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Physics

Researchers discover new topological phases in a class of optical materials
a pink light shining onto a flat sheet with holes on the top, a blue laser light shines from one end of the flat sheet to the other

Researchers discover new topological phases in a class of optical materials

These unique topological phases, which imbue materials with new properties, provide a pathway for future optical-electronic applications such as telecommunications devices and quantum computers.

Erica K. Brockmeier

In search of signals from the early universe
a person in a hard had working inside a large telescope detector

In search of signals from the early universe

Penn astronomers are part of an international collaboration to construct the Simons Observatory, a new telescope that will search the skies in a quest to learn more about the formation of the universe.

Erica K. Brockmeier

‘Smart aviary’ poised to break new ground in behavioral research
outside the smart aviary

‘Smart aviary’ poised to break new ground in behavioral research

A collaboration that has brought together biologists, engineers, and physicists to study the reproductive behavior of birds using machine learning in a custom-built aviary at Pennovation Works.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Remembering the past while looking forward
lunar landing boot print

Buzz Aldrin’s boot print from the Apollo 11 mission, one of the first steps taken on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969. (Photo: NASA)

Remembering the past while looking forward

As the nation celebrates the Apollo 11 mission, a look at Penn’s connection to the historic event and how the Moon impacts science, politics, and culture.

Erica K. Brockmeier

A squid’s eye view

A squid’s eye view

Alison Sweeney of the School of Arts and Sciences discussed the complex structure of squids’ eyes, which have special lenses that allow for crisp vision in dark water. “The resolution of their eyes is approaching that of humans, their retinas are much more sensitive than ours are to light, and if you dig into the nitty-gritty of how nature figured it out, I’m forever blown away at the level of nuance to get it to work.”

A conversation with Vijay Balasubramanian

In the latest episode of Penn Today’s ‘Office Hours’ podcast series, a casual chat with Professor of Physics Vijay Balasubramanian.
Vijay Balasubramanian sitting next to BioPond
Vijay Balasubramanian, professor of physics, at the BioPond on Penn’s campus.
Five events to watch for in June
Woman hanging from purple tapestry A performer from Tangle Movement Arts during the 2018 Firefly Night at The Woodlands. (Photo by: Michael Ermilio)

Five events to watch for in June

The summer months around campus kick off with West Philadelphia Porchfest, arts performances at The Woodlands, and Penn Museum’s latest CultureFEST.
Stories of Penn scientists: David Rittenhouse
David Rittenhouse

Stories of Penn scientists: David Rittenhouse

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of his observations of the 1769 transit of Venus, a glimpse into the story of the man whose name became synonymous with astronomy and mathematics.

Erica K. Brockmeier

The next generation of optical communication with nanophotonics
a person adjusting a lens on an optics table

First-year graduate student Valerie Yoshioka collects optical measurements of atomically-thin materials in the Zhen laboratory. 

The next generation of optical communication with nanophotonics

Research from the lab of Bo Zhen is pushing the boundaries of optics by using fundamental physics to address many of the real-world challenges faced by engineers.

Erica K. Brockmeier