Search by tag «Physics» 148 results

• Be a Cool Scientist, Not a Boring Nerd: Physicist Alexey Kokhanovskiy on His Career in Science and Neuromorphic Computing

  When Alexey Kokhanovskiy read Richard Feynman's biography as a kid, he not only finally decided to become a physicist – but also realized that scientists don’t have to be these stereotypical coat-wearing weirdos. Today, he continues to stick to this principle, with quite a few achievements under his belt:completed studies and research projects in Russia and France and a multimillion-ruble grant within the Priority 2023 program. His current research field at ITMO lies in optical neuromorphic computing. In this interview, the researcher explains what neuromorphic computing is, why combine physics and AI, and how to find inspiration in everyday tasks. 

  15.01.2025

• ITMO Fellow Alena Kulakova on Merging Chemistry and Physics

  As a child, Alena Kulakova used to dream of becoming a doctor, but ended up pursuing chemistry at university. Since then, she’s completed a double PhD degree in France and Russia, moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg, and authored several projects. Now, she’s one of the few chemists at ITMO’s Faculty of Physics, where she is part of the team designing metal-organic frameworks – sorbents used for fast, durable sensors and drug delivery systems. In this interview, she shares her journey in academia with ITMO.NEWS. 

  13.01.2025

• Unsolvable Problems and Human Computers: Physics and Fantasy in The Three-Body Problem

  Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem is one of the most well-known sci-fi novels of the 21st century. In the book, fictional ideas are intertwined with complex scientific theories – and it may be hard to tell them apart. Stanislav Baturin, a leading researcher at ITMO’s School of Physics and Engineering, sheds some light on the science of the novel.

  09.01.2025

• Everything Wrong With Arrakis: A Physicist’s Take on Dune

  The universe of Dune knows how to impress: with its giant worms, a desert planet, and human supercomputers. Is anything from this fictional world based in scientific fact? Which inventions did Frank Herbert foresee? And what do stillsuits and spacesuits have in common? Mikhail Sokolov, a senior researcher at ITMO’s Institute of Laser Technologies, dotted all the i’s in his recent open lecture.

  06.01.2025

• ITMO Researchers Solve Mystery of Ultrafine Plasmonic Particles

  Researchers from ITMO University and the Krasnoyarsk Science Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS) have advanced the theory of light absorption in ultrafine plasmonic nanoparticles. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of nanomaterials' behavior, improves techniques for targeting and destroying cancer cells, and opens up avenues to new areas of research, including quantum plasmonics. The findings were published in Nanophotonics.

  12.12.2024

• Real-Life Superheroes: A Scientific Take on Superpowers

  Telepathy, invisibility, levitation – no, these are not just for superheroes; these days, it’s something you can accomplish with science. In this article, we ask Pavel Belov, the head of ITMO’s School of Physics and Engineering, if it’s possible to become a superhero in real life.

  29.11.2024

• Classification From ITMO To Help AI Generate Random Noise on Request

  Random noise is useful for generating truly random numbers, such as for stronger passwords and data protection, but it’s also what helps reconstruct full-scale images obtained from small cameras placed within the body during medical screenings. Using machine learning and fractal analysis methods, researchers from ITMO University have studied a source of random noise – the textures inside a layer of liquid crystal – and created a classification based on the analysis of large- and small-scale fractal dimensions. Using this data, it's possible to train a neural network to select the parameters for random noise generation, adjusting it for various purposes. The results of the study have been published in Journal of Molecular Liquids.

  21.11.2024

• Staff Spotlight: Walid Al-Haidri, Yemen

  In our interviews, we often spotlight current students or recent alumni. But today, we bring you the story of a man who once walked the same path as many international students in Russia and has now built a successful career through perseverance and hard work. His inspiring story is a testament to overcoming challenges and achieving success in a foreign land. Read on to get motivated!

  10.10.2024

• ITMO’s Monday Science Roundup #65

  October is here, which means it’s harvest time! In our case, that means a fruitful batch of news stories, ranging from research breakthroughs and public science projects to great academic opportunities. Grab your basket and have a look!

  07.10.2024

• Student Spotlight: Martin Rojas, Peru

  “Why are you in Russia?” When Martin Rojas, a PhD student from Peru, hears this question, his answer is simple: “Why not?” From mastering Russian to exploring advanced research in photonic crystals, Martin’s academic path has been one of curiosity and opportunity. Read on to learn more about his inspiring story and plans for the future.

  26.09.2024