Ultrafast lasers and Archimedes - Scientists & Engineers on Sofas (and other furnishings)

Ivy Kupec from the NSF interviews physicist Margaret Mernan about her work with lasers. Margaret shares her early inspiration from Archimedes and her journey into laser research. They discuss femtosecond lasers, their applications, and the lab's focus on developing new laser technologies. Margaret emphasizes the importance of discovery in science, sharing a story of a student's Eureka moment. The conversation concludes with mutual appreciation.

What initially sparked Margaret Mernan's interest in science?

• A book about Archimedes

• A science class experiment

• A conversation with a teacher

• A visit to a science museum

What is the primary focus of Margaret's research with lasers?

• Developing laser hair removal technology

• Creating femtosecond lasers

• Building laser light shows

• Designing laser weapons

How do different colors in lasers relate to their function?

• They determine the laser's speed

• They affect the laser's power

• They are like different musical notes

• They change the laser's temperature

What is one application of short burst lasers mentioned by Margaret?

• Cooking food

• Heating homes

• Eye surgeries

• Painting walls

What dual focus does Margaret's lab have?

• Designing laser-powered computers and phones

• Building laser-based vehicles and robots

• Creating laser art and music

• Developing new laser types and measuring techniques

According to Margaret, when does a student become a scientist?

• When they publish a paper

• When they make a discovery

• When they teach a class

• When they graduate

What analogy does Margaret use to describe her lab's work?

• Building bridges

• Composing symphonies

• Making movies of the nano world

• Writing novels