Towards the quantum vacuum

Towards the quantum vacuum [email protected] Thu, 06/11/2026 - 11:17 Speaker: Dr Robin Timmis MInstP, University of Oxford Strong-field quantum electrodynamics has been studied remarkably successfully at high-energy particle accelerators such as those at CERN for many decades. Reproducing similar phenomena using light alone, however, is more challenging. To reach the necessary light intensities requires a paradigm shift in laser technology. This places restrictions on the range of experiments that can be conducted to test fundamental theories about the nature of the universe. In her seminar, Towards the Quantum Vacuum, Robin will explore the recent breakthroughs achieved by her team and explain how these advances may help close this intensity gap, opening a possible route toward generating matter directly from light in the laboratory. About the Speaker Dr Robin Timmis is an award-winning plasma physicist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford working in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions, attosecond science, and advanced accelerator physics. Her research combines experiment, simulation, and theory to investigate how petawatt-class laser systems can be harnessed to generate ultrafast coherent radiation. She was lead author of a 2026 Nature paper demonstrating efficiency-optimised relativistic plasma harmonics and a practical route toward coherent harmonic focusing, a mechanism predicted to produce the most intense coherent light ever generated in a laboratory. Motivated by these results, she is now working towards building a research team to take this area of study from experimental validation to a viable source for future quantum vacuum studies. Part of the IOP London and South East (LSE) region Spring / Summer 2026 General Public Physics Talk Series. The lecture is free and open to all but registration is required. Please register via the ' Book Now ' button. About the Venue The venue can be found on the A340 Basingstoke to Newbury Road, just before the Heath End Roundabout at Tadley. The correct gate is signposted West Gate or AWE Staff + Deliveries. what3words: amending.visitors.simulations Wed, 07/22/2026 - 19:00 Wed, 07/22/2026 - 20:30 The Function Room, Aldermaston Recreational Society, AWE, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR. IOP London and South East Branch, Berkshire Centre [email protected] General public IOP members Retired physicists (REMNet) STEM professionals Instrumentation and measurement Optics and photonics Particle and nuclear Quantum In-person London and South East