The week in physics: 18-22 January

Developing an undergraduate physics program; Molecular design strategies; Rejoining UNESCO. Forward this email  View in your browser THE WEEK IN PHYSICS: 18–22 JANUARY February issue sneak peak US government acts to reduce dependence on China for rare-earth magnets Although the US has sufficient raw materials, the domestic supply chain to alloy and manufacture rare-earth permanent magnets is almost nonexistent. David Kramer Developing the first two years of an undergraduate physics program Oxford College physicist Effrosyni Seitaridou explains how establishing a clear mission and offering research experiences and support systems helped grow and strengthen her department. Effrosyni Seitaridou Webinar Ray Optics Simulations Tune into this webinar to learn about optical ray tracing using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. We will demonstrate how to create a geometry of a lens system and trace rays through it, and show how to combine ray optics with a structural and thermal simulation for a STOP analysis. Register now. FROM THE VAULT: February 1975 Prospects for a gamma‐ray laser Development of a "graser" may be possible if ways can be found to achieve Mössbauer transitions and population inversion simultaneously in nuclear isomers. G. C. Baldwin and R. K. Khokhlov Webinar Probing local magnetic field patterns Discover how to probe nanostructures locally with high-spatial-resolution techniques such as NV-centers and nanowire MFM microscopy. Learn about their applications, characteristics and required operating conditions, and find out how to use lock-in amplifiers to enhance the sensitivity and contrast of these methods. Register now. A soap bubble crossed with a bulletproof vest A new strategy for molecular design takes self-assembled materials where they've never gone before. Johanna L. Miller Paving the way for the US to rejoin UNESCO Global science and education issues demand US engagement, say proponents. Toni Feder Advertisement Read Now: The Latest News From Our Industry Partners Learn about industry news right from the source. This new page on the Physics Today website offers a way to read about the latest developments direct from our industry partners, all in one place. From new product launches to innovative collaborations, the Industry Partner news page is just one more way you can stay up to date with advancements across the physical science community. Read the latest headlines here. FROM THE JANUARY MAGAZINE Science and technology of the Casimir effect Caused by simple fluctuations in space, the Casimir effect may validate theories of the cosmological constant and allow for measurements of ultrasmall magnetic fields. Alexander Stange, David K. Campbell, and David J. Bishop FEATURED JOBS > Content Strategist  |  Thorlabs > Faculty Position (Tenure-Track/Tenured) Experimental Physics  |  Institute for Shock Physics at Washington State University in Pullman, WA Are you hiring? Do you want your job to appear here? Post with Physics Today and select the "Featured Job Listing: Physics Today 'The Week in Physics' e-newsletter" upgrade to easily showcase your job to 66 000 physicists and engineers. Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics 1 Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740 USA +1 301 209 3100 © 2021 American Institute of Physics. Unsubscribe  |  Email Preferences  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us