Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences - PIMS

It is well-known that a precise analysis of evolving patterns and structures is not only mathematically interesting but also important for understanding complicated phenomena in science and technology. In this minisemester, we focus on surface evolution problems arising in materials science and image processing. Our goals are not only to solve mathematical problems but also to identify new mathematical questions and directions which will have impact on other disciplines. Therefore the minisemester will involve researchers with diverse backgrounds.

The minisemester will include two intensive workshops:

1. Tutorial Lectures and an Interdisciplinary Conference on Mathematical Aspects of Crystal Growth

July 26 - July 30, 2010

For applications in materials science, we need improved models and understanding of the many mechanisms by which crystals grow or evolve -- for example the mechanisms by which steps and dislocations nucleate and move. These problems are key to the development of both theory and technology. New experimental methods permit us to go beyond the fundamental Burton-Cabrera-Frank theory, calling for improvement and extension of the theory. This interdisciplinary meeting will gather not only mathematicians but also experimental and theoretical physicists and material scientists working in this area. We hope to identify promising directions for future development, through the interaction of a diverse group of leading specialists.

For further details, please visit the official webpage at: http://www.math.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/sympo/minisemester/01_en.html

2. Tutorial Lectures and an International Workshop on Singular Diffusion and Evolving Interfaces

August 2 - August 6, 2010

Singular diffusion arises naturally in both the evolution of crystals and the total variation flow. The former topic comes from materials science while the latter stems from image processing. Our understanding of these singular second-order diffusion problems has improved a lot in recent years, through analysis based for example on variational methods, viscosity solutions, and stochastic techniques. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify the state of the art, and to identify promising directions for further work. This event will gather mathematicians from various backgrounds who might not otherwise interact.

For further details, please visit the official webpage at: http://www.math.sci.hokudai.ac.jp/sympo/minisemester/02_en.html

The minisemester will include two intensive workshops at Hokkaido University: (1) Tutorial Lectures and an Interdisciplinary Conference on Mathematical Aspects of Crystal Growth (July 26 - July 30, 2010) (2) Tutorial Lectures and an International Workshop on Singular Diffusion and Evolving Interfaces (August 2 - August 6, 2010)