After a brief introduction to the ICMAB, some of its cutting-edge research was showcased by the
LASER group researchers Arevik Musheghyan and Susana Gutiérrez, and the researchers from the
Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites group Ana Vila, Nico Dix and Juan Pellico. The session was guided by the communicators Daniel Rodríguez and Anna Drou.
Arevik and Susana, presented research snippets on how laser radiation can be used to fabricate graphene based supercapacitors and modify the surface at the nanoscale of materials for more optimal hydrogen production. Afterwards, Nico introduced new paradigms of 5G technology, its challenges and opportunities. He then explained the properties of magnetic oxides, which may be used as magnetic memories or high frequency filters. Finally, he talked about their participation in the European project Next Gem which studies radio frequency electromagnetic fields and their potential health risks.
After a tour of the center, giving a short a glimpse of offices and laboratories, a small break with biscuits refilled their batteries, to head to the practical part of the day. Various hands-on activities were prepared for them: from experimenting with the basics of magnetic materials and electromagnetism, playing with Tesla’s coils or reproducing Hertzs’ experiment and trying to save the sinking Titanic. They were also able to prepare carbon based a solution, deposit a thin layer of it and used the laser equipments to print their name on it.
More information and past editions:
The "Bojos per la Física" did a session on physics and science communication at ICMAB (2022).
In the last "Bojos per la Física" at ICMAB students could learn about magnetism and piezolectricity (2021)
