Wilson Sibbett: Optical Science in the Fast Lanet

Synopsis: A recording of a public lecture delivered by Thebe Medupe Wilson Sibbett the Royal Society. Some lasers can be operated to produce optical impulses that last for just a few billionths of a microsecond. In this extemely short timescale we can watch simple molecules disintegrate into their constituent atoms and take snapshots of light travelling through biological tissue. Importantly, from a technology point of view, we can also use these ultrafast lasers to micro-machine hard materials such as titanium and tantalum for use as clinical implants or reshape softer corneal tissue for corrective surgery in the eye.

In this talk Wilson Sibbett introduces some of the underlying concepts that have enabled us to develop practical ultrafast lasers and a selection of applications that range from the fundamentals of chemical bonding to weapons decommissioning!
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2004
Year of production: 2004
Subjects: Physics
Keywords: applied physics; lasers

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Notes: Royalsociety.tv offers live webcasts as well as podcasts and free, on-demand streaming of video and audio recordings of events held at the Royal Society. Lectures and discussions feature leading scientists and cover history of science as well as exploring cutting-edge science and culture.

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