Blogger: Chad Orzel
URL: scienceblogs.com/principles
First post: June 2002

Who is the blog written by?

Chad Orzel is an assistant professor working on atomic, molecular and optical physics at Union College in Schenectady, New York. He uses lasers to cool atoms to 1–100 µK and studies the collisions between these ultracold atoms.

What does he write about?

The blog’s subtitle gives a good overview: “Physics, politics, pop culture”. The physics content mixes accessible mini-essays on topics such as Bose–Einstein condensation and quantum computing with anecdotes about Orzel’s lab. An amusing series of “True Lab Stories” includes the fact that Orzel has accidentally passed 800 V through his arm on four separate occasions. He also dispenses advice on making a career in science and talks about his own pursuit of university tenure. As for the pop culture, there are lots of book, film and music reviews, and Orzel is a big fan of basketball and American football. There is a personal note too, with frequent mentions of his wife Kate and dog Emmy.

Who is it aimed at?

Orzel makes a real effort to explain physics to a general audience, but that does not mean his posts are not interesting to physicists too. His depictions of the academic lifestyle will strike a chord with many readers.

Can you give me a sample quote?

“The worst part of swapping in new chips was cleaning up the mess from the fire. We had to scrub this disgusting, greasy silicon soot off the mount before putting in the new chips. That involved half an hour with a Brillo pad, and the smell would get in your nose so far that you’d taste burned semiconductor for a couple of days. I pushed that task onto the grad students as much as possible.”

How often is it updated?

Despite saying in his first-ever entry that he intended to post no more than once on each week day, Orzel is currently updating Uncertain Principles an impressive three or four times a day.

Why should I read it?

In contrast to many physics blogs dealing with abstract and theoretical concepts – string theory is particularly popular – Orzel relishes hands-on laboratory physics, and the stories of his triumphs and setbacks are always entertaining. His explanations of physics in the news and in his own lab are well written and clear. And if you are not interested in his in-depth analyses of American sports, there is sure to be a post on a different topic along soon.