About the Talk
Optical phenomena visible to everyone abundantly illustrate important ideas in science and mathematics. The phenomena considered include rainbows, sparkling reflections on water, green flashes, earthlight on the moon, glories, daylight, crystals, and the squint moon. The concepts include refraction, wave interference, numerical experiments, asymptotics, Regge poles, polarization singularities, conical intersections, and visual illusions.
About the Speaker
Sir Michael Berry is the Melville Wills Professor of Physics (Emeritus) at the University of Bristol, UK. After graduating from Exeter and St Andrews, Michael Berry entered Bristol University. Applications of his work include the geometry of singularities in optics and other waves, connections between classical and quantum physics, and the physical asymptotics of divergent series. His publications include:
- Singularities of smooth gradient maps in rainbows and tsunamis;
- The Laplace operator in oriental magic mirrors;
- Geometry of twists and turns in quantum indistinguishability.
When and Where
At 3pm on Thursday 15th February 2018, in the Ingram Lecture Theatre, Ingram Building.