Department of Particle Physics and Astrophysics

Welcome to the Department of Particle Physics and Astrophysics

The Department of Particle Physics and Astrophysics is engaged in experimental and theoretical research in a wide range of topics that include elementary particle physics, field theory, string theory, theoretical astrophysics, observational astrophysics, planetary astronomy, particle astrophysics, relativistic heavy ion physics, molecular physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics, and radiation detection physics.

Prof. Yosef Nir

Department Head

Upcoming Events

July 18, 2019

Special Physics Colloquium

Dr. Osip Schwartz

>>> Read more

Event Information

Title:

Special Physics Colloquium

Details:

UC Berkeley 11:00 Refreshments

Lecturer:

Dr. Osip Schwartz

Date:

July 18, 2019

Time:

11:15:00 - 12:30:00

Location:

Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences Auditorium

Contact:

Hadar.lappin1@gmail.com

Abstract:

Laser manipulation of quantum particles, such as atoms, ions, and molecules, underpins much of modern physics. Electrons, too, can be coherently controlled by light. In this work, we study electron-laser interaction in free space and find that the conventional description based on the effective (ponderomotive) potential requires significant modification. We demonstrate laser-based phase manipulation of the electron wave function by performing interferometric experiments in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and capture TEM images of the light wave. We then utilize the laser-induced phase shift to realize a nearly ideal phase plate for Zernike phase contrast TEM, solving a long-standing problem and addressing the challenge of dose-efficient interrogation of radiation-sensitive specimens. The laser phase plate is widely expected to advance the TEM studies of protein structure and cell organization.