"Can We Make Atoms Sing and Molecules Dance", a WIS seminar

During the past decade, there has been a revolution in the field of ultrafast lasers. Visible light pulses that flash for ten quadrillionths

of a second can be used to literally rip atoms apart, generating x-rays in the process. Using computer algorithms, Prof. Murnane and her group, shape these pulses to make atoms radiate or molecules vibrate. Prof. Murnane was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for her work at the leading edge of optical physics. She has been called the fastest person who ever lived!

Prof Murnane will describe her work in simple terms, suitable for anyone who learnt some physics at high school. She is the chair of the Committee

on the Status of Women in Physics of the American Physical Society and will talk about their recent and planned activities.