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Calendar of Physics Talks Vienna
| Interfacial Water at biological and inorganic surfaces: super capacitors, aqueous lubrication and possible health issues of radio-frequency radiation |
| Speaker: | Roland NETZ (Freie Universität Berlin) |
| Abstract: | The molecular layer of water molecules on surfaces, the so-called hydration layer, is important for a whole number of properties of biological as well as technological surfaces. Insight can be gained from all-atomistic simulations in conjunction with appropriate continuum modeling.
- Dielectric properties of interfacial water layers are important for the design of high-power capacitors, and can be spatially resolved in simulations.
- Hydrophobic (water-repelling) surfaces in contact with water show a pronounced depletion layer with a thickness of a few Angstroms within which the water density is highly reduced, leading to superlubrication behavior which is relevant for technological low-friction applications.
- Hydration water at biological membranes absorbs electromagnetic radiation specifically in the 0.1-10 GHz range that is used for radio communication. Possible health issues are discussed.
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| Date: | Mon, 13.01.2014 |
| Time: | 17:30 |
| Location: | Uni Wien, Lise Meitner Hörsaal, Strudlhofg. 4, 1090 Wien |
| Contact: | C. Dellago |
| Quantum phenomena in the realm of cosmology and astrophysics |
| Speaker: | Christine Gruber (Free University Berlin) |
| Abstract: | Modern physical theories provide explanations for processes in both the small dimensions of the quantum world and on cosmologically large scales, but unfortunately a unifying theory valid on all scales does still not exist. In this seminar, we will - in the framework of existing theories - introduce scenarios where quantum effects can however still have consequences on astrophysical or cosmological scales. In one of these examples we will develop a model for dark energy, i.e. the cause of the accelerated expansion of the universe, by calculating the vacuum fluctuations of quantum fields. Via the cancellation of the opposite-sign contributions of bosons and fermions the vacuum energy can explain the observed expansion behavior of the universe. We confirm the validity of the vacuum energy of quantum fields as a possible candidate to explain the behaviour of the cosmic expansion. |
| Date: | Tue, 14.01.2014 |
| Time: | 12:30 |
| Duration: | 60 min |
| Location: | Univ. of Vienna, Faculty of Physics, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5th floor, Erwin Schrödinger Lecture Hall |
| Contact: | Albert Georg Passegger, Peter Poier - www.univie.ac.at/lunch-seminar |
| On the rigorous construction of integrable quantum field theories |
| Speaker: | Sabina Alazzawi (Univ. Wien) |
| Abstract: | im Rahmen des Seminars für Mathematische Physik |
| Date: | Tue, 14.01.2014 |
| Time: | 14:15 |
| Duration: | 60 min |
| Location: | Fakultät für Physik, Erwin-Schrödinger-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 5. Stock |
| Contact: | J. Yngvason |
| Erosion of Fusion Relevant Surfaces Under Ion Impact |
| Speaker: | Dipl.-Ing. Katharina Dobes (Technische Universität Wien, Institut für Angewandte Physik) |
| Abstract: | The international thermonuclear experimental fusion reactor ITER is currently under construction in the south of France. Its aim is to demonstrate the feasibility of using nuclear fusion as a safe and eco-friendly source for energy production. One of the greatest challenges in the successful realization of the ITER project, is handling the interaction of the hot fusion plasma with the walls of ist vacuum vessel.
At the Institute of Applied Physics we study plasma-wall-interaction phenomena under controlled laboratory conditions using a highly sensitive quartz crystal microbalance technique. By this we are able to investigate the evolution of fusion relevant surfaces under impact of ions which will be present in the fusion plasma. These in-situ studies give us a unique insight into the dynamics of material mixing, erosion phenomena and particle retention processes. After a short introduc |
| Date: | Tue, 14.01.2014 |
| Time: | 16:00 |
| Location: | Technische Universität Wien, Institut für Angewandte Physik, Seminarraum 134A, Turm B (gelbe Leitfarbe), 5. OG, 1040 Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10 |
| Contact: | Univ.Prof. Dr. Friedrich Aumayr |
| Testing modified gravity in the laboratory |
| Speaker: | Philippe BRAX (Institut Physique Théorique, CEA Saclay) |
| Abstract: | After a quick review of various models of modified gravity, I will focus on tests of modified gravity in the laboratory. I will discuss chameleon models and their possible effects on neutron energy levels in the terrestrial gravitational field and on neutron interferometry. |
| Date: | Fri, 17.01.2014 |
| Time: | 15:30 |
| Location: | Atominstitut Hörsaal, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Wien |
| Contact: | Hartmut Abele |
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