What does a Physics Major do? (Part 2: Research and Career Examples)

Zach Star
3 Mar 201707:42
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script explores various cutting-edge research areas and job opportunities in science and technology. It delves into forensic physics, black hole theories, advanced timekeeping, and optical computing. The transcript also highlights careers in radar system design, satellite orbit analysis, and laser technology, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of these fields and the diverse educational backgrounds they welcome, including physics, engineering, and computer science.

Takeaways
  • 🔎 Research in gun forensics involves analyzing the trajectory and drag of blood drops to determine bullet speed and size for criminal investigations.
  • 🌌 Astrophysics research challenges the idea of information loss in black holes, proposing that quantum excitations could reveal information about their contents.
  • 🕰 The development of extremely accurate clocks using lasers and optical fiber techniques is ongoing, with some atomic clocks being incredibly precise, only losing a second every 15 billion years.
  • 🌐 Optical computing is an emerging field where researchers are trying to build devices like laser diodes to transfer data using light instead of electrical currents, promising higher speeds.
  • 🦋 Studying insect flight dynamics in turbulence can inform the design of micro air vehicles that mimic the power efficiency and flight patterns of insects.
  • 🌐 Researchers are exploring the possibility of inducing electric current from stationary objects using the Earth's magnetic field, which could lead to new energy harvesting methods.
  • 🔬 The development of better sensors, such as position detectors that approach the quantum mechanical limits of position accuracy, is an active area of research.
  • 📚 The laws of motion for three orbiting objects are more complex than for two, and research is being conducted to understand these dynamics better.
  • 🌊 Ocean wave energy analysis and the application of thermodynamics to electronics cooling are areas of research aimed at improving energy efficiency and device longevity.
  • 💼 There are various jobs available in tech companies, national labs, and universities for individuals with degrees in physics and related fields, including positions that do not require teaching.
  • 🛠️ A wide range of degrees can qualify candidates for jobs in physics-related fields, and companies often provide additional training beyond the foundational knowledge gained in school.
Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video script?

    -The video script focuses on various areas of scientific research and the types of jobs available in tech companies, National Labs, and universities related to these research areas.

  • How does gun forensic research help in criminal investigations?

    -Gun forensic research helps in criminal investigations by analyzing the trajectory and drag of blood drops caused by a gunshot, which can be used to determine the speed and size of the bullet.

  • What is the current challenge in the study of black holes?

    -The challenge in the study of black holes is to determine whether they hold information. The traditional belief that information is lost when something falls into a black hole is being questioned by theories suggesting that quantum excitations released during black hole evaporation can provide information about what went inside.

  • How are lasers used to create extremely accurate clocks?

    -Lasers are used to create extremely accurate clocks by generating tens of millions of light pulses every second and transmitting them through optical fiber techniques. These clocks can be so accurate that they will be off by only one second every 15 billion years.

  • What is the purpose of developing a 'diode' for light similar to an electronic diode?

    -The purpose of developing a 'diode' for light is to allow light to flow in one direction but block it when it tries to flow in the opposite direction, which can be used in optical computing to transfer data using light instead of voltages, offering much higher speed in computers.

  • How does the study of insect flight in turbulence contribute to technology?

    -The study of insect flight in turbulence contributes to technology by providing insights into power consumption and flight dynamics under different airflow conditions, which can be used to create micro air vehicles that mimic insect flight.

  • What is the significance of researching the possibility of inducing electric current from Earth's magnetic field?

    -The significance of this research is that if materials can be found that can detect small currents induced by Earth's magnetic field, engineers may be able to amplify and harness this energy for useful purposes.

  • What is the goal of developing better sensors in terms of position detection?

    -The goal of developing better sensors for position detection is to nearly reach the quantum mechanics limit of how close we can know the position of something on a very small scale, using optics and laser detection.

  • What are some of the complex problems in astrophysics that researchers are tackling?

    -Researchers are tackling complex problems such as the laws of motion for three orbiting objects, the accelerating rate of the universe, and the use of light and optics for long-term memory and optical computing.

  • How does thermodynamics play a role in improving electronics?

    -Thermodynamics plays a role in improving electronics by analyzing how heat flows over electronic components based on electron flow, which can be used to create better cooling devices to prevent electronics from overheating.

  • What are some of the job opportunities available for individuals with degrees in physics or related fields?

    -Job opportunities include testing and designing radar systems, analyzing the effects of radiation on electronics in space, conducting theoretical physics research at universities, planning satellite orbits, and working on beam control in national defense.

  • Why might a master's degree in engineering or a minor in computer science be beneficial for someone interested in physics-related jobs?

    -A master's degree in engineering or a minor in computer science can be beneficial as many jobs involve programming and software simulations, and it provides a solid foundation for various roles in tech companies, National Labs, and universities.

Outlines
00:00
🔎 Advanced Research and Tech Jobs Overview

This paragraph introduces a range of research areas and associated jobs in technology, national labs, and universities. It covers forensic physics, where the trajectory and speed of blood drops post-gunshot are analyzed to determine bullet characteristics aiding criminal investigations. It also delves into astrophysics, challenging the information loss theory in black holes, and the development of ultra-precise laser-based clocks for improved navigation and space observation. The paragraph further discusses the innovation in electronics, such as the creation of life for light (similar to a laser diode), and the analysis of insect flight dynamics for micro air vehicle design. It also touches on harnessing energy from the Earth's magnetic field and developing highly sensitive position detectors using quantum mechanics.

05:01
🚀 Opportunities in Physics and Engineering Careers

The second paragraph focuses on specific job opportunities available to those with degrees in physics, engineering, and related fields. It highlights positions in radar system design, space electronics radiation analysis, theoretical physics research at universities, satellite network management, and laser beam control in national defense. The paragraph emphasizes the versatility of degrees and the importance of additional skills like programming and software simulations, suggesting that a master's degree or a minor in engineering or computer science can significantly broaden career prospects.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Gun Forensics
Gun forensics is the scientific analysis of evidence related to firearms, including the trajectory and behavior of projectiles and blood spatter. In the video, it is mentioned that physicists analyze blood drops resulting from a gunshot to determine the speed and size of the bullet, which is crucial for criminal investigations. This concept is integral to understanding the application of physics in solving real-world problems.
💡Black Holes
Black holes are regions in space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from them. The video discusses ongoing research challenging the idea that information about matter falling into a black hole is lost. It introduces the concept of quantum excitations and their potential to release energy as a black hole evaporates, which could provide information about what fell inside. This topic is central to the theme of exploring the unknown and expanding our understanding of the universe.
💡Lasers
Lasers are devices that emit light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The script mentions the use of lasers to create highly accurate clocks, which are essential for better timekeeping and navigation on Earth and in space. This keyword is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to achieve precision in various scientific and practical applications.
💡Diodes
A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction only. The video script discusses the development of a 'laser diode,' a device that would allow light to travel in one direction but not the other, which is significant for optical computing. This keyword illustrates the innovation in technology that aims to increase the speed and efficiency of data transfer.
💡Insects and Turbulence
The study of how insects fly through turbulence involves understanding the aerodynamics and power consumption of these creatures under varying air flow conditions. The video mentions using computational fluid dynamics to analyze insect flight, which can inform the design of micro air vehicles that mimic insect flight. This keyword is an example of how biological principles can inspire technological advancements.
💡Magnetic Field
The Earth's magnetic field is a complex system that protects the planet from harmful solar radiation. The video script refers to research on inducing a small electric current from the Earth's magnetic field, which could potentially be harnessed for energy. This concept is related to the theme of exploring novel energy sources and their practical applications.
💡Sensors
Sensors are devices that detect and respond to some type of input from the environment. The video discusses the development of highly accurate position detectors that push the limits of quantum mechanics to determine the position of objects on a very small scale. This keyword is central to the theme of precision and the pursuit of technological advancements in measurement and detection.
💡Three-Body Problem
The three-body problem is a question in classical mechanics about the motion of three celestial bodies interacting through gravitational forces. The video script mentions research on the laws of motion for three orbiting objects, which is more complex than for two objects. This keyword is an example of the challenges in understanding and predicting the behavior of celestial bodies.
💡Optics and Computing
Optics involves the study of the behavior and properties of light, including its use in various applications such as communication and data storage. The video script talks about using light and optics for long-term memory and optical computing, which is significant for developing new technologies that could revolutionize data processing and storage. This keyword is related to the theme of innovation in data handling and transmission.
💡Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the study of the motion of heat and its relationship to energy, work, and the properties of matter. The video mentions using thermodynamics to analyze heat flow over electronics, which is crucial for developing better cooling devices to prevent overheating. This keyword is an example of how fundamental physical principles are applied to solve practical engineering challenges.
💡Career Opportunities
The video script provides a list of career opportunities in various fields such as radar system design, satellite network analysis, and laser beam control. These jobs often require degrees in engineering, physics, or related disciplines and involve programming, simulations, and research. This keyword is central to the video's theme of showcasing the diverse and exciting career paths available to those with a background in physics and related fields.
Highlights

Research in gun forensics involves analyzing blood drop trajectories and air friction to determine bullet speed and size for criminal investigations.

Black hole research challenges the idea of information loss, proposing that quantum excitations released during evaporation may reveal information about what fell inside.

Laser technology is used to create ultra-precise clocks, with some atomic clocks being accurate to one second every 15 billion years, aiding in navigation and deep space event observation.

Development of a 'laser diode' for optical computing aims to transfer data using light instead of voltages, potentially increasing computer speeds.

Insect flight analysis through computational fluid dynamics is informing the design of micro air vehicles that mimic insect flight for efficient power consumption.

Experiments are exploring the possibility of inducing electric current from Earth's magnetic field for potential energy harnessing.

Sensor technology is advancing with the development of position detectors that aim to approach the quantum limit of position accuracy.

Research on the laws of motion for three orbiting objects is tackling the complexity introduced by additional celestial bodies in orbital dynamics.

Investigations into the universe's acceleration seek to understand its expansion rate and implications for cosmology.

Light and optics are being studied for their potential in long-term memory and optical computing applications.

Wave energy analysis of the ocean is underway, with thermodynamics applied to understand heat flow over electronics for improved cooling solutions.

Career opportunities in physics and engineering include testing and designing radar systems for the US military, requiring knowledge of programming, software, and electromagnetic physics.

Jobs analyzing the effects of space radiation on electronics are crucial for ensuring the reliability of space equipment.

Academic positions focusing on theoretical physics, astrophysics, and quantum gravity are available for research without teaching obligations.

Real-time satellite network analysis involves planning satellite orbits and ensuring mission success through precise tracking.

Beam control jobs in national defense require expertise in laser mechanics, targeting, and tracking for high-precision applications.

The versatility of physics and engineering degrees is highlighted by the range of jobs available, from theoretical research to practical applications.

Programming and software simulations are common requirements across various jobs, suggesting the value of a computer science minor alongside a physics degree.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Research TrendsPhysics CareersForensic ScienceBlack HolesQuantum MechanicsLaser TechnologyOptical ComputingInsect AerodynamicsMagnetic EnergySensor InnovationOrbital Dynamics