A (sorta) political post

This is an obligatory Zimmerman post for mrissa.

Superconducting quantum interference devices (or SQUIDs) are incredibly sensitive ways to detect subtle magnetic fields and, therefore, the changes in these fields. They work due to the Josephson Effect, which is a quantum effect that we can detect in real life. There are two types of SQUIDs, DC SQUIDS and RF SQUIDS. The DC SQUID was first, but the RF SQUID is cheaper and less complex.

This SQUID is cheap enough that it can be used outside of the Physics world and is often used in biology. They're used to measure brain activity within a reasonable time frame (traditional methods being so slow, that by the time you're thinking the fish may have gone off, the sensors are measuring how your fingers use the chopsticks to pick up the nigiri). These devices can also be used to detect magnetically-tagged drugs and analyze the status of one's heart.

SQUIDs are also used in microscopes, MRIs, and geo-exploration.

The RF type of SQUID was invented by James Edward Zimmerman. He had a bit of help.

There appears to be another Zimmerman that folks are discussing. It looks like he also had help, perhaps somewhat more than James.

The world would be a very different place were such help differently allocated.

Self Portrait

Remember the old icon I had, of my shadow on the frog bridge at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum? I think it's time for something like that again.



Here is me, reflected in the eye of a kestrel.

I think my Red River Zoo photos are going to turn out well this year.