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    Dark Matter snooker (Dark matter via multiple collisions)

    Date:
    08
    Thursday
    May
    2025
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Location: Physics Weissman Auditorium
    Lecturer: Prof. Maxim Pospelov
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Abstract: Despite enormous experimental investment in searches of particle darkmatter, cer ... Read more Despite enormous experimental investment in searches of particle darkmatter, certain well-motivated corners of parameter space remain to beelusive "blind spots" for direct detection. In my talk I will address two ofsuch exceptions: light particles that simply do not have enough kineticenergy to detect, and strongly-interacting particles that quickly thermalizeand also become sub-threshold for direct detection. I show that both blindspots can be probed through double collisions of Dark matter -- first withsome energetic Standard model particles (solar electrons, cosmic rays,particles in a beam, neutrons in nuclear reactors etc) that bring DM toenergies above thresholds followed by the scattering inside a detector. Thisway, I derive novel constraints on light dark matter, as well as stronglyinteractingdark matter models, using existing dark matter and neutrinoexperiments.
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    Physics Colloquium

    Date:
    27
    Monday
    January
    2025
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: Programmable quantum many-body physics with Rydberg atom arrays
    Location: Nella and Leon Benoziyo Physics Library
    Lecturer: Dr. Tom Manovitz
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Abstract: Programmable quantum platforms have emerged as powerful tools for studying quant ... Read more Programmable quantum platforms have emerged as powerful tools for studying quantum many-body phenomena, with applications ranging from condensed matter and high energy physics to quantum algorithms. In this talk, I will discuss recent developments involving programmable Rydberg atom arrays, which allow for precise and coherent control of hundreds of atoms in two dimensions, along with individual addressability and reconfigurable geometry. First, I will describe explorations of ordering dynamics in a quantum magnet following a quantum phase transition. Using individual atom control, we uncover the interplay of quantum criticality and non-equilibrium phenomena, and observe long-lived oscillations of the order parameter akin to an amplitude (“Higgs”) mode, with interesting implications near the quantum critical point. I will then describe the digital realization of the Kitaev honeycomb model, including observation of an exotic non-Abelian spin-liquid, as well as the use of topological order to design a programmable fermionic simulator. These measurements introduce new avenues for the study of quantum criticality and fermionic models, respectively. Finally, I will briefly discuss future opportunities in explorations of quantum many-body physics with atom arrays, with emphasis on new frontiers in the study of quantum criticality.
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    Physics Colloquium

    Date:
    23
    Thursday
    January
    2025
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: It takes two to tango: The physics of heterogeneous bacterial active matter systems
    Location: Physics Weissman Auditorium
    Lecturer: Prof. Joel Stavans
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Abstract: Non-equilibrium active matter systems often exhibit self-organized, collective m ... Read more Non-equilibrium active matter systems often exhibit self-organized, collective motion that can give rise to the emergence of coherent spatial structures. Prime examples covering many length scales range from mammal herds, fish schools and bird flocks, to insect and robot swarms. Despite significant advances in understanding the behavior of homogeneous systems in the last decades, little is known about the self-organization and dynamics of heterogeneous active matter. I will present results of bioconvection experiments with multispecies suspensions of wild-type bacteria from the hyper-diverse bacterial communities of Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, whose origin dates back to the pre-Cambrian. Under oxygen gradients, these bacteria swim in auto-organized, directional flows, whose spatial scales exceed the cell size by orders of magnitude, demonstrating a plethora of amazing dynamical behaviors, including segregation. I will present evidence supporting the notion that the mechanisms giving rise to these complex behaviors are predominantly physical, and not a result of biological interactions. This research significantly advances our understanding of both heterogeneity in active matter, as well as in the dynamics of complex microbial ecological communities, bringing profound insights into their spatial organization and collective behavior.
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    Emerging Quantum Pheneomena in Nonlinear Nanophotonics: Toward New Regimes of Light-Matter Interactions

    Date:
    12
    Sunday
    January
    2025
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Location: Physics Library
    Lecturer: Dr. Eran Lustig
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Abstract: Nanophotonics is at the forefront of research and development in scalable quantu ... Read more Nanophotonics is at the forefront of research and development in scalable quantum technologies,ranging from quantum sensing to quantum computing. Traditionally, inherently weak photon-photonand photon-atom interactions in dielectric materials pose significant challenges to fully exploiting thepotential of these platforms. However, recent advances in the fabrication of nonlinear microresonatorswith nanometric features have allowed for the enhancement of all-optical interactions,necessitating new approaches to generating, controlling, and measuring quantum light.In this seminar, I will delve into unexplored regimes at the intersection of nonlinear and quantumoptics. I will begin by showcasing our latest advancements in developing integrated microresonatorsin thin-film 4H-Silicon Carbide. This innovation enables nonlinear photonics, quantum optics, andcollective quantum emitter excitations on the same platform. Following this, I will present ourexperimental demonstration of quadrature lattices of the quantum vacuum. This work shows howpulses that spontaneously emerge in microresonators can generate lattice dynamics of the quantumvacuum and how we can exert control over these dynamics.I will then discuss the broader implications of our findings, including enhanced interactions withquantum emitters, and ultrafast nonlinear quantum nanophotonics, which enable nonlinearinteractions at the single photon level. These outcomes pave the way toward new regimes of lightmatterinteractions that are enabled on scalable photonic microchips, with transformativeimplications for fundamental physics and quantum applications.
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    Physics Colloquium

    Date:
    28
    Thursday
    November
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: Erasure detection with superconducting qubits
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Alex Retzker
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Light Refreshments at 11:00

    Physics Colloquium

    Date:
    05
    Thursday
    September
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: New era in dark matter searches, the dawn of the nuclear clocks
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Gilad Perez,Prof. Gilad Perez
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments at 11:00
    Abstract: After a brief introduction related to ultralight (pseudo) scalar dark matter, we ... Read more After a brief introduction related to ultralight (pseudo) scalar dark matter, we shall describe the current status of searches for ultralight dark matter (UDM). We explain why modern clocks can be used to search for both scalar and axion dark matter fields. We review existing and new types of well-motivated models of UDM and argue that they all share one key ingredient - their dominant coupling is to the QCD/nuclear sector. This is very exciting as we are amidst a revolution in the field of dark matter searches as laser excitation of Th-229 with effective precision of 1:10^13 has been recently achieved, which as we show, is already probing uncharted territory of models. Furthermore, Th-229-based nuclear clock can potentially improve the sensitivity to physics of dark matter and beyond by factor of 10^10! It has several important implications to be discussed.
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    Physics colloquium

    Date:
    20
    Thursday
    June
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: Stochastic resonance in polymer solution channel flow
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Victor Steinberg
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: 11:00 - Coffee, tea and refreshments
    Abstract: A cooperative resonance effect in a stochastic nonlinear dynamical system subjec ... Read more A cooperative resonance effect in a stochastic nonlinear dynamical system subjected to external weak periodic forcing, called stochastic resonance (SR), has been extensively studied for the past forty years. Here I discuss the experimentally unexpected observation of SR above an elastic non-modal instability of an inertia-less channel flow of polymer solution (much more complicated than stochastic dynamical flow) due to finite-size white noise perturbations. This flow is shown to be linearly stable similar to Newtonian parallel shear flow. First, I briefly describe viscoelastic flow with curved streamlines, where linear elastic normal mode instability at the critical Weissenberg number, Wic, has been observed and characterized, and the elastic instability mechanism has been explained and experimentally validated. Furthermore, at Wi>>Wic, “elastic turbulence” (ET), a chaotic flow arising via secondary instability, is experimentally discovered, characterized and theoretically explained, while elastic instability in straight channel flow is found from the direct transition from laminar to chaotic flow in the transition flow regime is found. At the secondary instability, ET is observed, and further on the next transition to the unexpected drag reduction flow regime takes place, accompanied by elastic waves previously discovered and characterized earlier. Moreover, we propose and experimentally validate a mechanism of amplification of the wall normal fluctuating vortices by the elastic waves. The elastic waves play the key role in the energy transfer from the main flow to the wall-normal fluctuating vortices. Finally, we report on recently discovered SRs only in a limited subrange of weak elastic waves just above Wic, their characterization, and their role in the transition to a chaotic flow.
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    Physics Colloquium

    Date:
    16
    Thursday
    May
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: Toward Autonomous “Artificial Cells” in 2D
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Roy Bar-Ziv,Weizmann Institute of Science
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments at 11:00
    Abstract: We study the assembly of programmable quasi-2D DNA compartments as “artificia ... Read more We study the assembly of programmable quasi-2D DNA compartments as “artificial cells” from the individual cellular level to multicellular communication. We will describe work on autonomous synthesis and assembly of cellular machines, collective modes of synchrony in a 2D lattice of ~1000 compartments, and a first look at the birth of proteins on a single DNA.
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    Physics colloquium

    Date:
    09
    Thursday
    May
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: Synergistic progress in plasmas: from fusion to astrophysics
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Julien Fuchs
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments at 11:00
    Abstract: Over the last decade, several exciting directions have been initiated by laser-d ... Read more Over the last decade, several exciting directions have been initiated by laser-driven plasmas, e.g., compact particle accelerators, inertial fusion and laboratory astrophysics. The first has known rapid progress, in terms of current, energy, stability; fusion has gone through a historic step, with the news of ignition being achieved at NIF in 2022; and laboratory astrophysics has known also spectacular developments, demonstrating the possibility to perform fully scalable experiments relevant to various objects such as forming stars and supernovae. A particularly interesting aspect is that all these fields are strongly synergistic, i.e., that advances in one can push the others as well. I will present examples of such synergies, through recent results we have obtained in all these domains, and in particular how ultra-bright neutron beams can be developed using latest generation multi-PW lasers [1,2]. These could open interesting perspectives in terms of cargo inspection, but also for fusion plasma measurements. I will also show how fusion can benefit from external magnetization [3]. Finally, I will discuss advances in laboratory astrophysics, particularly the first-stage acceleration of ions leading to cosmic rays [4,5], understanding the universal nature of collimated outflows in the Universe [6], and probing the intricacy of 3D magnetic reconnection [7] [1] High-flux neutron generation by laser-accelerated ions from single-and double-layer targets, V Horný et al., Scientific Reports 12 (1), 19767, 2022 [2] Numerical investigation of spallation neutrons generated from petawatt-scale laser-driven proton beams, B Martinez et al., Matter and Radiation at Extremes 7 (2), 024401, 2022 [3] Dynamics of nanosecond laser pulse propagation and of associated instabilities in a magnetized underdense plasma, W. Yao et al., https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2211.06036 [4] Laboratory evidence for proton energization by collisionless shock surfing, W Yao et al., Nature Physics 17 (10), 1177-1182, 2021 [5] Enhancement of the Nonresonant Streaming Instability by Particle Collisions, A Marret et al., Physical Review Letters 128 (11), 115101, 2022 [6] Laboratory disruption of scaled astrophysical outflows by a misaligned magnetic field, G Revet et al., Nature communications 12 (1), 762, 2021 [7] Laboratory evidence of magnetic reconnection hampered in obliquely interacting flux tubes, S Bolaños et al., Nature Communications 13 (1), 6426, 2022
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    Toward Autonomous “Artificial Cells” in 2D

    Date:
    11
    Thursday
    April
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: Physics colloquium
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Roy Bar-Ziv
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments at 11:00
    Abstract: We study the assembly of programmable quasi-2D DNA compartments as “artificial ... Read more We study the assembly of programmable quasi-2D DNA compartments as “artificial cells”, from the individual cellular level to multicellular communication. We will describe work on autonomous synthesis and assembly of cellular machines, collective modes of synchrony in a 2D lattice of ~1000 compartments, and a first look at the birth of proteins on a single DNA.
    Close abstract

    Physics Colloquium

    Date:
    04
    Thursday
    April
    2024
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Title: The Rolling Stones, All Down the Line
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Tsvi Tlusti
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments will be served at 11:00
    Abstract: Draw an arbitrary open curve on the plane and copy it multiple times to form a t ... Read more Draw an arbitrary open curve on the plane and copy it multiple times to form a translationally invariant infinite trajectory. Then, incline the plane slightly and ask yourself: can one chisel a stone that will roll exactly down this infinite trajectory? We will examine this question in practice and theory. Intriguing links to optics and quantum systems will be discussed. Bringing a tennis ball or a baseball is always recommended. Eckmann et al. Tumbling downhill along a given curve. Am Math Soc Notices - in press. Sobolev et al. Solid-body trajectoids shaped to roll along desired pathways. Nature 2023.
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    STATISTICAL MECHANICS DAY XV

    Date:
    19
    Tuesday
    March
    2024
    Conference
    Time: 08:00
    Location: Nella and Leon Benoziyo Physics Library
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: oren.raz@weizmann.ac.il
    STATISTICAL MECHANICS DAY XV Conference website

    The Clore Center for Biological Physics

    Date:
    21
    Sunday
    January
    2024
    Lecture / Seminar
    Time: 13:15-14:15
    Title: How informative are structures of dna-bound proteins for revealing binding mechanisms inside cells? the case of the Origin of Replication Complex (ORC)
    Location: Nella and Leon Benoziyo Physics Building
    Lecturer: Prof. Naama Barkai,Prof. Naama Barkai
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: malka.avraham@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Lunch at 12:45
    Abstract: The Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) seeds the replication-fork by binding DNA r ... Read more The Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) seeds the replication-fork by binding DNA replication origins, which in budding yeast contain a 17bp DNA motif. High resolution structure of the ORC-DNA complex revealed two base-interacting elements: a disordered basic patch (Orc1-BP4) and an insertion helix (Orc4-IH). To define ORC elements guiding its DNA binding in-vivo, we mapped genomic locations of 38 designed ORC mutants. We revealed that different ORC elements guide binding at different motifs sites, and these correspond only partially to the structure- described interactions. In particular, we show that disordered basic patches are key for ORC-motif binding in-vivo, including one lacking from the structure. Finally i will discuss how those disordered elements, which insert into the minor-groove can still guide specific ORC-DNA recognition.
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    TBA

    Date:
    12
    Thursday
    October
    2023
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:15-12:30
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Julien Fuchs
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments will be served at 11:00
    Abstract: TBA ... Read more TBA
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    How storm develops as the wind blows

    Date:
    05
    Thursday
    October
    2023
    Colloquium
    Time: 11:00-12:30
    Location: Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences
    Lecturer: Prof. Gregory Falkovich
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: eti.shalem@weizmann.ac.il
    Details: Refreshments will be served at 11:00
    Abstract: I will describe an attempt to describe turbulence using the methods of quantum f ... Read more I will describe an attempt to describe turbulence using the methods of quantum field theory. We consider waves that interact via four-wave scattering (such as sea waves, plasma waves, spin waves, and many others). By summing the series of the most UV-divergent terms in the perturbation theory, we show that the true dimensionless coupling is different from the naive estimate, and find that the effective interaction either decays or grows explosively with the cascade extent, depending on the sign of the new coupling. The explosive growth possibly signals the appearance of a multi-wave bound state (solitons, shocks, cusps) similar to confinement in quantum chromodynamics.
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    Ultrafast, Nonlinear and Quantum Optics

    Date:
    29
    Monday
    May
    2023
    -
    31
    Wednesday
    May
    2023
    Conference
    Time: 08:00
    Location: The David Lopatie Conference Centre
    Organizer: Department of Physics of Complex Systems
    Contact: talia.tzahor@weizmann.ac.il
    Ultrafast, Nonlinear and Quantum Optics Conference website

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    2017
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    Monday
    May
    2017
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    Organizer: Department of ...
    Contact: weizmann@weizmann.ac.il