Newsroom

On Wednesday, November 30, 2 pm (s.t.) there will be a talk by George Bougas (Hamburg Uni­ver­si­ty) on:

Title: Dynamical Association of Efimov Trimers and Atom-Dimers in Cold Gases
Abstract: Properties of Efimov states, that is three-body bound states, are typically measured indirectly through recombination mechanisms, which are ubiquitous in cold gases. Here, a dynamical protocol is investigated allowing for a more controlled probing of these states. In particular, pulses of the scattering length are employed to create a superposition of Efimov trimers and atom-dimers in cold gases, similar to Ramsey spectroscopy. This scheme allows the observation of both the energies and lifetimes of Efimov states, by measuring the remaining fraction of atoms during the free evolution time between the pulses. It is predicted that the mixing of states provided by the second pulse will lead to a measurement of twice the intrinsic lifetime of the Efimov states.
Venue: Philosophenweg 12, kHS (small lecture hall) and online via Zoom.

The talk will be hosted by Prof. Richard Schmidt (ITP). The STRUC­TURES Project Management Office is happy to answer questions.

On Tuesday, November 29, 10:00 am there will be a special seminar by Dr. Christina Kurzthaler – group leader at the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems – in person at the Eu­ro­pean Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and on Zoom:

Title: The physics of Bacterial Transport in Dilute and Porous Environments
Abstract: Unraveling the motion of microorganisms in dilute and porous media is important for our understanding of both the molecular basis of their swim gait and their survival strategies in microbial habitats. First, I will show that by using renewal processes to analyze experimental measurements of wild-type E. Coli, we can provide a quantitative spatiotemporal characterization of their run-and-tumble dynamics in bulk. We further demonstrate quantitatively how the persistence length of an engineered strain can be controlled by a chemical inducer and characterize a transition from perpetual tumbling to smooth swimming. Second, I will address how this run-and-tumble gait evolves towards a hop-and-trap motility pattern of agents moving in a porous environment [1]. Using computer simulations, we discover a geometric criterion for their optimal spreading, which emerges when their persistence lengths are comparable to the longest straight path available in the porous medium. Our criterion provides a fundamental principle for optimal transport in densely-packed biological and environmental settings, which could be tested experimentally by using engineered cells and may provide insights into microbial adaption mechanisms. [1] C. Kurzthaler et al. Nat. Commun. 12, 7088 (2021)
Venue: Large Operon & online via Zoom

The STRUC­TURES Project Management Office is happy to answer questions.

In the context of this winter semester's Ruperto Carola Lecture Series “Vom Ende als Anfang” (in German), Hei­del­berg Uni­ver­si­ty will be screening the science fiction movie “Arrival” with a scientific introduction by STRUC­TURES member Prof. Dr. Matthias Bartelmann, astrophysicist at the Institute of Theo­re­ti­cal Physics (ITP). Against the backdrop of the climate crisis, war, pandemics and a radically changing world order, speakers from different perspectives will address the highly topical question of the tension between end and beginning. To what extent do catastrophes and crises not only pose a threat, but can also be the beginning of radical metamorphoses and new world models? The movie “Arrival” by Canadian director Denis Villeneuve addresses the difficulty of communication in the context of spreading fears and paranoia fuelled by the arrival of an extraterrestrial civilization on Earth. The film screening will take place on November 28, 2022 at Karlstorkino, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 3, and will start at 7.30 pm.

For more information, see the University press release (German only).

A new podcast episode of “#exzellenterklaert - Spitzenforschung für alle” is online. The new episode deals with the subject “The Ocean Floor: Unexplored Interface of the Earth”. The ocean floor is a unique ecosystem. However, as of yet, only a small portion of it has been scientifically investigated. The difficulties related to accessibility necessitate ship expeditions and the use of highly specialized underwater equipment for its exploration. The Cluster of Excellence “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface” aims to initiate a new chapter in this field of re­search by quantifying exchange processes at this significant boundary layer and their roles in the Earth's ecosystem.

The German science podcast “Exzellent Erklärt - Spitzenforschung für alle” reflects the re­search diversity of Germany’s leading re­search institutions and Clusters of Excellence: from Antiquities to Quan­tum Physics. In each episode, listeners can expect insights into the interdisciplinary work of one re­search network.

Link: https://exzellent-erklaert.podigee.io/.