High speed is the focus as Heriot-Watt-University scientists and their industry colleagues feature at two stands at this year's Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, an annual display of the most exciting cutting-edge science and technology in the UK.
Creative Cameras
The 'Creative Cameras' exhibit, which involves Dr Jonathan Leach, of the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt's School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, will include a camera that could eventually peer around corners to see objects that would otherwise be hidden from view, by filming at the speed of light and allowing the team to video pulses of light as they travel through air.
The exhibit will answer questions such as 'How do you take photos which enable you to see light travelling through air' 'How do you take photos without using a camera' and 'How do you use the latest technology to look round corners and see objects hidden from view?'
Science of Speed
Professor Peter Woodward, Director of the Institute for Infrastructure Environment at Heriot-Watt, is joined by colleagues from Atkins, Laing O'Rourke and HS2 Ltd on 'The Science of Speed' stand, which will provide interactive opportunities to look at the challenges and opportunities offered by high speed and ultra-high speed rail systems and specifically the HS2 route proposed for the UK.
A Rayleigh wave demonstration box will look at vibrations associated with high speed rail and at methods of dampening them; donning a virtual reality headset will allow visitors to explore a conceptual station and experience how this technology is revolutionising the design and delivery of infrastructure projects; and a train driving simulator will allow visitors to experience driving a high speed train in a range of conditions.
Both stands will also be running lunchtime seminars and will allow visitors to step behind the scenes and talk to the scientists, engineers and industry representatives behind these cutting edge developments.
Professor Steve Chapman, Principal of Heriot-Watt University, said, "Being invited to take part in the Royal Society Summer Exhibition is a tremendous achievement, and we are delighted that two of our key academics, along with their industrial partners, will be able to take the opportunity to explain their work and share with the visiting public the excitement of applying their expertise to working at the cutting-edge of applying scientific solutions to important, real-life developments."