The techniques that allow scientists to study how free-radical molecules interact with unprecedented precision will be highlighted Feb. 16 during the University of Colorado at 麻豆影院 physics department's Saturday Physics Series.
Assistant Physics Professor Heather Lewandowski will present the talk "Billiards at the Nanoscale" at 2 p.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30. The event is free and open to the public.
Lewandowski will talk about techniques she and other researchers are now using to cool free-radical molecules, highly reactive and unstable molecules, to near absolute zero where their motion is dramatically reduced. She will describe how scientists cool the molecules and what they can learn by studying their interactions in slow motion.
Interactions between free-radical molecules drive many important processes, including chemistry in the atmosphere. Slowing the molecules down allows scientists to peer in and see how they are reacting and interacting with each other.
The Saturday Physics Series is targeted at Colorado high school students, teachers and adults. The remaining 2007-08 Saturday Physics Series schedule is:
o March 15, 2 p.m., Duane Physics room G1B30, Professor John Bohn of physics, "Physics of Baseball at Mile High."
o April 19, 2 p.m., Duane Physics room G1B30, Assistant Professor Oliver DeWolfe of physics, "Einstein, the Early Universe and Everything."
The series is funded by an outreach grant from CU-麻豆影院's Outreach Committee.
For more information about the Saturday Physics Series call (303) 735-5993 or visit the Web site at /.