BC Physicists Advance Single Pixel THz Imaging

June 26, 2013 -

Prof. Willie J. Padilla and researchers in his lab recently reported a breakthrough in efforts to create accessible and effective THz imaging. Using both optical and electronic controls, the team developed a single-pixel imaging technique that uses a coded aperture to quickly and efficiently manipulate stubborn THz waves, according to a recent report in the journal Optics Express.

2013 George J. Goldsmith Award

June 26, 2013 -

The Department of Physics is happy to congratulate Timothy Sleasman class of 2013 who received the third annual George J. Goldsmith Award. Named in memory of longtime Physics Department faculty member George J. Goldsmith, who is remembered for both his scholarship and his selfless dedication to the students of Boston College, this award is given annually to a graduating Physics major in recognition of excellence in academic achievement and research.

Mr. Sleasman was an exceptionally accomplished student with a double major in Physics and Math and worked throughout his tenure at Boston College in Professor Padilla’s laboratory. Mr. Sleasman will pursue his PhD in Electrical Engineering at Duke University working in Professor David Smith’s Meta Group.

Yu (Sophia) Dai is the recipient of 2012 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad

May 30, 2013 -

Since 2003, the Chinese government has been awarding students who are able to study in a foreign country on their own accord. The awards are given to honor students for their ability to study abroad without government-funded sponsorships under the umbrella of the China Scholarship Council. Often, these students study in highly acclaimed institutions where they might face many challenges in being a student in a foreign country. Ms. Dai was recently offered a Postdoctoral research opportunity at the California Institute of Technology and will transition in September of 2013. 

Controlling light propagation with nanowires

May 28, 2013 -

“Controlling light propagation with nanowires” by Dr. Y. Peng and Prof. K. Kempa (Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 171903 (2012)) has been selected by the journal Applied Physics Letters to feature in the Editor's Picks of 2012, as one of the most notable APL articles published in 2012. Back in March, this paper made it to " the top 20 most read APL papers in 2012". Work featured in this paper has been supported by the prestigious Keck Foundation grant, awarded to a group of BC scientists, led by Professors Naughton and Kempa of the Department of Physics.

Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

April 26, 2013 -

A visit to the Kennedy Space Center when he was in elementary school inspired Nathan Nesbitt to pursue a career in the sciences. Today, the graduate student in the Physics Department is searching for innovative energy solutions he hopes will one day help solve the problem of climate change.

2012-2013 Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Awards

April 25, 2013 -

The Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Awards program was established to provide a further stimulus toward teaching excellence by graduate Teaching Fellows and Teaching Assistants. The Physics Department is thrilled to announce that Graduate students Alex Shvonski and Luke D'Imperio have been awarded this honor for the 2012-2013 academic year. 

New York Academy of Sciences, Honorary Members and Fellows

April 22, 2013 -

The New York Academy of Sciences honors distinguished individuals through its Fellowship and Honorary Life Membership awards. These awards are highly regarding in the international science community and reflect the Academy's commitment to excellence, its heritage, and serving its worldwide membership. Dr. Gabor J. Kalman, Distinguished Research Professor, Department of Physics, Boston College is a part of this community. 

Post Doctoral Fellow, Dr. Juan Merlo Receives High Distinction

February 11, 2013 -

Based on his accomplishments in research and various publications, The National Research System (SNI) based in Mexico, has awarded Post Doctoral Fellow in Dr. Michael Naughton's group; Dr. Juan Merlo, the highest level of distinction in research for 3 years. This level has equivalency to a full Professorship in the United States and is extremely prestigious. The award is given through peer review and is to grant the appointment of National Enquirer. This award symbolizes the quality and prestige of the receivers scientific contributions. The SNI is to promote and strengthen, through the evaluation, the quality of scientific and technological research and innovation that occurs in the country. The system contributes to the formation and consolidation of researchers with scientific and technical knowledge at the highest level as a key element to increase the culture, productivity, competitiveness and social welfare.

BC Physicists Uncover Novel Photonic Effect

February 11, 2013 -

Using the geometric and material properties of a unique nanostructure, BC physicists have uncovered a novel photonic effect where surface plasmons interact with light to form "plasmonic halos" of selectable output color, Ferris Professor of Physics Michael Naughton and Senior Research Associate Michael J. Burns report with doctoral student and lead author Fan Ye in the journal Nano Letters. BC News | Nanotechnology News, Science Daily, PhysOrg, AZoNano

Professor Padilla Elected Fellow of the Optical Society of America

November 5, 2012 -

The Board of Directors of the Optical Society (OSA) elected Professor Willie Padilla a Fellow of the Society. Professor Padilla is being recognized for fundamental contributions to metamaterials, including first demonstrations of negative refractive index, metamaterial opto-electronic control and perfect absorbers. BC Chronicle