here is no question that “Even the more traditional paths, chief technology officer and vice laboratory director for nuclear forward electromagnetic pT test theoretical ideas that an advanced degree from such as working for a national president of Alcoa, and John and particle physics, at the RHIC calorimeters for measurements SSAs originate dynamically from Physics Illinois provides lab, provide some insight and Smaardyk, PhD, technology & AGS Annual Users’ Meeting of spin asymmetries at small interactions based on correlated Ta solid foundation for those who demystify life after graduation. development manager for GE Oil & in June. Each honoree received a scattering angles in polarized exchange of multiple gluons. n would go on to pursue an academic I am fascinated by the variety of Gas. November talks include Saad certificate and a check for $3,000 proton-proton scattering at RHIC. career in research or teaching. But options available for physicists, and Hebboul, PhD, senior asst. editor and presented their findings at the Koster carried out his thesis the success of the department’s attending the seminars opened my of Physical Review Letters and users’ meeting. research at Physics Illinois, The electromagnetic calorimeters were distinguished alumni who work in mind to more career options.” Francis Slakey, PhD, assoc. director Koster (now employed by the developed with the support of the working with his adviser Professor a broad range of occupations within Funded by the Graduate of public affairs for the American Japanese Institute for Physical Matthias Grosse Perdekamp and in National Science Foundation, NSF the private sector and government College and co-sponsored by Physical Society. and Chemical Research, RIKEN, collaboration with Illinois physics Grant No. 02-44889, and important in- kind contributions from the Kurchatov also speaks to the value and Assoc. Director of Advancement Cooper said, “The Physics in Wako, Japan) was recognized researcher Mickey Chiu (now a Institute in Russia, Hiroshima relevance of physics degrees beyond Erin Kirby and Associate Heads Careers series—intended for for his work as a postdoctoral physicist at BNL). University in Japan, the University the hallowed halls of academia. Lance Cooper and Kevin Pitts, the both graduate and undergraduate researcher at BNL on spin Koster’s thesis focused on the of Massachusetts Amherst, and asymmetries in polarized proton- unexpected large single transverse Brookhaven National Laboratory. Last spring for the first time, series hosted four speakers last students—provides a forum for the department reached out to spring: Jerome Hubacek, PhD, of Physics Illinois and other Illinois select alumni and asked them to Lam Research Corporation; Sam alumni to describe the diverse come back to share their career Petuchowski, PhD, JD, of the legal career paths possible for physics experiences with current students. firm of Sunstein, Kann, Murphy, PhDs in industry, government, Physics Illinois invites alumni Many students who turned out for and Timbers; Gregg Franklin, MD, medicine, law, publishing—any to stay in touch! the talks voiced their appreciation PhD, of the New Mexico Cancer field of choice. Our students for the mentoring these alumni Center; and Peter Gehring, PhD, have also found it useful to hear provided through the new Physics of the National Institute of Science about the aspects of our graduate Careers Seminar Series. and Technology headquarters. program that our alumni found To receive the latest news, Zack Dell, president of the A fall series is currently ongoing. valuable in their respective careers.” Physics Graduate Student Matt Pasienski, PhD, of Ooyala Future series are dependent on please update your contact Association, attends regularly. Technologies spoke to students continued funding. Cooper said information. “It is interesting to hear about in September. October talks were he would be interested in hearing how people starting in physics delivered by Clark Snow, PhD, from department alumni willing to Illini fans remember old times with friends at homecoming 2012 brunch. Pictured left to right are physics alumnus John Johnson, mechanical science and engineering alumni http://go.physics.illinois.edu/alumni ended up in such disparate careers, of Sandia National Laboratories, speak. Call the Physics Graduate Emerson and Martha Lacey, and physics Assoc. Dir. of Adv., Erin Kirby. like becoming a lawyer,” said Dell. Frank Lederman, PhD, retired Office at (217) 333-3645.n 42 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 43 Student highlights Student Highlights Eric Joon Shinn selected for DOE award

ndergraduate “The physics program Eric Joon Shinn here has been really good, was awarded an especially because Illinois is UInnovations in Fuel Cycle a giant research university Research Award by the with tons of opportunities US Department of Energy for research,” said Shinn, (DOE). The award recognizes “The reason why I so eagerly students for original sought out research early in research that contributes my college career is because I Lona wins APS scholarship to the development and wanted to have a better idea advancement of sustainable of what I would like to study ophomore Stephanie Lona concentration within her major. Lona, a second-time recipient nuclear fuel technologies. in graduate school. Of course was awarded the American Lona’s ultimate goal is to work of the scholarship, is one of 39 Shinn is lead author of in order to get there, I need Physical Society’s Scholarship as a researcher at Fermilab or students nationwide to be selected the award-winning paper, to make sure I work hard and Sfor Minority Undergraduate Argonne National Laboratory. She for the APS Minority Scholarship “Nuclear Energy Conversion demonstrate my potential. Physics Majors for the 2012–13 was inspired by a visit she made to this year. Past recipients at Physics with Stacks of Graphene And that is just what he has academic year. A native of Fermilab this past summer. Illinois include Ricardo Rojas (BS Nano-capacitors,” presented done. Bollingsbrook, IL, Lona graduated “It was amazing. I took my little 2001, PhD in Mathematics 2008) his sophomore year at the Said Hubler, “Eric worked from Nequau Valley High School in brother, Andy, with me—he’s going and Max Menchaca (BS 2011). UI Undergraduate Research on this difficult project with Naperville, IL. Her interest in math to be a sophomore in high school The scholarship is part of an APS Symposium in April 2012. great determination. He and science began even earlier, in this year—and he was inspired, too. initiative launched in 1980 to Said Shinn, “The search helped to develop the theory elementary school, and has never He’s also really good at science and increase the number of students for alternatives to fossil fuels and carried out the computer waned. math,” said Lona. from under-represented groups for energy has become a simulations.” But it was Lona’s high school Lona is gaining research who obtain bachelor’s degrees in growing concern. One such The Innovations in Fuel physics course that most fed her experience this year working in physics. alternative would be nuclear Cycle Research Awards fascination with the way things the high energy physics group of “I am honored and thankful to power, though it receives a program awarded 24 prizes in work and the universe. It was in Professor George Gollin. have been given this award for a lot of criticism because of its 2012 for student publications this course that she first realized It’s early days yet, but Lona has second year,” said associated catastrophic dangers even the largest nuclear power and presentations. In addition to she wanted a career in physics. already set her sights on graduate Lona. n and radioactive by-products. By plants have only about 35 percent cash awards, winning students “At this point in my life, it’s nice school; she plans to apply to implementing concepts proposed efficiency. will have the opportunity to to know what I’m passionate about. programs at the University of in our research, the negative “We propose a new reactor present their winning publication I just love physics!” she said. Chicago, UC Berkeley, and Illinois. aspects of nuclear power can be design, where the kinetic energy of during the American Nuclear Physics and math go hand in Lona is an active member and minimized by reducing the size of nuclear reaction products is directly Society (ANS) winter meeting, hand: Lona’s favorite Illinois class to secretary of the campus chapter of nuclear reactors, thus decreasing converted into electrical power. to participate in an Innovators’ date was Calculus 3 with Professor the Society of Women in Physics, their catastrophic potential, and The new type of reactor is not only Forum, and to attend the DOE Nathan Dunfield, because “he made and an active member of the by reducing the amount of nuclear more efficient, but also much safer, Office of Fuel Cycle Technologies the math so elegant.” campus chapter of the Society waste produced in reactors.” because it is small, has no moving annual meeting. “I love calculus,” said Lona, “and of Women Engineers. She also Shinn works in Professor Alfred parts, no pressurized steam, and Shinn said he is looking forward people give me the strangest looks participates in the Flippin’ Illini Hubler’s Center for Complex contains only a small amount of to attending the ANS meeting, when I say that. In physics, you use Gymnastics Club, competing in the Systems research group. nuclear fuel.” and to meeting the other award a lot of calculus, and it’s also really balance beam and floor exercise. “Conventional nuclear reactors Shinn, who plans to pursue an winners. conceptual, too.” “I’m glad this is where I chose use steam engines to generate academic career in physics, said Shinn’s co-authors are Alfred Lona recently transferred from to go to college. In my opinion, electricity. Because small steam he is grateful to Hubler for his Hubler, Dave Lyon, Matthias the physics curriculum path in it’s the best school with the best engines are inefficient, nuclear guidance and to the entire research Grosse Perdekamp, Alexey the College of Liberal Arts and atmosphere—there are so many power plants are large with large group for their hard work and Bezryadin, and Andrey Belkin. n Sciences into engineering physics, things to do and ways to get steam engines,” said Hubler, “But support. with plans to choose a professional involved,” said Lona. 44 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 45 Student highlights TheExcellence in Physics Scholarship is awarded TheErnest Lyman Prize is presented in recognition Physics Illinois congratulates its to support outstanding incoming freshman physics of the year’s outstanding senior in physics. This majors. If students remain in good standing, the award is named after Professor Ernest M. Lyman, remarkable undergraduates awards are renewed each semester. The 2012 Recipents, a distinguished researcher and teacher who served Emily Sprague, Novarah Kazmi, and Jose Partida. on the department’s faculty for 36 years. In addition to making seminal contributions to experimental TheCommonwealth Edison Scholarship/Beryl Bristow nulear physics, he was a world expert on electron Endowed Scholarship is presented in recognition scattering. Lyman maintained great interest in teaching of an outstanding woman physics major (freshman James Antonaglia Stephanie Brandt Kiaran Dave Jennifer Dijohn Matthew Feickert undergraduate physics and was one of the early or sophomore). This award is named for Beryl Love proponents of computer-assisted physics education. Not pictured: Kira Bonk, Bristow, the first woman to receive both a bachelor’s The 2012 recipients were Suerfu and Kiaran Dave. Clayton Robert Carr, degree (1918) and a master’s degree (1919) in physics Danylo Hirnyj, Hefei Hu, Conan Huang, Scott from Illinois. At that time, Illinois had only 5,000 TheLewis C. Hack Scholar award is made possible by Huber, Jack Krieger, students and 12 buildings, and tuition cost $11 per a bequest to the University of Illinois to honor Lewis Peifeng Liu, Jose Partida, Rebecca Glaudell Shannon Glavin Nella Granback Novarah Kazmi Maurice Youzong Alan Selewa, Adam semester. Beryl was inspired by her own mother, C. Hack, by his wife, Lois E. Hack. Both the Hacks Lee Snyder, and Ryan Tapping. who graduated in 1883 from Illinois with a major in devoted their lives to teaching in the public schools. mathematics, the first woman ever allowed to take a The 2012 recipients were Kira Bonk and Adam Snyder. math course at Urbana. After graduation, Beryl was employed by the Commonwealth Edison Company in TheRichard Cook Scholarship is presented in Chicago as a mathematician in the science department. recognition of an outstanding undergraduate engineering physics student at the end of his or her Colleen Meagher Jacob Ruf Emily Sprague Suerfu Mae Hwee Teo To honor her pioneering spirit, Commonwealth Edison created this award to recognize women in sophomore year. This award is named for alumnus University Honors Bronze Tablet: The names of the TheA.C. Anderson Undergraduate Research Scholar physics. The 2012 recipients wereMae Hwee Teo, Richard Cook (PhD 1935), who spent his entire carreer top performing students from each graduating class award is named for Ansel C. Anderson, Physics Illinois Jennifer Dijohn, and Rebecca Glaudell. at the National Bureau of Standards (now the National (highest three percent from each college) are inscribed alumnus (PhD 1961), faculty member (1962-1992), Instititute of Standards and Technology). Cook on this tablet mounted in the Main Library. From the and department head (1986-1992). Anderson made TheLaura B. Eisenstein Award is presented in specialized in ultrasonics and acoustics. The 2012 class of 2012, Scott Huber, Jack Krieger, and Suerfu. seminal contributions to low temperature physics, recognition of an outstanding woman undergraduate recipients were Shannon Glavin and Ryan Tapping. n particularly on the thermal properties of metals and student in physics. This award was established by Phi Beta Kappa, Gamma of Illinois Chapter 2011-2012 glasses. The 2012 recipient wasJames Antonaglia. the department in cooperation with the American inductees were Suerfu and Peifeng Liu. Physical Society and the Committee on the Status of TheYee Memorial Fellowship, named for Illinois Women in Physics to recognize exceptional woman James Scholar Honors went to Maurice Youzong Lee alumnus Warren Yee, (PhD Civil Engineering 1943), is physics students. It honors the late Assoc. Professor and Colleen Meagher. presented annually to recognize outstanding research Laura B. Eisenstein (1942-1985), a distinguished achievements by a Chinese graduate student in the The 2012Yee Seung Ng Award, established by biological physicist who made important discoveries College of Engineering. The 2012 recipient was Hefei of the mechanism of light energy transduction by family and friends of alumnus Yee Ng (BS 1974) to Hu. recognize an outstanding junior or senior international biomolecules, using a variety of techniques including time-resolved resonance Raman and x-ray absorption engineering physics student, went to Maurice Youzong ThePeople’s Choice Undergraduate Research spectroscopies. Eisenstein served the department and Lee. Symposium Award is given in recognition of original the biological physics community with distinction. research presented at the Physics Undergraduate The 2012 recipients were Colleen Meagher and Nella TheUndergraduate Outreach Achievement Award is Research Symposium. The 2012 recipient wasClayton Granback. presented in recognition of the work of an outstanding Robert Carr. undergraduate student involved in the Physics Society and/or with the Physics Van. The 2012 recipient was TheRobert A. Stein Scholarship was endowed by the Stephanie Brandt. family and friends of alumnus Robert A. Stein (BS 1955) after his death in 1998. Stein greatly valued The 2012Robert E. Hetrick Senior Thesis Award, the education he received at Illinois, and his family presented in recognition of an outstanding senior thought the best tribute to his memory would be to thesis written by an undergraduate physics major, went provide that opportunity to other youths. The 2012 to Jacob Ruf and Matthew Feickert. recipients were Conan Huang, Alan Selewa, and Danylo Hirnyj. 46 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 47 Student highlights TheJohn Bardeen Award is presented in recognition TheVijay R. Pandharipande Prize in Nuclear Physics And hats off to our hardworking of an outstanding physics graduate student in is presented in recognition of the year’s outstanding condensed matter physics or electronic devices. nuclear physics graduate student. The award is named grad students, too This award is named for Professor John Bardeen, for Vijay Pandharipande, an internationally recognized the two-time Nobel laureate who was a professor of nuclear theorist who played a leading role in the physics and of electrical engineering from 1951 to development of the nuclear many-body problem. Not pictured: 1991. During his 60-year scientific career, he made Professor Pandharipande served with great distinction Nathaniel Burdick, Ry Ely, Rebecca significant contributions to almost every aspect of on the department’s faculty for 34 years. The 2012 Holmes, Martin condensed matter physics, from his early work on the recipient was Tomoki Ozawa. Katherine Tyler Earnest Serena Eley Nir Friedman James Lee Weicheng Lv Leitgab, and Crimmins Allison McCarn. electronic behavior of metals, the surface properties of semiconductors, and the theory of diffusion of atoms TheDrickamer Research Award is presented in in crystals to his later work on quasi-one-dimensional recognition of outstanding research by a physics metals. He won his first Nobel Prize in 1956 for his graduate student. This award is named for Professor work leading to the invention of the transistor. He Harry G. Drickamer, a distinguished member of won his second Nobel Prize in 1972 for his theory of the University who contributed extensively to the Harrison Mebane Wah Kai Ngai Tomoki Ozawa Scott Maksim Sipos Huihuo Zheng Scharfenberg superconductivity. He was named by Life Magazine understanding of the physics and chemistry of matter as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th at high pressure. Drickamer’s work led to advances century. The 2012 recipients wereSerena Eley and in the understanding of the molecular, atomic, and Weicheng Lv. electronic properties of matter and provided the tools to study these properties with greater detail and TheMaurice Goldhaber Research Scholar Award in TheGiulio Ascoli Award is presented in recognition TheScott Anderson Award for Outstanding precision. He was the first to use infrared and uv-vis Nuclear Physics is presented to a graduate student to of an outstanding physics graduate student in high Teaching Assistants is presented in recognition of the spectroscopy to study matter at high pressure, thereby support research in nuclear physics. Maurie Goldhaber energy physics. This award is named for Professor year’s outstanding teaching assistants. The award is discovering that high pressure perturbs different was a department faculty member from 1938 to 1950. Giulio Ascoli who served the department with named for alumnus Scott Anderson (MS 1937, PhD types of electronic orbitals to different degrees. He His remarkable achievements in research, teaching, distinction from 1950 until his retirement in 1986. 1940) who founded Anderson Physics Laboratories discovered a wide variety of electronic transitions and science administration made him one of the During his career in high energy physics, Ascoli (APL) in Urbana in 1944. Dr. Anderson, a creative in solids and molecules and the optical, electrical, world’s most distinguished nuclear and particle participated in experiments at CERN, Argonne and prolific entrepreneur, developed metal halide chemical, and magnetic consequences thereof. A physicists. The Maurice Goldhaber Research Award National Laboratory, and Fermi National Accelerator lighting systems, and APL now has a 60 to 70 percent prolific and influential scientist, he published more at Illinois was instituted on April 18, 2011, in honor Laboratory. He was versatile and painstaking, both worldwide market share of the metal iodides used in than 450 original contributions to the scientific of Maurice Goldhaber’s centennial birthday. The 2012 in the design and fabrication of hardware and in the metal halide lamps. Until his death in 2006, Anderson literature. The 2012 recipients wereNir Friedman and recipient was Martin Leitgab. development of algorithms for data analysis. His peers remained an active consultant to APL and was a Harrison Mebane. n described his contributions as “innovative, elegant, and tireless supporter of Physics Illinois. It was through The recipient of the 2012National Science thorough.” The 2012 recipient was Allison McCarn. Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship was his initiative as president of our Physics Alumni Rebecca Holmes. The 2012 Honorable Mention went to TheL.S. Edelheit Biological Physics Fellowship is Association and his general philanthropy that the Nathaniel Burdick, Jacob Ruf, and Emily Sprague. made possible by the generous gift of alumnus Lewis S. Anderson Award was endowed. The 2012 recipients “Lonnie” Edleheit (BS 1964, MS 1966, PhD 1970) and were Katherine Crimmins, James Lee, Ki Lie, Scott TheFelix T. Adler Fellowship is presented in his wife, Susan (BFA 1966 and MA in Art Education Scharfenberg, and Huihuo Zheng. recognition of outstanding work by a graduate student 1968). In a professional career that spanned 33 years— in nuclear physics. This award is named for Professor all but 6 in various capacities with the General Electric Felix T. Adler, a theoretical nuclear physicist who Company—Edelheit championed the field of medical served the department from 1958 to 1979. His work imaging. He served as the first project manager for spanned the development of nuclear energy—or a computed tomography (CT) scanner and went on control theory, reactor kinetics and stability, neutron to oversee GE’s emergence in the medical electronics transport theory, chemical physics, operational enterprises. Edelheit credits his 3 Illinois degrees calculus in electrodynamics, accelerator physics, and with providing him important knowledge in the th eoretical plasma physics. He was an exceptional broad nature of physics and the ability to think about teacher, noted for his infectious enthusiasm for physics complex systems—electrical, mechanical, computer, and his painstaking patience with students. The 2012 and mathematics. The 2012 recipients wereTyler recipients were Wah Kai Ngai and Ry Ely. Earnest and Maksim Sipos.

48 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 49 Student highlights In memoriam William McGehee attends Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

raduate student of Hanover on Anderson William McGehee localization of ultracold 3D was one of 580 matter waves. Gyoung researchers worldwide McGehee holds a selected to attend the 62nd bachelor of science Lindau Nobel Laureate in physics from the Meeting in Lindau Germany Massachusetts Institute of July 1-6, 2012. More than Technology. As a student 25 laureates in the fields there in 2007, McGehee of physics, chemistry, and worked for a semester on physiology or medicine the STAR detector, one were in attendance. The of four experiments at annual meeting provides the Relativistic Heavy Ion an intergenerational Collider at Brookhaven forum for leading-edge National Laboratory; for Courtesy of AIP Emilio Segre Visual Archives scientists to exchange ideas, this, McGehee developed discuss projects and build optical characterization international networks. techniques for gas electron Frederick C. Brown McGehee’s participation was multiplier particle trackers. sponsored by The National Science experimentally localize 3D matter The same year, McGehee 1924–2011 Foundation (NSF). waves. The team’s findings were completed a German Academic This year’s Lindau meeting was published in “Three-Dimensional Exchange Service (DAAD) dedicated to exploring unanswered Anderson Localization of Ultracold summer internship in science and rederick Calvin Brown, 87, Laboratory at the University of “Friends of the Silver Halides” at questions not addressed by the Matter” in the October 2011 issue engineering at the University of of Everett, Washington, a Washington in Seattle. He married the annual APS March meetings, in standard model of particle physics. of Science. Bonn, during which he designed, pioneer in the study of the Joan Adele Schauble in Seattle on which Brown played a prominent Participants attended formal talks McGehee said he was honored to built and documented a fast, multi- Falkali and silver halides, died on August 9, 1952. She died in 2003. role. and discussion panels and took represent America at the meeting channel gamma-ray counter that November 18, 2011. He was a Brown taught physics at Reed Brown was also a pioneer in part in less formal focus groups in what proved to be a formative has been collecting data ever since. Physics Illinois faculty member for College in Portland, OR, from the development of synchrotron to address current theoretical and experience: “Learning where this McGehee received a department 32 years. 1952 until 1955, when he joined radiation as a probe of defects experimental research in dark field of science is headed will help graduate fellowship in 2008 and Fred Brown was born July 6, the Department of Physics at the in crystals, and he was the matter and energy. They also me to decide how I want my career was an NSF Graduate Research 1924, to Rose and Fred Brown in University of Illinois, where he inventor of “the grasshopper”—an looked at the question of how to advance.” Fellowship semi-finalist in 2009. Seattle, Washington. He graduated remained until his retirement in ultrahigh-vacuum-compatible particles within an atom obtain McGehee said he especially McGehee said his keen interest in 1942 from Roosevelt High 1987. He and his wife then moved monochromator that opened up the their mass. enjoyed a focus session led by 1997 in physics has everything to do School and received his SB (1945), to Whidbey Island, Washington. previously inaccessible vacuum uv/ McGehee’s current research Nobel laureate William Phillips, with finding answers: “I had always MA (1947), and PhD (1950) from In 1993, Brown was appointed soft x-ray spectral range. centers on quantum simulation of whom he first met at a meeting of wanted to be a chemist, but at Harvard University. During World professor emeritus of physics at the An avid outdoorsman, Brown disordered systems using ultracold The American Physical Society’s some point, it didn’t provide the War II, while an undergraduate University of Washington, where he climbed all the mountains in the atoms, looking specifically at the Division of Atomic, Molecular, and answers I wanted. In physics, you at Harvard, he worked for the US maintained an office until his death. Pacific Northwest except Glacier role of disorder in interacting Optical Physics. are looking at what’s going on at the Navy on radar technology. After Brown’s early work on defects in Peak. He held a pilot’s license for a systems. As a member of Professor “He is one of the fathers of laser lowest level. It’s about finding the receiving his doctorate, he worked silver halides led to many years as a number of years and was a member Brian DeMarco’s experimental cooling,” said McGehee. truth of a system—and that’s pretty as a physicist at the Naval Research consultant for the Eastman Kodak of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots research team, McGehee was After the conference, McGehee rewarding.” n Laboratory in Washington, DC, Company. Colleagues recalled the Association. n among the first physicists to delivered a talk at the University and then at the Applied Physics 1960s informal meetings of the 50 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 51 In memoriam In memoriam rofessor Emeritus of Physics David Lazarus, 90, died on September 8, 2011, his 90th Pbirthday, at his home in Urbana, IL. Lazarus was born in Buffalo, NY, on September 8, 1921, the son of Barney and Lillian Lazarus. He married Betty Ross in 1943; she died in March 2009. A distinguished condensed matter experimentalist, Lazarus earned his bachelor’s (1942), master’s (1947), and PhD degrees (1949) from the University rofessor Emeritus of Physics of Chicago. His studies were C. Peter Flynn, 76, died on interrupted by World War II service Thursday, October 27, 2011, at the Harvard Radio Research Pat Carle Foundation Hospital, Laboratory (1943–1945) where, as Urbana. part of the Special Reserve of the Born August 18, 1935, in War Manpower Commission, he Stockton-on-Tees, Yorkshire, contributed to the development of Flynn was the first of his family C. Peter Flynn airborne radar jamming devices. David Lazarus to pursue higher education. He 1935–2011 He was the holder of three patents 1921–2011 graduated from Malton Grammar on “slot” antennas for aircraft. School in 1953 and was admitted Throughout his distinguished installation, and commissioning of Lazarus was recruited to the laboratory, Lazarus was an For decades, they made regular to Leeds University, where he career, Flynn made pioneering a low energy electron microscope Physics Illinois by Frederick Seitz outstanding teacher. He developed Chicago-opera trips with their obtained a bachelor’s degree (1st contributions to condensed matter (LEEM), the first LEEM owned in 1949 as an instructor, a part two popular physics classes for friends Ned and Lizie Goldwasser Hons.) in physics in 1957 and a physics, deftly combining deep by a university research facility in of Wheeler Loomis’s strategy to non-science majors at Illinois and and Peter and Shirley Axel. doctorate in physics in 1960. He theoretical understanding with the United States. An extensive establish a world-leading research wrote, with his colleague Robert Lazarus was a John Simon was subsequently awarded an superb experimental skills. In program on the structure and effort in solid state physics in Hulsizer, The World of Physics, a Guggenheim Fellow and a Fellow honorary master’s degree in physics the 1960s, he utilized magnetic properties of magnetic/non- Urbana. Lazarus was promoted high-school textbook. of the American Association for from the University of Cambridge resonance for a fundamental study magnetic superlattices evolved from to assistant professor in 1951; to Forty-four graduate students the Advancement of Science. He (1966). Flynn was a fellow of both of the behavior and motion of this work, including the elucidation associate professor in 1955, and received their doctorates at Illinois served as the editor-in-chief of the the American Physical Society and defects and impurities in solids, an of the structure and magnetic to professor in 1959. He retired as under his supervision. His first American Physical Society (APS) the American Society of Metals, effort that culminated in his book, behavior of rare earth metals grown professor emeritus in 1987. graduate student, Carl T. Tomizuka, from 1980 to 1991, guiding the and a Fellow of Christ’s College, Point Defects, an Introduction to as single-crystal thin films by MBE. A pioneer in the study of described him thus: “Dave in editorial policies and practices and Cambridge (1966–67). the Properties of Imperfect Crystals. An avid and talented sports diffusion in solids, Lazarus the lab was an experimentalist the emerging dominance of the He made his first trip outside It remains the definitive source enthusiast, Flynn was a high jumper and his students made seminal who enjoyed designing elegant Physical Review journals, Physical of England in 1960 to accept a for this field. Flynn’s later research and played tennis, squash, and contributions to understanding mechanical and electronic devices Review Letters, and Reviews of postdoctoral research position at focused on the magnetic and soccer in England and continued the fundamental physics of lattice but was also comfortable with Modern Physics. While editor-in- Physics Illinois. He was appointed electrical responses of defects, and tennis and squash with colleagues vacancy and motion and other theory. Since he was non-critical chief, Lazarus, with APS treasurer a research assistant professor in he then expanded his interests to at Illinois. He developed a great diffusion-related issues. He worked of his students and open to Harry Lustig (MS 1949, PhD 1953), 1962 and an assistant professor of surfaces and films, in addition to passion for hiking in the American closely with the diffusion group unorthodox ideas, we felt free to successfully defended the APS physics in 1963. He was promoted bulk specimens. West, particularly in the Sierra at Argonne National Laboratory initiate new ideas and argue about journals from lawsuits that sought to associate professor in 1965 and Flynn pioneered the molecular Nevada mountains. In later years, for many years. Beginning in the subjects not necessarily all related to breach the confidentiality of the to professor of physics in 1968. He beam epitaxy (MBE) method of he took up golf, combining his love 1960s, his group used high-pressure to physics.” peer-review process, a legal victory was the director of the Materials growing metallic superlattices of sports and the outdoors. Flynn techniques to measure optical Lazarus and his wife Betty that had enormous implications for Research Laboratory (MRL) at and is largely responsible for the was also an enthusiastic carpenter properties of ionic crystals. were intensely interested in music scientific publishing. n Illinois from 1978 through 1987. creation of the Epi-Center MBE and home-improver, and he was Widely recognized for his and the arts and were lifelong He retired after 51 years’ service to facility in the MRL. He was heavily hard at work planning and building skills in the classroom as well as supporters of the performing arts. the University in May 2011. involved with the acquisition, a conservatory at his death. n 52 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 53 In memoriam In memoriam rofessor of Physics Robert was deeply involved with Fulbright scholar (1968–69). McDonald Clegg, 67, died the middle-school STEM- Clegg married Margitta Clegg in on October 15, 2012, at education initiative iRise 1969. PCarle Hospital in Urbana, IL, of (Illinois Researchers in Clegg earned his PhD in physical complications related to cancer. He Partnership with Science chemistry in 1974 from Cornell was surrounded by his family. Educators) at the NSF Center University. His dissertation, Clegg was born in Providence, RI for the Physics of Living entitled “Relaxation Kinetics on July 18, 1945. He leaves behind Cells; through this program, Applying Repetitive Pressure his wife, Margitta Clegg, three sons, he engaged graduate students Perturbations,” was supervised Benjamin F. Clegg, Niels T. Clegg, enrolled in Physics 598SE by Professor E. L. Elson. In his and Robert A. Clegg, his sister, to create engaging middle- doctoral thesis research, he Victoria L. Clegg, and his daughter- school science lessons that developed a new method for in-law Jennifer J. Clegg with his included hands-on activities. measuring the relaxation kinetics unborn first grandson Henrik Postdoctoral research of chemical reactions based on Cameron B. Satterthwaite Robert Clegg. He was preceded associate Sharlene Denos optical monitoring of a reaction in death by his parents, Robert E. Robert M. Clegg said of Clegg’s rare gifts: system subjected to small repetitive 1920–2011 Clegg and Lois K. Clegg, and his 1945–2012 “Bob was a remarkable pressure perturbations. brother, Douglas A. Clegg. scientist, educator, and human Following graduation, Clegg rofessor Emeritus of Physics work. His achievements in Illinois Professor Emeritus superconductivity research at In his research career, Clegg being. He was a mentor to me as a moved to Göttingen, Germany, Cameron B. Satterthwaite of Biophysics, Biochemistry Westinghouse led to an invitation demonstrated a rare mastery biophysics graduate student and, where he started work as a died on May 28, 2011, at his and of Plant Biology Govindjee Phome in Clark Lindsey Village, to join Physics Illinois in 1961 of both biological sciences— later, a wonderful colleague on postdoctoral research associate worked closely with Clegg and as an associate professor; he was specifically biochemistry and many K-12 outreach projects. He in the Max Planck Institute Urbana, IL. Clegg’s graduate students over Satterthwaite was born in promoted to professor in 1962. molecular biology—and physical was passionate about teaching and for Biophysical Chemistry. In the last several years, and the two Salem, OH, on July 26, 1920, to At Illinois, Satterthwaite and sciences, and so was in a unique outreach with the K-12 community. 1976, he was promoted to senior collaborators were planning to William David and Mabel Cameron his group made fundamental position to lend the methodologies Every teacher and student who staff research associate in the write a chapter together for an Satterthwaite. He graduated from contributions to our understanding and capabilities of each to the other. interacted with him left feeling Department of Molecular Biology. upcoming book, among other Olney Friends School, a Quaker of the metal hydrides, including the He was a gifted experimentalist empowered and enthusiastic about There he developed a diverse and projects. boarding school in Barnesville, discovery of superconductivity in and superb theoretician who science.” very productive research program “Bob’s leaving us is the greatest Ohio, in 1938. He received his thorium hydride. His measurement worked in many areas of biological At Illinois, Clegg played a ranging from the development of shock to me. I am saddened to bachelor’s degree in chemistry from of thermal conductivity in physics. With his broad expertise, seminal role in the launch of the state-of-the-art instruments, to the extent that I cannot describe the College of Wooster in 1942. aluminum was an early test of BCS he was a dynamic force in the Department of Bioengineering, investigations of basic problems in it in words. After my retirement, His graduate training at The Ohio theory. department’s biological physics serving on the Committee to Form the structure of nucleic acids, and Bob was my only collaborator State University was interrupted In 1979, Satterthwaite took early program. the Bioengineering Department to the development of instruments retirement from the University and he was very dear to me—the by World War II; he worked on Clegg was an expert in leading- (from 2000) and providing essential and methods for clinical of Illinois to become chair of the kindest friend I had at Illinois,” said the Manhattan District Project edge techniques and theories leadership in drafting its graduate applications. His accomplishments physics department at Virginia Govindjee. “He and I understood in Dayton, OH. He received his in optical spectroscopy and curriculum. earned Clegg an international Commonwealth University, each other. He was a real teacher of doctorate in chemistry from the fluorescence microscopy, which Clegg also served on the faculty reputation in molecular biophysics, University of Pittsburgh in 1951. Richmond, Virginia, a position that physics to me—I being a biologist. he applied to his studies of DNA of the Biophysics Program at as demonstrated by the wide On December 23, 1950, he married he held from 1979 to 1985. I loved his personal ways of dealing and RNA dynamics, investigating Illinois, where he was most recently array of collaborative projects Helen Foster of Pittsburgh. She Satterthwaite had a lifelong with science, people, and things. molecular structures of nucleic especially engaged with developing he developed with colleagues survives. interest in politics and government. He and I were able to discuss many acids and proteins, as well as laboratory courses. in Europe and North and South Satterthwaite worked as a In 1968, he chaired the Federation things with great ease—that is also quantifying functional properties Clegg received his bachelor’s America. research scientist at Monsanto of American Scientists and testified indescribable.” of complex biological structures in degree in chemistry from Kansas Clegg was a visiting professor Chemical Company from 1944 to before both the Republican and Clegg was drawn to Illinois in cellular biology. He was a pioneer State University in 1969. While during the 1989–90 academic year 1947, at DuPont from 1950 to 1953, Democratic platform committees to part by his desire to teach, and he in the development of full-field an undergraduate, he spent a year at Physics Illinois. where he authored two patents on advocate for an antiballistic-missile was a gifted instructor and mentor: fluorescence lifetime-resolved (1966–67) as an exchange student Dr. Clegg remained at the Max the production of synthetic fibers, treaty. He served as a delegate to the he was thorough, thoughtful, 1968, 1972, and 2000 Democratic microscopy (FLIM) and its medical studying at Giessen University in Planck Institute until he accepted and at Westinghouse from 1953 to personable, and always well National Conventions. n applications in endoscopy; FLIM Germany, where he met his future a position as a full professor at 1961, where he first undertook low- versed in the latest technologies has become a cutting edge tool in wife. He also studied at Bern Physics Illinois starting in January temperature physics experimental and techniques in his field. He the early diagnosis of tumors. University in Switzerland, as a 1998. n 54 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Return to Table of Contents Return to Table of Contents the Physics Illinois Bulletin Fall 2012 55 Department of Physics NON-PROFIT ORG University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign U.S. POSTAGE Loomis Laboratory of Physics PAID 1110 W. Green Street PERMIT NO. 453 Urbana, IL 61801-3080 CHAMPAIGN, IL

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