News archive - September 2015

Monday, September 28, 2015

The quantum vacuum takes shape

The concepts of a quantum vacuum and quantum vacuum fluctuations are still not accepted by everyone. However, a group of researchers including Chris Wilson from the Department of Physics and Astronomy have found further evidence that the two concepts are a reality. Through experiments conducted at Chalmers University of Technology, the researchers were able to probe the quantum vacuum fluctuations and not only measure their strength, but also map out their shape them.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

A twist for control of orbital angular momentum of neutron waves

For the first time, a team of University of Waterloo researchers from the Faculty of Science and Institute Quantum Computing show that a wave property of neutrons, Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), can be controlled.

This newfound control of neutron OAM states means that researchers can now use neutron OAM beams to see inside materials that optical, x-ray or electron OAM beams can’t penetrate.

This control can help measure the magnetism, for example, in magnetic materials, as well as deeper probes of superconducting and chiral materials.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Transportation Public Lecture brings community together for Science Literacy Week

Physics and Astronomy Professor David Hawthorn demonstrates superconductivity using a miniature levitating train.

Monday, September 14, 2015

HeForShe Impact Scholarship winners arrive at Waterloo

Six young women entering STEM disciplines in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will begin their studies this year with a $12,000 HeForShe IMPACT Scholarship from the University of Waterloo.

The new scholarship program is part of Waterloo’s ongoing efforts to achieve gender equity in academic programs that have traditionally been male dominated. They will be awarded to 24 young women over the next four years for a total of $288,000.