Superconducting constrictions were studied since the early 1960s, as a form of Superconducting weak links, following the theoretical prediction of the Josephson Effect. They exhibit some phenomena such as Vortex-Antivortex Pair Generation, Phase Slips, and Hot Spots. This Seminar introduces the superconducting constriction system, and the three major phenomena occurring in it. Finally, some selected Applications of these systems will be presented.

Rydberg atoms, characterized by highly excited electronic states, exhibit exceptional sensitivity to external electric fields due to their large electric-dipole transition moments. This makes them promising candidates for microwave electric-field sensing. This seminar introduces the fundamental principles behind Rydberg atomic sensors, focusing on the interaction between microwave radiation and atomic energy levels. It explains how electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and microwave-induced Autler–Townes splitting enables optical detection of electric fields. A recent experimental demonstration of a chip-scale Rydberg atomic electrometer is highlighted to illustrate how these atomic phenomena can be applied to develop compact, sensitive sensors with reduced electromagnetic-field disturbance.

All faculty, researchers and students are invited to attend.