Colóquios e Seminários

19 de setembro de 2014

Seminário do Grupo de Óptica: “A Layman’s Guide to the Multiconfigurational Time-Dependent…”

Seminrios_GO-loguinhoWith the recent development of MCTDHB, numerically exact solutions of the time-dependent many-boson Schrödinger equation have become available for a wide set of problems. MCTDHB is a variationally derived method that uses time-dependent basis functions as well as time-dependent coefficients to assemble the many-body wavefunction. MCTDHB stands at the end of a long history of variationally derived methods which use ansatzes of increasing complexity. The introduction and variational derivation of the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation, the best mean-field as well as the MCTDHB are the subject of the course.

And a teaser or extension of the abstract:

In the description of many-boson dynamics there is the necessity to describe – 1) condensation and 2) fragmentation – as well as – 3) the transition from condensation to fragmentation. Condensation, where all particles occupy a single state, is captured by a product ansatz with a single orbital and the variational derivation with this ansatz leads to the famous 1) time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation (TDGP).

When the description of a fragmented state, where the particles occupy several states macroscopically, is necessary the physics can be captured by a symmetrized product ansatz built from several orbitals (a configuration). The variational derivation with such an ansatz leads to the so-called 2) time-dependent multi-orbital mean-field or best mean-field (BMF). The BMF allows for the description of fragmented and un-fragmented condensates, i.e., it contains the TDGP as a special case.

Yet, the BMF cannot describe situations where the number of particles in the fragments is changing with time. This is for example the case when an initially coherent sample of ultracold bosons (a single fragment containing all particles) is dynamically fragmenting because the initial parabolic confinement is transformed into a double-well potential (with two fragments holding N/2 particles). In such scenarios, the employed ansatz needs to cover both, condensation, and fragmentation. For this purpose one forms a linear combination of all possible configurations of the N particles in M orbitals which are weighted by time-dependent coefficients to obtain the ansatz for the variational derivation of 3) MCTDHB.

18 de setembro de 2014

Filosofísica: “Ciência em três dimensões: o aspecto psicológico”

Filosofisica_-_LogoTendo como base os três aspectos de John M. Ziman para caracterizar ciência, os debates promoverão discussões entre membros do Filosofísica, tendo outro membro como mediador, sobre cada um desses aspectos, para conclui-los no último seminário. O primeiro trata a ciência de uma perspectiva psicológica, tomada como uma atividade realizada por indivíduos com motivações pessoais e criativas.

 

17 de setembro de 2014

Seminário Especial do Grupo de Polímeros: Heinz von Seggern

Seminario-_logo_geralIn this talk the current knowledge of the electrical degradation during fatigue of polymer-based light-emitting diodes is reviewed focusing especially on derivatives of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV). Studied are observed phenomena, mechanisms and material properties changing during continuous device operation at constant current. This talk focuses on the effect of chemically induced defects introduced during synthesis and elaborates their influence on transport properties such as charge carrier mobility and device lifetime. Highlighted will be the influence of a halogen defect that leads to a degradation of the electrodes and therewith is mainly responsible for device degradation. In addition, an optical effect will be described in which the absorption of the emitted electroluminescence by the semiconductor itself is one of the reasons for device degradation. Finally, the influence of the triplet density is investigated indicating that local deposition of energy is also an important factor to contribute to degradation. All experiments were accompanied by theoretical modeling shining light on how the change of injection barriers, charge carrier mobility or trap density influence the current-voltage characteristics of the diodes. Especially interesting is thereby the consideration of image charges for low carrier densities through the Schottky effect, which allows for an enhanced barrier lowering, and a more realistic description of the device performance.

17 de setembro de 2014

Seminário especial do Grupo de Polímeros: Duc Trong Duong

Seminario-_logo_geralOne of the biggest challenges in the field of semiconducting polymers is the fundamental understanding of crystallization kinetics and thin film growth. The difficulties facing such studies stem from the inherently short crystallization times of these materials and the relatively slow techniques available for characterizing nanoscale microstructures. To overcome these limitations, we chose to investigate the polymer poly(3-ethylhexylthiophene) (P3EHT). Due to its low melting point, P3EHT exhibits slow crystallization kinetics when quenched at room temperature from the melt, which is a rare property among semiconducting polymers. We perform quantitative analyses of x-ray diffraction patterns and optical absorption spectra P3EHT thin films and are able to monitor the evolution of aggregates and crystallites as well as the recrystallization kinetics as a function of time. Here we find that the growths of individual aggregates and crystallites along the three packing directions are indeed anisotropic and exhibit different growth rates. Furthermore, we show that crystallization kinetics depend on a number of parameters including film thickness, molecular weights and quenching temperatures, which is all attributed to chain confinement effects. Finally we also correlate the evolution of thin film microstructure to electronic properties and charge transport. From these measurements, we directly observe the onset of charge percolation in thin film and demonstrate that polymer tie chains are responsible for efficient charge transport.

16 de setembro de 2014

Seminário do Grupo de Óptica: “Curriculum Lattes”

Seminrios_GO-loguinhoNeste seminário será feita uma apresentação da Plataforma Lattes, para conhecimento dos mecanismos e suas funcionalidades para busca, cadastro e atualização das produções Bibliográficas, Técnica e Artística. A importância da atualização do Curriculum Lattes faz com que a vida profissional, cientifica e intelectual dos alunos e pesquisadores tenha mais visibilidade e transparência permitindo uma avaliação global através das agências de fomento, instituições de pesquisa, empresas etc.

15 de setembro de 2014

Journal Club: “Indirect dark matter search and the positron fraction measurement”

JC-_loguinhoThe Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a large acceptance particle physics detector, operating onboard the International Space Station (ISS) since May 2011. The main goals of AMS-02 are the search for antimatter and dark matter, and the precise measurements of cosmic rays composition and flux.

The study of the electromagnetic component of the cosmic rays, namely electrons, positrons, is of primary importance in the search for primordial antimatter and dark matter in the Universe.

The present seminary will describe the methods to identify electrons and positrons in cosmic rays in GeV to TeV region, and will describe the performances of AMS-02 in this context. Particular emphasis will be given to the latest AMS positron fraction measurement, that will be published this week.

15 de setembro de 2014

Colloquium diei: “Explorações no mundo das caminhadas aleatórias”

Colloquium_Diei-loguinhoEste colóquio é inspirado e gira em torno de problemas matemáticos e de problemas físicos básicos do universo das caminhadas aleatórias. A partir de estudos clássicos nesse domínio, apresentamos generalizações recentes desses tipos de objetos, as quais têm aplicação potencial em virtualmente todas as áreas da física, além de em outras áreas, como a ciência de materiais, e em problemas fundamentais da biologia. A abordagem, em grande parte acessível ao aluno de graduação, explora de forma direta tanto os aspectos teóricos, quanto os experimentais e os aplicados, enfatizando os elementos geométricos, a intuição e a universalidade dos fenômenos.

9 de setembro de 2014

Seminário do Grupo de Óptica: “Biophotonic Technologies to Improve Global Health”

Seminrios_GO-loguinhoIn this presentation Dr. Rebecca will talk about translating research that integrates advances in nanotechnology and molecular imaging with microfabrication technologies to develop optical imaging systems that are inexpensive, portable, and provide point-of-care diagnosis. This basic and translational research is highly collaborative and has led to new technologies to improve the early detection of cancers and other diseases, especially in impoverished settings.

8 de setembro de 2014

Seminário: “Monitoramento da Resistência do Plasmodium falciparum”

Seminario-_logo_geralChloroquine (CQ), a cost effective antimalarial drug with a relatively good safety profile and therapeutic index, is no longer used by itself to treat patients with Plasmodium falciparum due to CQ-resistant strains. P. vivax, representing over 90% of malaria cases in Brazil, despite reported resistance, is treated with CQ as well as with primaquine to block malaria transmission and avoid late P. vivax malaria relapses. Resistance to CQ and other antimalarial drugs influences malaria control, thus monitoring resistance phenotype by parasite genotyping is helpful in endemic areas.

3 de setembro de 2014

Colloquium diei: “A física das mudanças climáticas globais”

Colloquium_Diei-loguinhoUma das questões mais desafiadoras para a ciência é o entendimento integrado de como o sistema climático terrestre funciona e quantificar o efeito antropogênico no clima de nosso planeta. O balanço radiativo terrestre está sendo alterado de modo significativo pelo aumento da concentração de gases de efeito estufa, alterações nas nuvens e na concentração de partículas de aerossóis atmosféricos, na alteração do albedo terrestre entre outros aspectos. Neste colóquio iremos discutir os várias aspectos científicos que controlam o funcionamento climático de nosso planeta. Estratégias de mitigação e enfrentamento das questões serão debatidas.

3 de setembro de 2014

Journal Club: “Controlling spin-correlations in double quantum dots”

In the last decades, a great effort has been invested in understanding how to utilize the spin degree of freedom of confined electrons as a component of a quantum computation device or in spintronics. In this regard, one of the main challenges is to be able to construct, control and manipulate entangled states between spins.

JC-_loguinhoFirst, for a double quantum dot system in a parallel geometry, I will demonstrate that by combining the effects of a flux and driving an electrical current through the structure, the spin correlations between electrons localized in the dots can be controlled at will. In particular a current can induce spin correlations even if the spins are uncorrelated in the initial state. Therefore, we are able to engineer an entangled state in this double-dot structure. Using a canonical transformation, I will provide an intuitive explanation for the results, related to Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida physics driven by the bias.

In the second part of this talk I will consider the two quantum dots structure to study the decay of a maximally entangled state between the dots. The system is prepared in a perfect singlet and then coupling one of the dots to electronic baths. Two cases can be identified: In a first regime a direct electronic current cause decoherence and the entanglement, as well as spin correlations, decay exponentially fast. A second regime is found for zero or small voltages and beyond the mixed-valence regime; in this case virtual tunneling processes dominate and lead to a slower loss of coherence.

A combination of these two effects, the formation and destruction of a singlet state using a bias, can be proposed as a mechanism to control the entanglement between electrons in quantum dots.

1 de setembro de 2014

Seminário Grupo de Óptica: “Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento de Novos Medicamentos”

A consultora científica da Novartis Biociências S.A. abordará neste seminário informações para o suporte na elaboração e desenvolvimento de projetos de pesquisa clínica e desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos, dando continuidade à apresentação sobre o papel do consultor científico Medical Science Liaison.

Ana Paula é Fisioterapeuta pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina (2002), Mestre em Bioengenharia pela USP (2004), doutora em Ciências Endocrinológicas pela UNIFESP (2008), com período “sanduíche” na Université de Lyon, França e pós-doutora pela UNIFESP (2009).

Foi docente do departamento de Fisioterapia da UNICASTELO São Paulo (2009-2011) e coordenadora do Programa de Reabilitação e Atividade Física direcionada ao Osteoporótico por sete anos na UNIFESP. Atualmente trabalha como consultora científica na área de Reumatologia na Novartis Biociências.

26 de agosto de 2014

Colloquium diei: “Myth and Reality Behind the AVATAR: Brain-machine Interfaces”

Brain machine interfaces (BMI) have become important in systems neuroscience with goal to restore motor function to paralyzed patients. I will assess the current ability of BMI devices to move objects.

The topics discussed will include: (1) the bits of information generated by a MBI signal, (2) the limitations of including more neurons for generating a BMI signal, (3) the superiority of a BMI signal using single cells versus electroencephalography (EEG), (4) plasticity and BMI, (5) the selection of a neural code for generating BMI, (6) the suppression of body movements during BMI, and (7) the role of vision in BMI.

I conclude that understanding fully how the brain generates movement is necessary before BMI can become a reasonable option for paralyzed patients. The implications of this conclusion are discussed. For more details see: Neuroscience, 2013, 255, 134-146.

26 de agosto de 2014

Journal Club: “Extended OFT+U+V method with on-site and inter-site electronic interactions”

A generalization of the popular DFT+U method based on the extended Hubbard model that includes on-site and inter-site electronic interactions is presented. The generalized corrective Hamiltonian is designed to study systems for which electrons are not completely localized on atomic states and hybridization between orbitals from different sites plays an important role. The application of the the extended functional to archetypal Mott-chargetransfer (NiO) and covalently bonded insulators (Si and GaAs) deminstrates its versatility and the possiblity to obtain a unifying and equally accurate description for a broad range of very diverse systems.

22 de agosto de 2014

Seminário do Grupo de Biofísica: “Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy of Proteins”

Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism (SRCD) spectroscopy is an emerging method in Structural Biology which is enabling many exciting new applications in biology and chemistry. It can provide information on molecular structure and function that is complementary to other methods such as crystallography, electron microscopy, SAXS and NMR spectroscopy, as it enables examination of the secondary and tertiary structures and dynamics of molecules in solution. It has thus far been used to study a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and nanomaterials in different environments (solutions, hydrated films, membranes, micelles, suspensions, crystallisation conditions, and emulsions).

Seminario-_logo_geralSRCD beamlines are now operational at synchrotrons across Europe and Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, the UK, Denmark, Germany and France) although there are as yet no such beamlines in the Americas.

I will describe the advantages of SRCD (as compared to the well-established method of circular dichroism spectroscopy using lab-based instruments) due to the high UV and VUS light flux provided by the synchrotron: collection of data to lower wavelengths (resulting in increased information content), improved signal-to-noise levels (enabling the measurement of subtle static and dynamic changes), measurements in the presence of absorbing components (buffers, salts, lipids, and detergents and under physiological conditions), and fast dynamic measurements for kinetics studies.

I will then discuss examples of the use of SRCD (including collaborative studies we have done with Brazilian investigators) for studying protein structures, macromolecular complex formation, thermal stability, protein folding and unfolding, mutations in proteins associated with disease states, drug binding (including its potential as a drug development screen), and characterisation of natively disordered proteins that do not crystallise.

Hence this talk will describe how SRCD spectroscopy represents a novel physics-based method that can provide important and exciting new static and dynamic structural information for the biological, chemical and material sciences.

21 de agosto de 2014

Café com física: “Atividade espontânea e avalanches em dinâmica neural”

Caf_com_fsica-loguinhoOs progressos tecnológicos em computação e instrumentação científica nas duas últimas décadas abriram importantes linhas de pesquisa em Neurociência. O notável aumento na capacidade de aquisição e processamento de sinais eletrofisiológicos tem levado a um “dilúvio de dados” cuja interpretação é desafiadora e exige abordagens teórico/computacionais. Neste seminário, vou discutir algumas investigações que vêm sendo desenvolvidas nesse contexto, enfatizando em particular algumas abordagens que sugerem (i) que conceitos de criticalidade da física estatística podem ser relevantes na análise de “avalanches” de atividade neural e (ii) que, em algumas situações, os padrões estatísticos de respostas estimuladas de redes neurais podem ser praticamente independentes da natureza dos estímulos, de modo que a atividade espontânea desses redes (determinada por sua topologia) pode ser preditiva para algumas de suas propriedades funcionais (sob estímulo).

20 de agosto de 2014

Seminário do Grupo de Óptica: “Água, luz, cargas e engenharia”

Seminrios_GO-loguinhoApesar de ser comum e parte fundamental da nossa vida, a água ainda tem muitos mistérios e aplicações a serem obtidas dela e com ela. O seminário faz uma visita a certos aspectos encontrados na interface da água com outros meios, como metais, géis ou orgânicos. Além da existência de uma região chamada Camada Dupla (Double Layer) nessas interfaces, originadas do potencial eletroquímico das substâncias, ocorre também a formação de uma zona adicional denominada de Zona de Exclusão (Exclusion Zone). Nesta última se mostra a formação de uma estrutura ordenada da água dando lugar a propriedades de caráter sólido e líquido e motivou a denomina-la de uma quarta fase da água,. A partir daí vem a verificação de fenômenos interessantes e das possíveis aplicações práticas e estimulam a busca de outras novas.

20 de agosto de 2014

Seminário Grupo Fotônica: “Optochemically organized filaments of light: from WaveguIDe Encoded…”

Seminario-_logo_geralOptochemical organization is a powerful single-step route that employs low-intensity incandescent light to generate complex, optically functional 3-D polymer architectures. In this technique, we exploit the instability of broad light beams in photopolymerizing media and their spontaneous division into large populations (> 10, 000 cm-3) of self-trapped filaments. Each filament is a microscopic thread of light, which inscribes a polymer channel – a multimode waveguide – along its path. By employing multiple, spatially modulated beams, we can corral filaments into a richly diverse collection of lattices with square, near-cubic, simple cubic, BCC and woodpile geometries.

This seminar highlights two recently developed applications of our approach to optochemical organization. The first is a WaveguIDe Encoded Intersecting (WIDEI) lattice – which like an insect’s compound eye – possesses a significantly enhanced field of view. Because they are fabricated in flexible, robust photopolymer media, WIDEI lattices could serve as intelligent encapsulants of light-harvesting devices or light-shaping conformal coatings on LEDs. More generally, this approach opens pathways to a fundamentally new generation of planar, flexible, thin film optics that can capture, steer, guide, transmit and focus light. The second application exploits the interactions of optochemically organizing filaments to elicit the spontaneous transfer of information between light beams and develop a new technology to encode optical data.