Applications of interfacial phenomena: from space telescopes to quantum-inspired computing

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Seminar

Valeri Frumkin
Postdoc Associate
MIT

"Applications of interfacial phenomena: from space telescopes to quantum-inspired computing"

Abstract: In this talk I will present how interfacial phenomena in fluid mechanics can be applied to the development of innovative technologies across a wide range of scales and disciplines.

In the first part of my talk, I will present the Fluidic Shaping method, which relies on surface energy minimization under neutral buoyancy conditions to shape liquid bodies into optical topographies. This method has enabled rapid fabrication of a wide range of freeform optical components with sub-nanometric surface quality, and was recently used to demonstrate the first fabrication of lenses on board the International Space Station. I will also discuss how the inherent scale invariance of the Fluidic Shaping method, made it the underlying technology behind the Fluidic Telescope Experiment (FLUTE) at NASA – a project aimed at exploring the use of fluids for creation of large space telescopes.

In the second part of my talk, I will introduce the field of Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogs, where small droplets placed on the surface of a vibrating fluid bath may propel themselves through a resonant interaction with their own quasi-monochromatic wave field. These "walking droplets" were shown to exhibit many features previously thought to be limited to the microscopic quantum realm. I will present some of my contributions to this new and exciting field, and will discuss my long-term goal of developing a platform that would allow the implementation of quantum-inspired computation based on pilot-wave hydrodynamics.

Bio: Valeri Frumkin is a post-doctoral associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he conducts experimental and theoretical research on hydrodynamic quantum analogs. Valeri received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Technion, studying nonlinear dynamics of thin liquid films. He continued to a postdoctoral position at the Technion Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, where he focused on experimental research of interfacial phenomena and developed novel technologies with applications in optics and additive manufacturing. He is a recipient of the foundation for excellence in mathematics award, the Gemunder prize for space-defense related technologies and of the Fulbright postdoctoral scholar fellowship.

February 24 at 3:00pm in Mason 107