Courses:

Winter 2024

Quantum Mechanics Demystified: Exploring the role of quantum science
in modern technology

Have you ever wondered about the true meaning behind the word “quantum” that’s so casually used in superhero movies and trendy product names? What is it really like to do research in the field of quantum science? In this course, we’ll unravel the mysteries behind key concepts in quantum mechanics and hear the fascinating stories of how these ideas were discovered. Next, we'll bridge the gap between theory and reality by exploring the applications of quantum principles in cutting-edge technology. Get ready for an interactive journey where we’ll develop an understanding of the experiments that sparked the quantum revolution, and actually see the equipment and labs where quantum research comes to life. Whether you're passionate about materials science, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, or programming – there's a place for you in the captivating realm of quantum science!
 

Taught by: Alex Hallett, Ph.D. student in Materials Science

Fall 2023 

The Art of Physics

What does an experimental physicist actually do? Sure, sometimes we stand and do problems on the chalkboard, but so much of experimental physics research is driven by creative thinking, problem solving, and making things with our hands. In this course we'll explore some of the most common fundamental physics research tools like lasers, magnets, detectors, and how these technologies are harnessed in building things to answer deep questions about the universe. We'll get a taste of how physics experimentalists tackle physics problems, and discover how exercising our creative skills helps us do interesting science. This course will be about physics, but it will also be about art, creative expression, and expanding our physics explorations beyond just calculations and math.  We'll spend half of each day learning about modern and relevant topics in experimental quantum and particle physics, and the other half learning how to solder by making our own stained glass art pieces. 

Taught by: Madeleine Bow Jun Leibovitch, Ph.D. student in Physics

Winter 2023

Optics, Lasers, and Quantum Physics

When people talk about optics, maybe you think about glasses and lenses, or maybe even about cameras and corneas! But did you know that physicists use a variety of optical techniques to explore critical scientific questions in quantum physics? In this course we will dive into the fundamentals of optics, lasers and their use in studying the quantum nature of our world. We will learn the fundamentals of how lasers work, conduct our own experiment using light from lasers to image microscopic objects, and explore beautiful and interesting properties of light as a scientific tool. This course will involve hands-on projects using laser imaging, lectures on fundamental physics topics, and lab tours in UCSB’s physics department.

Taught by: Madeleine Leibovitch, Jared Pagett, and Sam Brantly, Ph.D. students in Physics, along with Simon Mitchell, a senior CCS student in Physics

Fall 2022

Optics, Lasers, and Quantum Physics

When people talk about optics, maybe you think about glasses and lenses, or maybe even about cameras and corneas! But did you know that physicists use a variety of optical techniques to explore critical scientific questions in quantum physics? In this course we will dive into the fundamentals of optics, lasers and their use in studying the quantum nature of our world. We will learn the fundamentals of how lasers work, conduct our own experiment using light from lasers to image microscopic objects, and explore beautiful and interesting properties of light as a scientific tool. This course will involve hands-on projects using laser imaging, lectures on fundamental physics topics, and lab tours in UCSB’s physics department.

Taught by: Madeleine Leibovitch and Sam Brantly, Ph.D. students in Physics, along with Simon Mitchell, a senior CCS student in Physics

The Quantum Around Us

You've probably heard all the buzzwords about quantum physics on the internet by now. The cat that is dead and isn't dead, spooky actions at a distance, quantum computers that solve problems fast by trying all solutions all at once (I promise this is not how it works!). While many of us have a vague idea about these phenomena, to truly appreciate the weirdness of the quantum world, we need to delve a little deeper. In this course, first, we will build up the concepts such as superposition, polarization, diffraction, and measurements through hands-on physical experiments, interactive demonstration, and web-based simulation. Next, using these concepts, we approach an actual quantum experiment and discuss the real mysteries and absurdities of the quantum world. (Keywords: Photonics, Materials, Physics, Electrical engineering)

Taught by: Josh Castro and Kamyar Parto, Ph.D. students in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Winter 2022

The Quantum Around Us

You've probably heard all the buzzwords about quantum physics on the internet by now. The cat that is dead and isn't dead, spooky actions at a distance, quantum computers that solve problems fast by trying all solutions all at once (I promise this is not how it works!). While many of us have a vague idea about these phenomena, to truly appreciate the weirdness of the quantum world, we need to delve a little deeper. In this course, first, we will build up the concepts such as superposition, polarization, diffraction, and measurements through hands-on physical experiments, interactive demonstration, and web-based simulation. Next, using these concepts, we approach an actual quantum experiment and discuss the real mysteries and absurdities of the quantum world. (Keywords: Photonics, Materials, Physics, Electrical engineering)

Taught by: Dr. Shaimaa Azzam, Postdoctoral Researcher and Kamyar Parto, Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Winter 2021

The Art of Quantum Science

Technologies based on quantum mechanics are everywhere around us, from the computer chips and LEDs in your cell phones to lasers and GPS satellites we use for global communications and navigation. Quantum scientists are also now using the fascinating rules of quantum mechanics to observe, process, and communicate information in entirely new ways that will one day dramatically change how we interact with each other and our surroundings. In this course, we will explore the key concepts from quantum mechanics that are driving this quantum revolution through interactive demonstrations, immersive light, and sound visualization experiences, hands-on design activities, and group games. Students will learn what it means to be a Quantum Mechanic, building intuition about core principles including Schrödinger’s Cat, bits vs. qubits, entanglement, and wave-particle duality. (Keywords: Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Information Science, Quantum Foundry, Physics, Engineering) UCSB NSF Quantum Foundry through Q-AMASE-i program award number DMR-1906325

Taught by: Taught by: Trevor Steiner, a Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Yin Yu, a Ph.D. student in Media Arts and Technology

Resources created for the course: Art of Quantum Science

Fall 2020

A World of Crystals: How Nature Creates Order from Chaos

When we think of crystals, the thought of a glimmering jewelry display might pop into mind. But a staggering amount of our technology is built on crystals; processors, building materials, lighting, electricity generation... The list is endless. You are surrounded by crystals, in fact, you're probably using a whole array of them to read this. Atom by atom, we can manufacture crystals that nature only dreams of (and now you can too). In this class, we'll explore the physics and chemistry of crystals, learning concepts such as symmetry, diffraction, and diffusion. We will explore how researchers grow materials with applications stretching from medicine, quantum computing, magnetism, and more. We will have a combination of computer exercises, socially-distanced crystal growth (DIY!), and in-class puzzles to help explore the world of crystallography and crystal growth. (Keywords: Chemistry, Materials Science, Quantum Foundry) UCSB NSF Quantum Foundry through Q-AMASE-i program award number DMR-1906325

Taught by: Dr. Brenden Ortiz, Postdoctoral Researcher and Elings Prize Fellow

Winter 2019

Engineering Materials: From Magnets to Chocolate

Engineered materials are everywhere around us, from the metals and concrete that support buildings to the electronics in our phones. Materials scientists and engineers use chemistry, physics, and biology to understand useful materials, from the atomic level to the properties we see, and everything in between. In this course, we will learn how materials scientists manipulate materials at every length scale to make better structural, biological, and electronic, and magnetic materials. In particular, we will focus on research happening at UCSB, from bio-inspired materials design to quantum materials research at the new Quantum Foundry. At the end of this course, we will apply materials design concepts to real-world engineering problems. (Keywords: Materials Science, Quantum Foundry) UCSB NSF Quantum Foundry through Q-AMASE-i program award number DMR-1906325

Taught by Marcela Areyano, a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering, and Julia Zuo Ph.D. student in Materials

Supported by: NSF Quantum Foundry through Q-AMASE-i program # DMR-1906325