Excellence lives on exchange and networking among the best researchers worldwide. That is why we want to invite you to join us in a new lecture series, International Excellence Talks, where internationally renowned scientists will give insights into their current research topics and, ideally, inspire a broad audience of scholars. This monthly event will include a 30-minute keynote lecture and a platform for networking and informal exchange among researchers with a wide range of interests. Recordings of previous talks can be found at KIT International Excellence Talks YouTube Channel.

Abstract: 

Electro-optic detection of the electric field carried by relativistic electron beams is important for electron beam diagnostics at state-of-the art linear electron accelerators, x-ray free electron lasers, and synchrotrons. The presentation discusses the design, fabrication, and validation of a thin-film lithium niobate on insulator electro-optic time-domain terahertz (THz) frequency electric field sensor. Thin-film lithium niobate offers unprecedented properties for the electro-optic detection of freely propagating THz wave radiation pulses and transient electric fields because of the large electro-optic coefficient of the material, engineering of the velocity matching of the THz wave and optical wave, and much reduced detector size. The proof-of-concept device is realized using thin-film lithium niobate optical waveguides forming a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with interferometer arms electrically poled in opposite directions. THz waves are coupled to the fully dielectric device from free space. Microfabricated THz-bandwidth low-loss photonic waveguides, electrically poled lithium niobate, and fiber optics result in high-level integration of functionalities currently supported by bulk optical components.

Abstract:

The Urban Resources Initiative (URI) based at the Yale School of the Environment engages Yale students in a community-driven urban forestry approach to plant trees, restore green spaces, and invest in green infrastructure in New Haven, CT.  Colleen Murphy-Dunning will discuss their model of community-centered urban forestry as both an educational opportunity and means of substantive local partnership with local government and civil society. The cornerstone of URI’s approach is listening and responding to community identified needs, such as responding to a call for employment and creating a garden of healing to counter the pain of gun violence. 

Environmental challenges in the northeastern U.S. includes flooding associated with stormwater runoff and the urban heat island related to disparities in tree canopy cover.  Addressing these environmental needs presents an opportunity to create volunteer pathways of engagement and more inclusive workforce development.  URI connects these biophysical challenges to the socioeconomic needs of our city by creating opportunities for volunteer involvement and transitional paid green-job training.  URI leverages planting trees as a vehicle for necessary social change, as well as a means for clinical learning experience.