Ask a Nobel Laureate, February 2010 with Albert Fert
- Posted on
- 19.03.2010
-
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 36 views
Supplimentary Materials
Chapter 23 of 31: What is the role of science in the 21st century?
Prof. Fert identifies the energy crisis and climate change as major issues of concern in the 21st century that can be tackled by scientists. (1 minute)
Question 1 of 31: Can you explain your work in a drawing?
"No problem!" responds Prof. Fert as he proceeds to sketch a visual representation of Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR). (3 minutes, 47 seconds)
Question 2 of 31: Can you share a story about one of your favourite graduate students?
Find out what one Nobel Laureate asked another in this intriguing exchange between two of the greatest physicists of our time. (1 minute, 49 seconds)
Question 3 of 31: Can physics describe human consciousness?
Prof. Fert considers the crossover between the physical and biological sciences, as well as new developments in neuromorphic electronics. (2 minutes, 13 seconds)
Question 4 of 31: Can spin be used for communication?
Prof. Fert responds to the first of a series of questions from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). (1 minute, 21 seconds)
Question 5 of 31: How can nanotechnology be used in the developing world?
Prof. Fert asserts that nanotechnology cannot be separated from the other sciences. (1 minute, 9 seconds)
Question 6 of 31: How did you receive the news that you were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics?
Prof. Fert reminisces about the life-changing call from Stockholm in October 2007. (1 minute, 11 seconds)
Question 7 of 31: How do 1's and 0's translate into the programs and actions we see on our computer screen?
Prof. Fert speaks about the binary language of computers. (53 seconds)
Question 8 of 31: How do I switch to a career in Physics?
Prof. Fert advises that having a PhD stands you in good stead for a successful career in physics. (55 seconds)
Question 9 of 31: How do simultaneous discoveries happen in science?
Prof. Fert talks about the work done by Peter Grünberg's group in Germany and his own group in France that led led to the discovery of GMR. (1 minute, 27 seconds)
Question 10 of 31: How do we inspire scientists in India?
While recognizing that there are many great scientists in India, Prof. Fert comments that motivating young people is key for the future. (1 minute, 11 seconds)
Question 11 of 31: How do you feel when you see the impact your inventions are having?
Prof. Fert discusses the rewards of overcoming skepticism and seeing the fruits of his research in daily life. (1 minute, 33 seconds)
Question 12 of 31: How is the interaction of scientists and engineers good for humanity?
Computers and telephones are two key examples Prof. Fert gives to illustrate how basic fundamental research can be transformed by engineers into useful devices. (53 seconds)
Question 13 of 31: How many Tbyte or Gbyte can you have in an mp3 player in 5 years' time?
Prof. Fert describes how the density of memory storage systems can be ramped by applying the techniques of tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR). (1 minute, 11 seconds)
Question 14 of 31: Is spin quantum computing feasible?
Prof. Fert answers another question from the IEEE community. (50 seconds)
Question 15 of 31: What makes a good scientist?
Prof. Fert ponders nature versus nurture in the making of good scientists. (1 minute, 9 seconds)
Question 16 of 31: What areas of research could lead to breakthroughs in the next ten years?
Prof. Fert highlights graphene and topological insulators as two of the most promising areas in materials science research. (1 minute, 30 seconds)
Question 17 of 31: What advice do you have for graduate students thinking about research?
Prof. Fert emphasizes the importance of reading widely and choosing the having direct contact with researchers in the research area that stimulates you to explore further. (1 minute, 4 seconds)
Question 18 of 31: What are some of the new areas of application and innovation?
Prof. Fert describes how GMR was the first step on the road towards spintronics, an emerging field that makes use of the electron spin. (2 minutes, 36 seconds)
Question 19 of 31: Did you have to make any sacrifices to get to where you are?
Prof. Fert shares his views on balancing a career in science with family life. (1 minute, 26 seconds)
Question 20 of 31: What did you study in school, and what led you to be interested in something this revolutionary?
Prof. Fert describes his student days and states that he did not foresee the revolutionary nature of the work he would later go on to do. (1 minute, 40 seconds)
Question 21 of 31: What is spin?
Prof. Fert describes the quantum state of the electron spin and explains the basis of quantum mechanics. (1 minute, 23 seconds)
Question 22 of 31: What is the future of semiconductor spintronics?
Prof. Fert describes how hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor systems offer promising new research directions. (2 minutes, 48 seconds)
Question 23 of 31: What is the role of science in the 21st century?
Prof. Fert identifies the energy crisis and climate change as major issues of concern in the 21st century that can be tackled by scientists. (1 minute)
Question 24 of 31: What is your current project and what have you been doing since you won the Prize?
The discovery of GMR triggered new areas of research in spintronics, such as the cutting-edge work now being done on carbon nanotubes and graphene. (1 minute, 41 seconds)
Question 25 of 31: What was your motivation to work in your field?
As a PhD student Prof. Fert was intrigued by the effects of the electron spin. He was particularly inspired by Sir Neville Mott, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977. (1 minute, 30 seconds)
Question 26 of 31: What will be the synergies between nanotechnology and biotechnology?
Prof. Fert describes how common tools can be used by physicists, chemists and biologists. (1 minute, 50 seconds)
Question 27 of 31: Are zeolite crystals grown in space viable for nanotechnology?
Prof. Fert gives a brief descripton of what zeolite crystals are and how they are competing with many other nanotech materials that could yield high performance products in the future. (1 minute, 34 seconds)
Question 28 of 31: Has your personal interest of jazz music had any influence on your work life? And who are your favourite jazz drummers?
Prof. Fert is happy to talk about some of his favourite jazz musicians, including Charlie Parker, Keith Jarrett and Paul Motion. (2 minutes, 11 seconds)
Question 29 of 31: Who was your inspiration as a student?
Prof. Fert shares his thoughts on being drawn to both science and art in his student days. (1 minute, 31 seconds)
Question 30 of 31: Will carbon-based spintronic devices find large scale application in the next ten years?
Prof. Fert responds to this question from the IEEE by referring to technologies that lie beyond silicon models. (2 minutes, 1 second)
Question 31 of 31: Will spin transfer torque research be awarded a Nobel Prize in the future?
Prof. Fert describes the exciting work now being done on spin transfer torque, a writing technology that makes use of tunnel magnetoresistance. (1 minute, 34 seconds)
Description
Albert Fert answers a selection of video and text questions submitted by online visitors in April 2010.
