Department of Physics and Astronomy

PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY COLLOQUIUM

Dr. Wendy Taylor

Department of Physics and Astronomy
York University

“The Mysterious Magnetic Monopole”

ABSTRACT

The possible existence of the magnetic monopole—a particle with only a north or a south magnetic pole—has been pondered by physicists for over a century. Theoretical physicist Joseph Polchinski once said it is “one of the safest bets that one can make about physics not yet seen”. In this talk, I will explain the theoretical motivations for the magnetic monopole, describe its unique properties and signatures, and review some of the many experimental magnetic monopole searches, including the latest results from the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider.

STUDENTS – after the talk, you’re encouraged to return to the 2nd floor Atrium lounge to meet with the speaker.

COFFEE – coffee and cookies will be available in the 2nd floor Atrium lounge at 1:15 p.m.

CELL PHONES – as a courtesy to the speaker and audience, please set your cellphones to “silent” mode. Thanks!