Binghamton University
Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy
PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM
“Twisting Matter With Light”
Dr. Mishkat Bhattacharya
Rochester Institute of Technology
Abstract:
A new frontier is currently opening up in physics, allowing for the experimental observation of
quantum behavior in objects large enough to be seen by the naked eye. Situated at the intersection of
nanotechnology, optical science, atomic physics, and gravitational wave astronomy, “optomechanics” is
addressing foundational issues in physics as well as giving rise to next-generation sensing and computing
technologies. In this talk, the central paradigm of optomechanics – the coupling of a single mode of the
electromagnetic field with a linearly vibrating oscillator - will be introduced, and developed at length. Recent
work in our group at RIT towards generalizing this paradigm to torsional motion will also be presented.
Mishkat Bhattacharya received his PhD from the University of Rochester in 2005. After postdoctoral
stints at Georgia Tech, the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland, College Park, he joined the
Rochester Institute of Technology in 2011. His interests lie mainly in theoretical quantum electrodynamics,
aligned with experiments on cold atoms and molecules, nanomechanical systems, and superconducting
circuits.
Monday, April 15, 2013
S2 Bldg. Room 140
PRESENTATION 2:30 PM– 3:30PM
ALL WELCOME – COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS AT 2:20PM