Switching
from physics to biology
The age of biology
presents unique opportunities for physicists
to develop instruments and create biological
theories. Two industrial physicists involved
in biological research talk about their work,
and other physicists give tips on how to
make the transition---Jennifer Ouellette
Thin
films seek a solar future
The
U.S. photovoltaic industry aims to meet 10%
of U.S. peak generation capacity by 2030 and
to have a considerable share in foreign markets.
Current technologies are mainly based on crystalline
silicon but less costly thin-film alternatives
may make a major contribution in five years---Ineke
Malsch
Industry
salaries still rising
The
median salary for Ph.D. physicists working
in industry was $100,000 in 2002-up 11% from
$90,200 in 2000 and easily beating an inflation
rate of 5.9 %---Raymond Y. Chu
Curve
fitting
In
science and engineering it is often desirable
to represent empirical data as a mathematical
equation, from which calculus can be used
to determine many important characteristics.
The goal of curve fitting is to find values
for parameters that produce a curve closest
to the data---Marko Ledvij
