The department of Physics and Astronomy’s Stephenson Distinguished Lecture will feature James K. Gimzewski, a leading authority on nanotechnology research. The lecture, Nano Tips: Exploring This Planet, Your Body and Beyond, will be on March 26 at 7 p.m. in the Webster Physical Science Building, Room 16.
Gimzewski is a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA, director of the Nano & Pico Characterization lab at the UCLA California NanoSystems Institute and scientific director of the UCLA Art/Sci Center & Lab.
He pioneered research on mechanical and electrical contacts with single atoms and molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and was one of the first persons to image molecules with STM. His accomplishments include the first STM-based fabrication of molecular suprastructures at room temperature using mechanical forces to push molecules across surfaces, the discovery of single molecule rotors and the development of new micromechanical sensors based on nanotechnology, which explore ultimate limits of sensitivity and measurement.
Gimzewski’s current interests are in the nanomechanics of cells and bacteria where he collaborates with the UCLA Medical and Dental Schools. He is involved in projects that range from the operation of X-rays, ions and nuclear fusion using pyroelectric crystals, direct deposition of carbon nanotubes and single molecule DNA profiling. He is also involved in numerous art/science collaborative projects that have been exhibited in museums throughout the world.
This lecture is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a reception.
