The week in physics: Too much specialization?; Breaking dicarbon; Our cosmic bubble

Commentary: Is physics too specialized? Forward this email  View in your browser THE WEEK IN PHYSICS: 10–14 JANUARY Advertisement High-Accuracy Wavelength Meters Bristol Instruments offers a family of wavelength meters that provide accurate information for scientists and engineers who need to know the exact wavelength of their laser. Wavelength can be measured to an accuracy as high as ± 0.0001 nm. Systems are available for CW and pulsed lasers that operate at wavelengths from 375 nm to 12 µm. Learn more: bristol-inst.com How dicarbon breaks apart A laboratory study resolves the mechanism by which C2 molecules dissociate in sunlight. R. Mark Wilson Commentary: Is physics too specialized? Graduate students investigate the advantages of research that spans different fields. Liam L. H. Lau and Ethan Van Woerkom Webinar Live Webinar: Structural color: from birds to materials The feathers of red birds contain red pigment, but the feathers of blue birds contain no blue pigment. The blue color is structural, arising from scattering and interference. This webinar will discuss the physics of structural color, applications to materials, and why red is a tricky color to make. Register now. FROM THE VAULT: October 1992 Issues and opportunities in materials research Solutions to technologically important problems in materials science—such as pattern formation during solidification—are within reach. James Langer Webinar Live Webinar: Extreme sensitivity charge detection with lasers Although laser-induced avalanche breakdown of air was observed soon after the first demonstration of the laser, its ability to drive exponential charge growth has only recently been harnessed as an ultra-sensitive charge detection technique. I will describe our work making this possible. Register now. Our neighborhood cosmic bubble drives star formation Likely created by a series of supernovae, the expanding cavity of interstellar gas that encompasses the Sun is fostering star birth at its edge. Andrew Grant Behind the Cover: January 2022 A historical illustration reminds readers that comets have long inspired awe and stoked imaginations. Christine Middleton Advertisement The Only Grad Guide You Will Ever Need The Student Guide to Grad School in Physics, Astronomy & Related Fields is here! Read this new magazine from GradSchoolShopper to get advice from real students, faculty and leadership at the Society of Physics Students. Then use GradSchoolShopper.com to explore hundreds of grad programs exclusively in the physical sciences! Read the Issue Now. FROM THE JANUARY MAGAZINE The surface hydrology of Antarctica's floating ice The frozen continent's ice shelves are melting. Where is the water going, and what does it mean for the future? Sammie Buzzard Get notified about our webinars and whitepapers Sign up Get Physics Today delivered for just $25 per year Subscribe FEATURED JOBS > Meetings Coordinator  |  Optica > Technical Community Engagement Specialist  |  Optica Are you hiring? Do you want your job to appear here? Post with Physics Today and select the "Publication" enhancement 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 © 2022 American Institute of Physics. Unsubscribe  |  Email Preferences  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us