Physics Commons^™

Physics 223 Poster: Hubble Law, Rebecca Alvarez

2020 Virtual Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

In this experiment, we analyzed the images and spectra of multiple galaxies and found the velocity and distance from Earth of each galaxy. Plotting the velocity against distance, we found a value for the Hubble constant using the slope of the trendline. This value was used to compute the age of the universe. Both the Hubble constant and the age of the universe were compared to the currently accepted values for consistency.

Characterization And First Results From Lacis-T: A Moist-Air Wind Tunnel To Study Aerosol-Cloud-Turbulence Interactions, Dennis Niedermeier, Jens Voigtländer, Silvio Schmalfuß, Daniel Busch, Jörg Schumacher, Raymond A. Shaw, Frank Stratmann

Michigan Tech Publications

The interactions between turbulence and cloud microphysical processes have been investigated primarily through numerical simulation and field measurements over the last 10 years. However, only in the laboratory we can be confident in our knowledge of initial and boundary conditions and are able to measure under statistically stationary and repeatable conditions. In the scope of this paper, we present a unique turbulent moist-air wind tunnel, called the Turbulent Leipzig Aerosol Cloud Interaction Simulator (LACIS-T) which has been developed at TROPOS in order to study cloud physical processes in general and interactions between turbulence and cloud microphysical processes in particular. The …

Introduction To Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Katharina Vollmayr-Lee

Faculty Journal Articles

We provide an introduction to molecular dynamics simulations in the context of the Kob–Andersen model of a glass. We introduce a complete set of tools for doing and analyzing the results of simulations at fixed NVE and NVT. The modular format of the paper allows readers to select sections that meet their needs. We start with an introduction to molecular dynamics independent of the programming language, followed by introductions to an implementation using PYTHON and then the freely available open source software package LAMMPS. We also describe analysis tools for the quick testing of the program during its development and …

Understanding Noether’S Theorem By Visualizing The Lagrangian, Seth Moser

Physics Capstone Projects

By approaching Lagrangian mechanics from a graphical perspective the implications of Noether’s Theorem can be made easier to understand. Plotting the Lagrangian for classical single particle systems for one coordinate onto a position-velocity phase space along with the corresponding equations of motion can demonstrate how a system is invariant under continuous transforms in that coordinate. This invariance can be shown to be associated with a quantity in the system that’s conserved via Noether’s Theorem. The relationship between the symmetry of the system and conserved quantities can then be extended to fields. Invariance in this case is extended to include invariance …

Quantum Computing And Quantum Algorithms, Daniel Serban

Senior Honors Theses

The field of quantum computing and quantum algorithms is studied from the ground up. Qubits and their quantum-mechanical properties are discussed, followed by how they are transformed by quantum gates. From there, quantum algorithms are explored as well as the use of high-level quantum programming languages to implement them. One quantum algorithm is selected to be implemented in the Qiskit quantum programming language. The validity and success of the resulting computation is proven with matrix multiplication of the qubits and quantum gates involved.

The Perceived Effect Of Transformer Core Metal On Musical Sounds, Addie Lopshire-Bratt

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

Transformers are an electronic component used to change the voltage from one part of a circuit to the next. They appear in most audio equipment from the earlier eras but left a sonic signature on the sound waves passed through them. Most research conducted on the “sound” of transformers has focused on their effect on simple sine waves passed through the component, not complex–musical–waves. This thesis seeks to organize the research available about transformers and simple sine waves and compare it with the gamut of opinions that audio professionals hold about their sound.

On-Chip Terahertz Modulation And Emission With Integrated Graphene Junctions, Joshua O. Island, Peter Kissin, Jacob Schalch, Xiaomeng Cui, Sheikh Rubaiat Ui Haque, Alex Potts, Takashi Taniguchi, Kanji Watanabe, Richard D. Averitt, Andrea F. Young

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Research

The efficient modulation and control of ultrafast signals on-chip is of central importance in terahertz (THz) communications and a promis- ing route toward sub-diffraction limit THz spectroscopy. Two-dimensional (2D) materials may provide a platform for these endeavors. We explore this potential, integrating high-quality graphene p–n junctions within two types of planar transmission line circuits to modulate and emit picosecond pulses. In a coplanar strip line geometry, we demonstrate the electrical modulation of THz signal transmission by 95%. In a Goubau waveguide geometry, we achieve complete gate-tunable control over THz emission from a photoexcited graphene junction. These studies inform the development …

Collective Neutrino Flavor Oscillations In Multiple Dimensions And Scales, Joshua D. Martin

Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Hot and dense astrophysical environments such as the early universe, core collapse novae and binary neutron star mergers generate dense neutrino gases which can sub- sequently have an important effect on processes which occur in these environments. In this thesis we will present the results from several numerical simulations of these gases particularly in cases which are relevant to core collapse supernovae. These simulations employ fewer imposed spatial symmetries than those used in earlier works, and provide insight into behavior which may be expected to occur in three key regions of the explosion. We observe that when the neutrino gas …

Analytical Results For The Three-Body Radiative Attachment Rate Coefficient, With Application To The Positive Antihydrogen Ion H̄+, Jack C. Straton

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

To overcome the numerical difficulties inherent in the Maxwell–Boltzmann integral of the velocity-weighted cross section that gives the radiative attachment rate coefficient αRA for producing the negative hydrogen ion H⁻ or its antimatter equivalent, the positive antihydrogen ion H¯⁺ , we found the analytic form for this integral. This procedure is useful for temperatures below 700 K, the region for which the production of H¯⁺ has potential use as an intermediate stage in the cooling of antihydrogen to ultra-cold (sub-mK) temperatures for spectroscopic studies and probing the gravitational interaction of the anti-atom. Our results, utilizing a 50-term …

Evidence For Horizontal Blocking And Reflection Of A Small‐Scale Gravity Wave In The Mesosphere, Neal R. Criddle, Pierre-Dominique Pautet, Tao Yuan, C. Heale, J. Snively, Yucheng Zhao, Michael J. Taylor

All Physics Faculty Publications

The variations of the horizontal phase velocity of an internal gravity wave, generated by wave “blocking” or “reflection” due to an inhomogeneous wind field, have been predicted theoretically and numerically investigated but had yet to be captured experimentally. In this paper, through a collaborative observation campaign using a sodium (Na) Temperature/Wind lidar and a collocated Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM) at Utah State University (USU), we report the first potential evidence of such a unique gravity wave process. The study shows that a small‐scale wave, captured by the AMTM, with initial observed horizontal phase velocity of 37 ± 5 m/s …

Determing The Chaotic Nature Of Periodic Orbits, Bo Johnson

Physics Capstone Projects

The determination of the long-term behavior of periodic orbits is considered. Different numerical techniques, including the Lyapunov Exponent, the Smaller Alignment Index, and the Generalized Alignment Index are used. Because of the discontinuous nature of the system under consideration, these methods are found to be insufficient and a more simplistic approach is utilized. The simplistic approach determines long-term behavior up to 500 periods of an orbit. It is found that in-phase periodic modes result in the largest amount of stable modes. Future work will look at the common characteristics of the in-phase modes to better understand why they are more …

Creating Nitrogen Beams In An Alphatross™ Ion Source For Injection Into A Tandem Accelerator, Blake Harlow

19th Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2020)

Over the past 15 years, Hope College has been creating hydrogen and helium ion beams with an Alphatross™ ion source and Pelletron™ tandem Van de Graaff accelerator. The manufacturer stated the possibility of creating nitrogen ions in this source, but Hope College has not, up until now, attempted to do so. By mixing approximately 1% nitrogen into hydrogen source gas, nitrogen (N-) and imidogen (NH-) ions were created and accelerated through the tandem accelerator. These ion beams were directed and isolated by a dipole bending magnet for identification. Alternate beams such as these open up new possibilities for future experiments …

Spin-Torque Switching Of Noncollinear Antiferromagnetic Antiperovskites, Gautam Gurung, Ding-Fu Shao, Evgeny Y. Tsymbal

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

Antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronics exploits the Néel vector as a state variable for novel electronic devices. Recent studies have demonstrated that the Néel vector can be switched by a spin-orbit torque. These studies however are largely limited to collinear antiferromagnets of proper magnetic space-group symmetry. There is, however, a large group of high-temperature noncollinear antiferromagnets, which are suitable for such switching. Here, we predict that spin torque can be efficiently used to switch a noncollinear AFM order in antiperovskite materials. Based on first-principles calculations and atomistic spin-dynamics modeling, we show that in antiperovskites ANMn₃ (A = Ga, Ni, etc.) with …

Aqueous And Non-Aqueous Characterization Of The Charge Storage Of Prussian Blue Analogues With Varying Modification Procedures, Kamaron Wilcox

19th Annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2020)

Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) provide a promising look into the future of battery technology; their low cost and facile creation grants the opportunity for a commercially viable battery. In addition, their components consist of earth-abundant elements, which may potentially lead to a green battery material, an area of growing importance. The modification process in which the PBA forms may be carried out by one of two techniques: the standard cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique consists of performing cyclic voltammetry in a modification solution for a set number of cycles, whereas the dipping technique involves submerging the substrate in the solution for …

Measurements Of The Absolute Branching Fractions Of B± → K±Xcc, J. P. Lees, V. Poireau, V. Tisserand, E. Grauges

Faculty Publications

A study of the two-body decays B^±→X_ccK^±, where Placeholder refers to one charmonium state, is reported by the BABAR Collaboration using a data sample of 424 fb⁻¹. The absolute determination of branching fractions for these decays are significantly improved compared to previous BABARmeasurements. Evidence is found for the decay B⁺→ X ( 3872) K ⁺

at the Placeholder level. The absolute branching fraction Placeholder is measured for the first time. It follows that Placeholder, supporting the hypothesis of a molecular component for this resonance.

An Analysis Of The Debate Over Creation, Evolution, And The Timeline Of The Universe At An Ecumenical Christian University, Mason Pohlman

Honors Scholars Collaborative Projects

Throughout a significant portion of history and within modern culture, the fields of science and religion appear to be competing for the same holds in a person’s belief system. Universities are where academics and the sciences are the prevailing held truth, while in churches, the Bible reigns as supreme authority. However, in a Christian academic setting, the predominate school of thought in belief systems might turn into a little more of a melting pot. By analyzing gathered personal data (via surveys and interviews), one can begin to piece together the predominate thoughts on the apparent conflict between religion and science …

Vibration Overtone Hyperpolarizability Measured For H2, Rachel M. Ellis, David P. Shelton

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Research

The second hyperpolarizability (γ) of the H2 molecule was measured by gas-phase electric field induced second harmonic generation at the frequencies of the one-photon resonance for the 3–0 Q(J) overtone transitions (v, J = 0, J → 3, J for J = 0, 1, 2, and 3). The magnitude of the resonant contribution to γ was measured with 2% accuracy using the previously determined non-resonant γ for calibration. Pressure broadening and frequency shift for the transitions were also measured. A theoretical expression for the resonant vibrational γ contribution in terms of transition polarizabilities is compared to the observations. The measured …

Response To Pitkanen’S Solar System Model: Towards Gross-Pitaevskiian Description Of Solar System And Galaxies And More Evidence Of Chiral Superfluid Vortices, Victor Christianto, Florentin Smarandache, Yunita Umniyati

Branch Mathematics and Statistics Faculty and Staff Publications

In a new paper in recent issue of this journal (PSTJ), Prof. M. Pitkanen describes a solar system model inspired by spiral galaxies. While we appreciate his new approach, we find it lacks substantial discussion on the nature of vortices and chirality in galaxy. Therefore we submit a viewpoint that Gross-Pitaevskii model can be a more complete description of both solar system and also spiral galaxies, especially taking into account the nature of chirality and vortices in galaxies. In this article, we also hope to bring out some correspondence among existing models, so we discuss shortly: the topological vortice approach, …

Charged Particle Identification Using Calorimetry And Tracking At The Belle Ii Experiment, Joseph T. Nunziata, Atanu Pathak, Swagato Banerjee

Undergraduate Arts and Research Showcase

Particle identification (PID) is a critical procedure carried out in high energy physics experiments in search of new physics. When particles of matter (i.e., an electron) and antimatter (i.e., a positron) collide, new types of particles may form given certain conditions. Such particles may be classified as hadrons--which feel the strong nuclear force--and leptons--which do not. Identifying particles at the Belle II experiment is done by combining the measurement of energy deposited in the calorimeter with the measurement of track momentum in the tracker. In a tau lepton ($\tau$) decay sample, particles such as electrons, muons, and pions may be …

Mid-Ir Optical Refrigeration And Radiation Balanced Lasers, Saeid Rostami

Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

This dissertation reports recent advances in mid-infrared (mid-IR) optical refrigeration and Radiation Balanced Lasers (RBLs). The first demonstration of optical refrigeration in Ho:YLF and Tm:YLF crystals as promising mid-IR laser cooling candidates is reported. Room temperature laser cooling efficiency of Tm- and Ho-doped crystals at different excitation polarization is measured and their external quantum efficiency and background absorption are extracted. Complete characterization of laser cooling samples is obtained via performing detailed low-temperature spectroscopic analysis, and their minimum achievable temperature as well as conditions to achieve laser cooling efficiency enhancement in mid-IR are investigated. By developing a Thulium-doped fiber amplifier, seeded …