To See the World in a Grain of Sand and Eternity in a Picosecond

Dr. Fahad Mahmood spoke to IPaSS teachers and students November 21, 2020.

Guest Speaker Series Poster

Abstract

In this talk Professor Mahmood will discuss how collective interactions between electrons in crystals known as quantum materials can lead to a variety of fascinating emergent phenomenon like superconductivity and topological phases of matter. We will see that these phases of matter can be described by unique new particles that have properties that are not found in the electrons, protons and neutrons that make up ordinary matter. Professor Mahmood will discuss how we use laser light lasting for less than a picosecond (1 picosecond is a millionth of a millionth second) to discover these particles, uncover the fundamental interactions between them and alter their collective behavior.