Past Event

Atoms in slow motion, the skyrmion, and crackling magnets: the hidden world of quantum materials

What do the sound of Rice Krispies and the motion of atoms and magnets have in common? Join us at the Dutch Goose for SLAC on Tap on April 14 at 5:30 pm to hear for yourself. SLAC scientist Joshua Turner will take us inside the hidden world of quantum materials; he will show how watching atoms in slow motion can tell us about exotic phases of matter such as high-temperature superconductivity, how tracking the way electrons spin can reveal new types of particles, and what “listening” to the chaotic motion of atoms and magnets can tell us about the properties of matter itself. Stick around after the talk for trivia, giveaways, a live cereal sound check, and the chance to create some chaotic motion of your own with a coordinated dance break.

About Joshua Turner

Joshua Turner is a lead scientist who uses X-rays to uncover nature’s secrets in the bizarre world of quantum materials. In addition to running complex experiments, creating AI tools to accelerate physics research, building cool machines and missing layups on the basketball court at SLAC, he loves spending time with his wife, riding roller coasters with his daughter, fishing with his older son, and doing Legos with his younger son.

Past Event

Atoms in slow motion, the skyrmion, and crackling magnets: the hidden world of quantum materials

SLAC on Tap
Graphic of a man and logo
Date
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
5:30–7:00 p.m. PDT
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