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The Circuitous Route of a Scientific Discovery
by
Professor Carl E. Wieman

ABSTRACT
This talk will trace my wandering 15-year path that led to the first creation of Bose-Einstein condensation, often considered one of the major discoveries of its decade. The path began with an effort to save money on lab equipment and led to the creation of the coldest temperatures ever produced. I will focus on the important roles luck, curiosity, poverty, and "playing" had in this research, as well as the importance of the social side of science in determining research directions and success.

Professor Carl E. Wieman personal page

 

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