Society of Physics Students Society of Physics StudentsFeaturing Undergraduate Presenters and Keynote Speaker Professor Tuan Do
4th Year Nathan Solomon's Talk on Fractals
Abstract: Fractals are shapes which contain intricate detail no matter how closely you zoom in, and they appear everywhere in nature, physics, and pure math. Some examples are the Lichtenberg figure, which can be seen both in lightning bolts and in some bacteria colonies, and the critical temperature Ising model, which uses statistical mechanics to describe the phase transition of a 2-dimensional ferromagnet. In order to measure the complexity and roughness of a fractal, we define the Hausdorff dimension, and apply it to Iterated Fractal Systems (IFS). Although simulations of physical models can be used to create a wide variety of fractal artwork, we turn to complex dynamics in order to create structures beyond those inspired by nature, such as the Mandelbrot set, and its variations, including the burning ship fractal. Coloring the interior of the burning ship fractal and its quasi-Julia sets reveals patterns which resemble IFS, but with more complex and psychedelic features.
Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cnABmCyo7wblx9WyHsMvQ8ej-oc6xfvKrhDva-5J4UY/edit?usp=sharing
Introduction to Plasma Physics + Advice on Applying to & Choosing Graduate Schools with Princeton Plasma!
Representatives from the Princeton Plasma Physics Program Graduate Student Committee came to give an introductory presentation about Plasma Physics. They also gave advice on applying to and finding graduate programs!
Celebrating Pi Day
SPS celebrated Pi day in the Physics Undergraduate Lounge with festive games (pie vs pi kahoot), pie (very yummy), and prizes! It was a fun way to destress before Week 10 while also celebrating our favorite irrational number!
Venturing outside of UCLA to visit the dreamy Griffiths Observatory
SPS, Astro Society, and W+PS collaborated to make the Griffith Observatory trip come true! Students spent the evening stargazing, getting great views of downtown LA, and meeting new people across the different clubs. Cheers to the physics community!
Professor Campbell Discussing the Challenges in Not Making a Quantum Sensor
This week, Professor Campbell discussed his research in using ultra-cold atoms and molecules to learn about the physical processes that permeate our world. His research group focuses on the physics of quantum information, which includes advanced sensing, simulation, and computing applications.
Touring the UCLA Large Plasma Device
This lab focuses on experimental plasma physics research, and students were able to see the devices at work along on a guided tour of the facility! It was a great opportunity to witness real nuclear and plasma physics research.
Gender Diversity Among Physics Undergraduates
In collaboration with W+PS, SPS held a DEI Town Hall with a focus on gender diversity in the Physics and Astronomy undergraduate population. It sparked discussion about gender and intersectional marginalized identities in the undergraduate community in the P&A department to promote discussion and visibility of DEI topics, and increase current inclusive and welcoming practices.