Colloquium
Upcoming Colloquium
From new materials to new quantum device paradigms: topological amplifiers, Moire THz phasers, and beyond!
Dr. Gil Refael, Caltech
December 1, 2025
11:00am in HSCI-102
Over the past two decades, new materials and quantum phases have been discovered at a breakneck pace. Topological materials and phases, as well as meticulously engineered Moiré materials, vastly expanded our dictionary of quantum materials and phases. One question that has particularly intrigued me during this time is: what are these materials good for, especially when a strong driving is involved? After discussing some of my favorite systems, I will share some modest ideas and insights my group has developed, and speculate on what the future may hold.
About the Colloquium
The Colloquium is a unique opportunity for students to learn about new developments in physics and what physicists do after they graduate. Hosted by the Physics and Astronomy Department at California State University, Long Beach, the weekly meetings invite guests from universities, research laboratories, and industry to present and discuss current topics in physics. All students are encouraged to attend for a well-rounded experience and training in physics.
Colloquium Coordinator
For information and suggestions about the colloquium please contact the colloquium coordinator:
Dr. Sarah Grefe
Sarah.Grefe@csulb.edu
Schedule
| Date | Title | Speaker and Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2025 | From new materials to new quantum device paradigms: topological amplifiers, Moire THz phasers, and beyond! | Dr. Gil Refael, Caltech |
| December 8, 2025 | Student Presentations | CSULB physics students |
| December 10, 2025 | Student Presentations | CSULB physics students |
Previous Colloquia
| Date | Title | Speaker and Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| November 17, 2025 | Metal-organic frameworks: From crystal growth to their applications | Dr. Fangyuan Tian, CSU Long Beach |
| November 10, 2025 | Observing and simulating gravitational waves with LIGO, Cosmic Explorer, and SpECTRE | Dr. Geoffrey Lovelace, CSU Fullerton |
| November 3, 2025 | Learning about Massive Binary Stellar Evolution from High Mass X-ray Binaries in Local Group Galaxies | Dr. Margaret Lazzarini, CSU Los Angeles |
| October 27, 2025 | Energetic particles and spin polarized fuel for magnetic fusion energy | Dr. William Heidbrink, UC Irvine |
| October 20, 2025 | Physics of Anime | Drs. Kristjan Stone, Roman Gomez, Caleb Baker; Jet Propulsion Laboratory / NASA |
| October 13, 2025 | Searching for the Universe's Dark Matter | Dr. Alvine Kamaha, UCLA |
| October 6, 2025 | Faculty Research Presentations | Physics Department Faculty, CSU Long Beach |
| September 29, 2025 | Bicrystals and Bowties: Photothermoelectric and Plasmonic effects of gold nanostructures | Dr. Charlotte Evans, Sandia National Laboratory |
| September 22, 2025 | Studying strongly correlated systems with AI | Dr. Eduardo Ibarra Garcia Padilla, Harvey Mudd College |
| September 15, 2025 | A New Approach to the Flavor Puzzle | Dr. Michael Ratz, UC Irvine |
| September 8, 2025 | Department Meet 'n Mix | Department Faculty, Staff, and Student Leaders |
The Colloquium Archive has the Colloquia from previous semesters.
Sponsors
We acknowledge with gratitude donations and support from the following present sponsors:
- H.E. and H.B. Miller and Family Endowment
- Benjamin Carter
- Mary L. Bresnan
- K. Y. Shen
- American Physical Society
- Anonymous
We also acknowledge with gratitude our past donors: The Forty-Niner Shops, Inc., The Northrop Grumman Foundation, Sandra Dana, Anonymous.
If you wish to support the Colloquium, please contact the colloquium coordinator or the department chair. Thank you!
