Events at Physics |
Events on Friday, May 1st, 2026
- Academic Calendar
- Last Class Day
- Abstract: *Note: actual end time may vary.* CONTACT: admin@secfac.wisc.edu
- Thesis Defense
- Gravitational Imaging with Very Long Baseline Interferometry
- Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Place: 5280 Chamberlin
- Speaker: Michael Martinez, Physics PhD Graduate Student
- Host: Keith Bechtol
- Physics Department Colloquium
- Building a quantum computer out of single photons and single atoms
- Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Place: Chamberlin 2241
- Speaker: Josiah Sinclair, Carl & Brynn Anderson Assistant Professor of Physics, UW - Madison
- Abstract: Investiture lecture for the Assistant Professor Josiah Sinclair as the Carl and Brynn Anderson Professor of Physics
- Host: Mark Saffman
- Preliminary Exam
- Modelling Nonequilibrium Superconducting Dynamics for MKID Applications
- Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Place: 4272 Chamberlin
- Speaker: Soren Ormseth, Physics PhD Graduate Student
- Abstract: Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) are a leading-edge technology for the high-precision detection of single photons across the electromagnetic spectrum, from the far-infrared to X-rays. While their macroscopic operating principle, photon-induced shifts in kinetic inductance, is well understood, current models often rely on equilibrium approximations that fail to capture the complex, non-thermal dynamics of quasiparticles and phonons. This gap limits our ability to optimize MKID sensitivity and resolving power. Here, we present a modeling framework for nonequilibrium superconducting physics that accounts for quasiparticle and phonon spatial transport and scattering. By resolving these dynamics, this model provides a pathway to understanding operational behaviors in MKIDs such as pulse-shape variations or readout-induced noise. Furthermore, the universality of this approach is applicable to the problem of quasiparticle poisoning in superconducting qubits, and we aim to provide a unified tool for advancing the performance of next-generation superconducting quantum devices."
- Host: Peter Timbie
- Physics Department Colloquium
- Anderson, Lawler, Lin annual Lecture (inaugural)
- tbd
- Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Place: 2241 Chamberlin Hall
- Speaker: David Fahey, NOAA, Director of the Chemical Sciences Laboratory
- Abstract: Dr. David Fahey, 2012-13 Distinguished Alumni Recipient, will return to Madison to give the inaugural Anderson, Lawler, Lin lecture.
- Host: Thad Walker
- Physics Department Awards Banquet
- Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
- Place: Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
- Host: Kevin Black