Chapter News
May 22, 2024
We began our W&M Optica Summer School today with a lecture by Nic DeStefano on semi-classical light-atom interactions. Thanks for a great start to the summer session, Nic!
April 17-18, 2024
Our Optica chapter visited Tabb Middle School and Bell Creek Middle School as part of our outreach program to show off some cool physics.
November 3-5, 2023
Several of our Optica (formally OSA) student chapter members presented their research at the APS Mid-Atlantic Section Conference at the University of Delaware this weekend. Not pictured is Robert Behary, who presented work on "Reducing the EIT resonance width using Rydberg Raman-Ramsey (R3)".
Ziqi Niu presenting their work "Toward two-color intensity squeezing at telecom wavelength using FWM in Rb vapor"
William Miyahira presenting their work "Experimental Suppression of Potential Roughness in an AC Zeeman Atom Chip Trap"
Charris Gabaldon presenting their work "Imaging Quantum Spatial Modes"
Nicolas DeStefano presenting their work "Electron Beam Profiling Using Coherent Atomic Magnetometry"
October 21, 2023
We had a great time volunteering at the William & Mary Physics Fest this weekend! This annual event during homecoming weekend opens up the physics department to the general public to inspire and inform people about the wide world of physics. This year, our chapter of Optica (formally OSA) built a laser shooting range to let people interact with lasers, photodiodes, and software control using an Arduino. It was a big hit, and we thank the Physics Fest organizers for letting us show off our creation!!
Physics Fest patron playing the laser shooting range and having a great time!
Chapter president Rob Behary signing off on the "laser death machine"
July 26, 2023
Vice-President William Miyahira discussed what he learned from the career seminars at this years DAMOP meeting regarding professional self-assessment, networking, and skill-based resume writing. The slides can be found here.
July 21, 2023
W&M Optica welcomed Dr. Megan Ivory, an alumni of the ultracold AMO group, to talk about her career in AMO science. Megan has experience working in both industry and academia and is now a scientist at Sandia National Laboratory working in the ion trapping group. She also works to improve diversity and representation in the quantum workforce by introducing quantum science to students and educators. We had a great time talking with Megan and gained a lot of insight into a career in quantum science!
May 1, 2023
Congratulations to our newly elected officers for the 2023-24 term: Robert Behary (president), William Miyahira (vice president), Nic Destefano (treasurer), and Chester Zimmerman (secretary).