Brett Barwick co-writes article on ultrafast electron vortex beams

Brett Barwick, associate professor of physics and the Harrison E. Farnsworth 1918 Chair in Physics, is co-author of an article published in Nature Materials.

“Using a novel approach, EPFL physicists have been able to create ultrafast electron vortex beams, with significant implications for fundamental physics, quantum computing, future data storage, and even certain medical treatments,” an announcement states on the EPFL website.

The announcement says vortices appear everywhere in nature, even in the subatomic world, and form what is called “vortex beams.” It says the scientists from the lab of Fabrizio Carbone, including Barwick, are “demonstrating for the first time that it is possible to use light to dynamically twist an individual electron’s wave function,” and to switch its velocity.

“… Vortex beams can give us new ways of interacting with matter, e.g. enhanced sensitivity to magnetic fields in sensors, or generate new absorption channels for the interaction between radiation and tissue in medical treatments (e.g. radiotherapy). But vortex beams also enable new channels in basic interactions among elementary particles, promising new insights into the inner structure of particles such as neutrons, protons or ions,” it says.

The entire article can be read here.


Related Posts

Image of artwork 'Prize Cake' (2022), by Rafael Francisco Salas

Review of exhibit featuring work of Rafael Francisco Salas published

A review of Professor of Art Rafael Francisco Salas’ recent exhibit was published May 9 on Shepard Express, a Milwaukee publication. “Cruces|Crossroads” was on view […]

Ripon College Logo

Farewell and thank you to our 2022-23 retirees

CINDY VIERTEL, 39 years Cindy Viertel will retire May 12, 2023. She came to Ripon in 1984 and was the hall director for Johnson Hall […]

Oreo Complex promotional poster

Lillian Brown will perform ‘The OREO Complex’ in Washington, D.C.

Assistant Professor of Theatre Lillian Brown will take her solo performance of “The OREO Complex” to Washington, D.C., in May and June for 10 performances. […]

Erin Bryan

Erin Bryan will be soloist at chorale concert in Fond du Lac April 29 and 30

Assistant Professor of Music Erin Bryan will join the South Shore Chorale as soprano soloist for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (4th Movement) April 29 and 30. […]

Brett Barwick

 


Related Areas of Study