University of Melbourne Events Calendar

In this talk, we will discuss our recent advances in two areas of nanophotonics: passive cooling and topological phases.

In the first part, we will discuss how we can control thermal radiation and solar absorption by incorporating nanophotonic structures into textiles. Such textiles could regulate our thermal comfort much more efficiently than traditional fabrics. They can lead to significant energy savings in air-conditioning and contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

The second topic will address topological insulating phases in nanophotonics. While topological protection is believed to offer robust transport in classical and quantum optical devices against fabrication imperfections, recent experiments reveal that even minor perturbations can cause significant localization and reflection. Here, we theoretically point out the intrinsic limitations in commonly studied topological photonic structures that contravene the expected topological robustness. We will also discuss how these limitations stem from the bosonic nature of photons and propose strategies for leveraging them to our advantage.

There will be a morning tea at 11:30am in the foyer of the level 2 Physics South Building

In 2024, violence against women has been declared a ‘national crisis’, with at least 27 women murdered at the hands of men. Over the last decade, we have also seen increased investment and progress in addressing, responding and preventing violence against women. However, men’s use of violence continues to be identified as a critical but underdeveloped area for action.

This Critical Issues panel from the School of Social and Political Sciences will discuss the current discourses and interventions around work with men to prevent violence. A panel of men’s violence experts will critically explore the intersecting challenges of race, migration and discrimination that is core to Australia’s commitment and responsibility to end violence against women.

This panel discussion is part of the ‘Critical Issues’ Series, the School of Social and Political Sciences’ annual program of free public events. Its purpose is to showcase how each discipline under the School is addressing today’s most important challenges in a changing world. Please check out all upcoming and past events in the Series here.

This event will also be part of theSocial Sciences Week 2024.