Date : Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Time : 4:30 PM
Location: Willet Science Center Room 109


Professor Douglas Young
Department of Physics
Mercer University

"Magnetic Traps"

Abstract:  Magnetic traps are devices that use magnetic fields to contain, or trap, either charged or neutral matter.  They are used in a wide variety of applications, from the possible use as a power source from nuclear fusion, to trapping individual atoms to form a new state of matter known as a Bose-Einstein condensate, to providing a new means of propulsion for spacecraft. In this talk, the basic properties of magnetic traps will be discussed. Results of some simple computer simulations of some magnetic trap geometries will also be presented, along with some discussion of the challenges involved in the simulation of these devices.

Please join us for light refreshments at 4:15. We hope to see you there!