Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Commons^™

Electron Charge To Mass Ratio, Tori Freeman, Quinlin Reynolds

ATU Research Symposium

The purpose of this experiment is to confirm the e/m ratio and charge of an electron discovered initially by J.J. Thomson. We use an electron beam generated inside an e/m tube and Helmholtz coils that generate a magnetic field which deflects the path of the electrons. The radius of the path can be measured and from there the magnitude of the magnetic field and the charge-to-mass ratio can be found. This experiment was successful in confirming the results found by J.J. Thomson and his cathode ray experiments. The results of this experiment had a 0.5% error with the accepted e/m …

Process Of Building And Designing A Spectrometer, Tori Freeman

ATU Research Symposium

Spectroscopy is the study and measurement of electromagnetic spectra resulting from electromagnetic radiation interacting with matter. Each element when excited emits a unique spectrum containing light of various wavelengths. The identity of the element can then be determined by examining the spectra. A spectrometer is a scientific instrument that utilizes optics, mirrors, and lenses to capture and examine spectra. A classroom spectrometer is potentially useful in the demonstration of numerous physics principles such as diffraction, reflection, ray optics, etc.

Keywords: Spectrometry, optics, spectrum

High Energy Blue Light Induces Oxidative Stress And Retinal Cell Apoptosis, Jessica Malinsky

Capstone Showcase

Blue light (BL) is a high energy, short wavelength spanning 400 to 500 nm. Found in technological and environmental forms, BL has been shown to induce photochemical damage of the retina by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Excess ROS leads to oxidative stress, which disrupts retinal mitochondrial structure and function. As mitochondria amply occupy photoreceptors, they also contribute to oxidative stress due to their selectively significant absorption of BL at 400 to 500 nm. ROS generation that induces oxidative stress subsequently promotes retinal mitochondrial apoptosis. BL filtering and preventative mechanisms have been suggested to improve or repair BL-induced retinal damage, …

Development Of A Low Field Mri-Based Approach For Observation Of Water Penetration Into Clay: Preliminary Results, Shivam Gupta

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are considered one of the most efficient and non-invasive methods of observing water content in permeable substances. MRI can visualize and quantify the movement of water in real time. In this study, MRI was used to observe the water penetration through clay. Furthermore, MRI can acquire three-dimensional data due to its radio-frequency signals from any orientation. The contrast of the images produced by MRI is a display of the fluid concentration. As such, any change in the contrast intensity is interpreted as a regional change in the concentration of fluid. This report summarizes the preliminary results …

Simulating 129-Xe Hyperpolarization, Jacob F. Abiad

Undergraduate Student Research Internships Conference

Hyperpolarized 129-Xe is an important resource in many fields of medical physics and MRI research. The physics of the efficient production of hyperpolarized 129-Xe is therefore equally worth investigation. The main process of hyperpolarizing 129-Xe is Spin Exchange Optical Pumping (SEOP) and is dependent on several physical factors that can be difficult to constantly change in a lab setting. Physical modelling of 129-Xe hyperpolarization allows for the more efficient testing of hyperpolarization physics in a wide array of experimental setups to better determine the optimal values for hyperpolarization. This research project attempted to create a working model for 129-Xe hyperpolarization …

Electronic, Magnetic, And Structural Properties Of Comnvsb, Adam Ramker, Pavel Lukashev Ph.D.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Background

• Spin degree of freedom in electronic devices.
• Ideal candidate – room temperature half-metal.
• Heusler compounds attractive because of high Curie temperature
• Various mechanisms altering degree of spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface/interface, etc.
• CoMnVSb: nearly a spin gapless semiconductor.

Chemical Substitution Induced Half-Metallicity In Crmnsb0.5si0.5, Lukas Stuelke, Pavel Lukashev Ph.D.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Background

⮚Research on magnetic materials for potential applications in spin-based electronics: one of the most active fields in academia and industry. ⮚High degree of spin polarization – wanted in spintronics. ⮚Spintronics – an emerging technology utilizing a spin degree of freedom. ⮚Various mechanisms alter degree of spin polarization – mechanical strain, structural disorder, temperature, termination surface/interface, etc. ⮚Magnetic materials that conduct electrons of only one spin are called half-metals, and have a great potential in spintronics.

Simulation Of Optical Properties Of Dielectric Layers From Visible To Near Infrared Spectral Range, Andrew Cochran, Cory Conkel

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Optical properties of dielectrics play a critical role in various applications including the design and manufacture of optical components & devices such as detectors, filters, imagers, lenses, optical coatings, photonic crystals, sensors and waveguides, and solar cells. Radiative properties of varying thicknesses of different dielectrics such as Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) and Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) have been simulated and compared in the range of visible to near infrared by mathematical modelling using MATLAB simulations. The results of the evolution of the radiative properties, as a function of dielectric material thickness, on …

Analyzing And Classifying Single Molecule Microscopy Data, Troy Buzynski, Ali Tabei

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

No abstract provided.

Dynamic Monte Carlo Modeling Of Protein-Dna Interactions, Aaron Kirchman, Ali Tabei

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

No abstract provided.

Coherent Captain Mills: The Search For Sterile Neutrinos, Ashley Elliott, Jeramy Gordon, Jonah Greenwood, Rachel Lake, Ryder Moreno, Emily Strawn, Kate Walker

Discovery Day - Prescott

The observation of neutrino oscillations confirms that the active neutrinos (νe, νμ, ντ) are comprised of three mass eigenstates with Δm2 values between 10-3 to 10-5 eV2 . However, a persistent phenomenon has been observed at LSND, MiniBooNE and other shortbaseline experiments (SBE) where Δm2 ~ 1eV2 and is not compatible with the current mixing between mass eigenstates. However, a 4th neutrino, a sterile neutrino (νs) that doesn’t participate in weak interactions could explain the phenomena observed as SBE’s. An experiment has been constructed at TA-53 at Los Alamos National Laboratory to investigate this large Δm2 ~ 1eV2 and determine …

240— Target Characterization Using Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy, Matthew G. Klein, Anthony C. Cooper, Jovahn A. Roumell

GREAT Day Posters

Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) is a non-destructive ion-beam analytical technique that is used to determine properties of a target such as thickness, areal density, and elemental composition. This scattering is the result of Coulomb forces between the target atoms and the incident particle. The energy spectrum of the scattered ions depends on the atomic number of the target atoms as well as the target thickness.

High Resolution Validation Of Next Generation Turbulent Flow Models Using Neutron Beams, Laser Fluorescence, And Cryogenic Helium, Landen G Mcdonald

EURēCA: Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement

Turbulent fluid flow is an incredibly unpredictable subject that continues to confound scientists and engineers. All of the empirical data that has been the basis of conventional turbulent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for decades only extends to roughly the equivalent turbulence created when Michael Phelps swims in a pool. The problem is that this data is then extrapolated out many orders of magnitude in order to design cruise ships, airplanes, and rockets which operate in significantly more turbulent flow regimes. This creates an incredible degree of uncertainty in the design process that demands over-engineering and increased expenditures.

The development …

Novel Data Analysis Methods In Multi-Channel And Multi-State Binding Experiments, Joseph Tibbs, Elizabeth Boehm, Wayne Bowie, Todd Washington, Maria Spies, Ali Tabei

Research in the Capitol

Single-Molecule studies use advanced microscopy techniques to view biomolecules, such as proteins and DNA, individually. On a slide, fluorescently-labeled molecules are immobilized and imaged using lasers, and the patterns of fluorescence can give important information about the interactions of multiple molecules. To extract this information, advanced, customizable data analysis tools must be created. The first goal is to create a method to robustly normalize (correct for brightness) single-channel fluorescence data. The second goal is to extend pattern recognition of binding order to multi-state and multi-channel binding patterns. The KERA 3.0 suite links creative pattern-recognition and normalization techniques with the abilities …

Exploring Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Libs) For Post-Detonation Nuclear Forensics Debris Analysis, Justin Knoll, Chad Schools, David Fobar

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

In the unlikely but catastrophic event of a nuclear terrorist attack our government leadership will need reliable information to rapidly inform critical decisions. This research explores the use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as a potential analysis tool in the National Technical Nuclear Forensics process. The current state of post detonation nuclear forensics requires ground and air samples be collected and shipped to state-of-the-art laboratories for radiochemical analysis. The samples undergo many measurements and useable data is produced as these measurements are completed. This data flows back into the process to guide additional measurements and inform the process of …

Sampling Complexity Of Bosonic Random Walkers On A One-Dimensional Lattice, Gopikrishnan Muraleedharan, Akimasa Miyake, Ivan Deutsch

Shared Knowledge Conference

Computers based quantum logic are believed to solve problems faster and more efficiently than computers based on classical boolean logic. However, a large-scale universal quantum computer with error correction may not be realized in near future. But we can ask the question: can we devise a specific problem that a quantum device can solve faster than current state of the art super computers? One such problem is the so called "Boson Sampling" problem introduced by Aaronson and Arkhipov. The problem is to generate random numbers according to same distribution as the output number configurations of photons in linear optics. It …

Majorana Spin-Flip Transition In The Alpha Magnetic Trap, Miguel Alarcon, Colin Riggert, Francis Robicheaux

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

The main purpose of the ALPHA collaboration is to trap antihydrogen atoms so that the Charge Conjugation-Parity Transformation-Time Reversal (CPT) symmetry can be tested. The trapping mechanism consists on an octupole magnet that traps the atoms near the magnetic field minima. Once trapped, due to the Majorana spin-flip effect, atoms can escape by changing the orientation of its spin. The magnetic field generated by the octupole magnet present in the trap has multiple zeroes of different orders. These zeroes could affect the probability of a spin flip, and therefore alter the number of escaped atoms. The main problem tackled by …

The Development Of A Diffraction Grating For An Element Of Directional Output Of Radiation From Microlasers, Evgenii Levdik

The International Student Science Fair 2018

In nanophotonics, axisymmetric microlasers became widespread. As they have lots of advantages, they can be used in many scientific and industrial areas, such as microchips for data transfer in order to make electrical circuits smaller. But there is a drawback: they radiate in all directions in the plane of the substrate. This is why elements of directional output of radiation are being developed. A necessary part of such element is the diffraction grating applied to the surface of the waveguide. Such gratings are already being created, but with very expensive methods, for example, electronic lithography. We present a technique for …

The Development Of A Diffraction Grating For An Element Of Directional Output Of Radiation From Microlasers, Evgenii Levdik

The International Student Science Fair 2018

In nanophotonics, axisymmetric microlasers became widespread. As they have lots of advantages, they can be used in many scientific and industrial areas, such as microchips for data transfer in order to make electrical circuits smaller. But there is a drawback: they radiate in all directions in the plane of the substrate. This is why elements of directional output of radiation are being developed. A necessary part of such element is the diffraction grating applied to the surface of the waveguide. Such gratings are already being created, but with very expensive methods, for example, electronic lithography. We present a technique for …

Characterization Of Magnetic Thin Films Using The Magneto Optic Kerr Effect, Nicholas J. Savino

Student Scholar Showcase

Understanding magnetic properties of materials allows for advances in applications such as data storage. The Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) displays the reflective response a magnetic material has to a magnetic field. When polarized light reflects off of a magnetic material, the polarization orientation can change. The application of an external magnetic field can affect how much this polarization changes in a non-linear manner. Hysteresis loops are created when examining the relationship between intensity of the reflected light to the applied magnetic field provide information about magnetic properties of that material, such as the coercive field and field retention. Preliminary measurements …

Effect Of Fe Substitution On Structural, Magnetic And Electron-Transport Properties Of Half-Metallic Co2tisi, Juliana Herran, Parashu Kharel, Pavel Lukashev

Research in the Capitol

In recent years, research on magnetic materials has been one of the most technologically appealing developments in materials science. Among other applications, magnetic materials are essential components of data storage and information processing in computer hardware elements, such as hard drives and random access memories. Here, we present a theoretical study of structural, magnetic and electronic properties of ferrimagnetic Co₂Ti_1−xFe_xSi (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5), using density functional calculations. We show that the magnetic moment of Co₂Ti_1−xFe_xSi increases when Ti is substituted with Fe, consistent with experimental findings. …

Raman Spectroscopy Of Oxygen Evolution Catalysts And Psii Manganese Model Compounds, Sergei Shmakov, Daniel A. Hartzler, Alireza Karbakhsh Ravari, Yulia Pushkar

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Photosynthesis is the basis of life on earth, and oxygen evolution catalysts are key components of this complicated, yet not fully understood process. Photosystem II, a large membrane bound pigment-protein complex, is the key system that facilitates oxygenic photosynthesis via the oxygen evolving complex (a natural oxygen evolving catalyst). It is a key component in oxygen producing catalysts, which can be used in fields such as energy production and biomimetic catalysts. The oxygen evolution cycle, or Kok cycle going within it is still not studied completely. In this project, we were studying the vibrational (and structural) state of a Manganese …

Quasi-Optical Measurement For Low Loss Material Characterization In Submillimeter Wave Range, Ha Khiem Tran, Thanh Ngoc Dan Le, Branimir Pejcinovic

Student Research Symposium

An accurate knowledge of dielectric constant of materials is required in many sub-millimeter wave applications. Free-space measurement of materials has always been one of the first choices due to their non-destructive nature and relatively simple sample preparation. However, free-space measurement systems at sub-millimeter frequency range suffer from two main problems: high loss because of divergent beam pattern and diffraction when the beam waist of the radiated beam is relatively large compared to the size of the sample under tests. In order to mitigate these issues, we set up a quasi-optical system using off-axis parabolic mirrors, which enhance the dynamic range …

Using An Atomic Molecular Optics Laboratory For Undergraduate Research And Mentoring Of Physics Students In Georgia, Matthew P. Dallas

Georgia College Student Research Events

Using an Atomic Molecular Optics Laboratory for Undergraduate Research and Mentoring of Physics Students in Georgia

An Atomic and Molecular Optical (AMO) Physics research lab is an excellent tool to train and mentor undergraduate students in advanced laboratory techniques. Students gain valuable basic experience in experimental designs, data acquisition techniques, working with high precision optical equipment, building electronics, and working in the machine shop. The current project is building and testing an enclosure for the diode laser to reduce sound and vibrational interference. In addition, we are developing and evaluating a new, more compact laser cavity which is 3d printed. …

Tio2 Coating Method For Nanocellulose Aerogel, Byron Fritch, Tim Kidd

Research in the Capitol

Titanium dioxide has been shown to be an effective catalyst for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. By increasing the surface area of the titanium dioxide catalyst, the rate of water splitting may increase. A possible method to increase the splitting of water uses a high surface area composite material formed by coating nanocellulose aerogels with titanium dioxide. Different coating methods were studied using titanium isopropoxide as the titanium dioxide source to create such composites. It was found that the most consistent titanium dioxide coatings were formed during a 12 hour titanium isopropoxide vapor bath. Other coating methods collapsed …

Effect Of Structural Disorder On Magnetic Properties Of Mncrval, Juliana Herran, Rishabh Dalal, Paul Gray, Pavel Lukashev

Research in the Capitol

Operation of virtually any modern electronic device relies on magnetic materials. In particular, these materials are the cornerstone of data storage and processing in computer hardware elements, such as hard drives and random access memories. Here, we theoretically study an interplay between structural and magnetic properties of MnCrVAl, a material which recently attracted significant attention due to its rather exotic electronic structure. In particular, this material behaves either as an insulator or as a metal, depending on which “spin” (an intrinsic property of any fundamental particle) of the electron is considered. Using advanced computer simulation techniques (density functional calculations on …

Designing Novel Nanostructured Permanent Magnets, Ali Al Kadhim

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Rare earth element based alloys have been the source of high performance magnetic alloys, and have played a paramount role in the development of various technologies, including: memory devices (such as credit cards, random-access memory), sensors, and various biomedical applications. However, there is a tremendous need to replace rare earth metals with material with powerful magnetic properties. Our group recently found CrTe-based materials that show very promising magnetic properties in nanostructured form. The magnetic modeling of such material in nanostructured form prior to their fabrication demonstrates their magnetic properties in bulk form. In this project, we investigate the behavior of …

Improving Sers-Based Readout Strategy For Biomarker Detecting Immunoassays, Joseph Smolsky

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Detection and monitoring of disease biomarkers increases probability of successful disease treatment. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has several advantages over conventional readout strategies utilized in detecting immunoassays. SERS provides a method for chemical characterization based on molecular vibrational spectra. Raman signals are typically weak and need to be enhanced. This can be done using plasmons in nanoparticles of noble metals, we use gold (Au). Molecules with known spectra, Raman reporter molecules (RRM), can be adsorbed to Au nanoparticles. This enhances the Raman signal of the RRM when illuminated by a laser of optimal wavelength. Adding antibodies to nanoparticles modified …

A Measuring Method For Abundance Of Uranium Components Based On Active Source Of Neutron, Li Li, Gen Hu, Keqi Liu

The 8th International Conference on Physical and Numerical Simulation of Materials Processing

No abstract provided.

Photonicstd-2d: Modeling Light Scattering In Periodic Multilayer Photonic Structures, Alexey Bondarev, Shaimaa Azzam, Zhaxylyk Kudyshev, Alexander V. Kildishev

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Efficient modeling of electromagnetic processes in optical and plasmonic metamaterials is important for enabling new and exciting ways to manipulate light for advanced applications. In this work, we put together a tool for numerical simulation of propagation of normally incident light through a nanostructured multilayer composite material. The user builds a unit cell of a given material layer-by-layer starting from a substrate up to a superstrate, splitting each layer further into segments. The segments are defined by width and material -- dielectric, metal or active medium. Simulations are performed with the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. A database of …