Digital Commons Network^™

Multiparticle Quantum Plasmonics: Fundamentals And Applications, Mingyuan Hong

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Quantum plasmonics explores the interaction between light and collective charge oscillations at metal-dielectric interfaces, enabling strong light confinement and enhanced quantum effects at the nanoscale. While traditional quantum optics has primarily focused on single-photon systems, an intermediate regime exists between classical and single-photon optics - multiparticle (or multiphoton) quantum optics. In this regime, classical light sources, when analyzed through techniques such as photon-number-resolving (PNR) detection and projective measurement, can reveal nontrivial quantum correlations. This thesis investigates how multiparticle quantum plasmonics harnesses these correlations to control quantum statistical properties, enhance coherence, and enable novel applications in quantum technologies.

In this thesis, …

Search For Continuous Gravitational Waves From Known Pulsars In The First Part Of The Fourth Ligo-Virgo-Kagra Observing Run, A. G. Abac, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, F. Acernese, Teviet Creighton, Mario C. Diaz, Francisco Llamas Villarreal, Soma Mukherjee, Volker Quetschke, Wenhui Wang

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Continuous gravitational waves (CWs) emission from neutron stars carries information about their internal structure and equation of state, and it can provide tests of general relativity. We present a search for CWs from a set of 45 known pulsars in the first part of the fourth LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA observing run, known as O4a. We conducted a targeted search for each pulsar using three independent analysis methods considering single-harmonic and dual-harmonic emission models. We find no evidence of a CW signal in O4a data for both models and set upper limits on the signal amplitude and on the ellipticity, which quantifies the …

Analyticity And Supershift With Regular Sampling, Fabrizio Colombo, Irene Sabadini, Daniele C. Struppa, Alain Yger

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The notion of supershift (in itself a generalization of the notion of superoscillation arising in quantum mechanics) expresses the fact that the sampling of a function in an interval allows to compute the values of the function far from the interval. In this paper, we study the relation between supershift and real analyticity. We use a classical result due to Serge Bernstein to show that real analyticity for a complex-valued function implies a strong form of supershift. On the other hand, we use a parametric version of a result by Leonid Kantorovitch to show that the converse is not true. …

Detection And Parameter Estimation Of Supermassive Black Hole Ringdown Signals Using A Pulsar Timing Array, Xuan Tao, Yan Wang, Soumya D. Mohanty

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Gravitational wave (GW) searches using pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) are commonly assumed to be limited to a GW frequency of ≲4 ×10−7  Hz given by the Nyquist rate associated with the average observational cadence of 2 weeks for a single pulsar. However, by taking advantage of asynchronous observations of multiple pulsars, a PTA can detect GW signals at higher frequencies. This allows a sufficiently large PTA to detect and characterize the ringdown signals emitted following the merger of supermassive binary black holes (SMBBHs), leading to stringent tests of the no-hair theorem in the mass range of such systems. Such large-scale …

Statistical Study Of Solar Wind Conditions Prior To Substorm Onsets, Luke H. Francis

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Due to complex, multi-region, coupled plasma systems, auroral substorm onsets have been historically difficult to predict. The northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field was considered the primary candidate as an external triggering mechanism for substorm onsets. However, that was later shown to be coincidental in nature. This study is motivated by recent multi-spacecraft observations that show how several magnetosheath jets at the bow shock were heavily correlated to substorm onsets, indicated by a strongly radial IMF interval. In the past, studies have looked at small samples of substorms in order to make large-scale predictions. However in this study, a …

Ligo Detector Characterization In The First Half Of The Fourth Observing Run, S. Soni, B. K. Berger, D. Davis, F. Di Renzo, A. Effler, T. Ferreira, E. Goetz, Francisco Llamas Villarreal, Volker Quetschke, J. Glanzer

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Progress in gravitational-wave (GW) astronomy depends upon having sensitive detectors with good data quality. Since the end of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory-Virgo-KAGRA third Observing run in March 2020, detector-characterization efforts have lead to increased sensitivity of the detectors, swifter validation of GW candidates and improved tools used for data-quality products. In this article, we discuss these efforts in detail and their impact on our ability to detect and study GWs. These include the multiple instrumental investigations that led to reduction in transient noise, along with the work to improve software tools used to examine the detectors data-quality. We end …

White Pupil Fibre-Fed Echelle Spectrograph Of The Russian-Turkish 1.5 M Telescope: Optical Design And Analysis, Cevdet Bayar, Nuri̇ Unal

Turkish Journal of Physics

This study presents optical designs of two fibre-fed èchelle spectrographs (FES), which differ from each other in terms of cross-dispersers, and optical analyses of the spectra (orders) obtained from the designs. Optical analyses of both designs were performed by interpreting the results obtained from the spot diagram, footprint diagram, and encircled energy diagram in the ZEMAX (OpticStudio) optical design program. In the first spectrograph design, prisms were used as the cross-disperser. Specifically, two symmetric N-F2 glass prisms with 42-degree apex angles were used as the cross-disperser. In the second design, a grism was used as the cross-disperser. This grism was …

Rotating Anisotropic Bose Gas With Large Number Of Vortices, Ahmet Keleş

Turkish Journal of Physics

Rapidly rotating atomic gases provide a platform for studying phenomena akin to type-II superconductors and quantum Hall systems. Recently, these systems have attracted renewed interest due to technological advances in the trap anisotropy control, in-situ observation capabilities, and cooling and rotating complex atomic species such as dipolar gases. Understanding the vortex lattice formation and quantum melting is crucial for exploring quantum Hall physics in these systems. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the vortex lattices in anisotropic quantum gases. We formulate the rotating gas Hamiltonian in the Landau gauge, and consider the effects of additional perturbations such as the trap …

Supersymmetric Exploration Of External Field Effects On Spinning Cosmic Strings With Aharonov–Bohm Interaction, Bi̇lgehan Bariş Öner, Özlem Yeşi̇ltaş

Turkish Journal of Physics

We have conducted a supersymmetric analysis of the spacetime of a spinning cosmic string, focusing on the behavior of an electron in magnetic fields. Our study involves examining the Dirac system through the lens of exceptional orthogonal polynomials, specifically the exceptional orthogonal Laguerre $X_{m}$ polynomials. This analysis transforms the Dirac system into a relativistic system with a nonlinear isotonic oscillator. Additionally, we introduce new potential models that extend the radial oscillator by incorporating rational terms. Comprehensive analyses of the potential, energy levels, and probability density graphs are provided for various topological defects of cosmic strings and different parameters of the …

The Fractography Of Bone: Impact Of Flat Bone And The Story It Tells, Abigail Hoffmeister, Chase Freeman, Brandon Mendoza, Nathaniel Fitch, Annie Markarian, Jack Tran, Joshua Lau, Nicholas Tran

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Fractography as a method for fracture analysis has been applied widely to materials that range from glass to ceramics and polymers of varying compositions. Very limited research has been done, however, to apply this knowledge of fractography and fracture patterns to bone. With the goal of telling the story of how a bone was broken, this research focuses on observing known patterns of fracture in polymers, and applying these patterns to bone. For the purposes of this research, porcine scapulae were acquired, dissected from surrounding tissue, and broken using a standardized weight drop at varying heights. The fractured bone was …

Probing Freeze Out Sensitivity In Nuclear Collisions Using Exact Solutions Of Fluid Dynamics, Julia Johnson

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

One of the primary goals in the field of high-energy nuclear collisions is to create and study a novel phase of matter known as quark-gluon plasma (QGP), a substance which can be extremely well described by fluid dynamics. However, two different criteria are often used to identify the point of freeze out, which defines when the fluid dynamical simulation of a nuclear collision should be terminated: either when the QGP fluid has cooled below a given temperature, or when it has reached a certain Knudsen number (a quantity that estimates how well the system can be modeled by a fluid). …

Effect Of Energy-Dependent Proton Irradiation On Thin-Film Ybco-1237 Superconductor, Nolan Miles, Hope Weeda, Joseph Fogt, Trevor Harrison

24th Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2025)

We investigated the effect of proton irradiations (0.6 MeV and 1.7 MeV) on the superconducting and normal-state properties of thin-film YBCO-1237 superconductors (Tc = 90 K) and found that the relationship between the critical temperature and dimensionless scattering rate obtained during proton irradiation approximates the generalized d-wave Abrikosov–Gor'kov theory better than the previous reports obtained from electron irradiations. This was unexpected since electron irradiation is generally thought to be more effective than proton and other heavier ion irradiations at suppressing superconductivity. The details of the experimental setup and results will be presented.

Investigation Of Tc Change Due To Proton Irradiation In Tbcco Superconductors, Trevor Harrison, Joseph Fogt, Nolan Miles, Hope Weeda

24th Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2025)

We studied the effect of 600 keV proton irradiation on thin film cuprate superconductors. A 650 nm thick TBCCO-2212 sample was subjected to a series of proton irradiations totaling a fluence of 5.2 x 10^16 protons/cm^2. Superconducting critical temperature (Tc) was decreased from 100 K towards zero Kelvin, and the normal state resistivity increased accordingly. The rate of Tc reduction to resistivity increase will be used to discuss the fundamental properties of the superconductor.

Heavy Metals In Healthy Water Samples Used By Newborn In Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq, Ban Hussein Ali, Ali Abid Abojassim

Al-Bahir

Water is essential for life, so monitoring water quality is important. This research focuses on measuring heavy metals (Lead, Pb; Cadmium, Cd; Chromium, Cr (in 14 healthy water samples of two types; bottled water and filtered water used by newborn children in Al-Najaf governorate, Iraq. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA-7000, Japan) was used to conduct the experimental analysis. Also, health risks parameters (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) due to Pd, Cd, and Cr concentrations were calculated. The results of Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations in mg/L for bottled water samples were ranged 0.03-0.83, 0.01-0.69, and 0.01-0.76, respectively, while the range values for filter …

Preparation Of Nanoparticles And Study Of The Effect Of Some Of Their Physical Properties On Epoxy Polymer, Aya N. Abdullah, Niran F. Abeduljabbar

Al-Bahir

Nanoparticles were prepared by the laboratory thermal method from copper, magnesium, and zinc oxides. Different nanoparticles were added to epoxy at weight fractions of (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) wt. %. The structural results from X-ray diffraction showed the appearance of epoxy in a random system, and when reinforced with nanopowders at higher addition ratios, we find the appearance of nanoparticles in a clear crystalline form, while the SEM results showed an increase in consistency and homogeneity with each increase in the proportions of nanoparticles, which appeared clearly during the EDX examination. The hardness of Shore type D was …

Effect Of Adding Nano Silica On Some Structural And Thermal Properties Of Aluminum, Salih Y. Darweesh, Ghazi F. Mahal

Al-Bahir

The powder metallurgy method was employed to fabricate aluminum-based composite samples reinforced with nano silica at varying weight fractions of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt.%. The powders were mixed, dried, and compacted using a hydraulic press at 7 tons of pressure for one minute, followed by thermal sintering in an oven at 600°C for two hours. Structural characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while thermal analysis included thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, thermal flux, and thermal resistance. The results revealed that the optimal nano silica reinforcement ratio was 10%, yielding notably …

Boron Nitride Nanosheets, Quantum Dots, And Dots: Synthesis, Properties, And Biomedical Applications, Raksha Dubey, Matthew Cowles, Zohreh Salimi, Xiuling Liu, Rodney Oakley, Nazmiye B. Yapici, Join Uddin, Dongyan Zhang, Yoke Khin Yap

Michigan Tech Publications

This review examines three aspects of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanomaterials: properties, synthesis methods, and biomedical applications. We focus the scope of review on three types of h-BN nanostructures: boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs, few-layered h-BN, larger than ∼100 nm in lateral dimensions), boron nitride quantum dots (BN QDs, smaller than ∼10 nm in all dimensions, with inherent excitation-dependent fluorescence), and boron nitride dots (BN dots, smaller than ∼10 nm in all dimensions, wide bandgap without noise fluorescence). The synthesis methods of BNNSs, BN QDs, and BN dots are summarized in top-down and bottom-up approaches. Future synthesis research should focus on …

Utilizing Machine Learning To Predict The Charge Storage Capability Of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials, Manoj Chhetri, Karen S. Martirosyan

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

With the increasing demand for high-performance batteries in applications such as electric vehicles and portable electronics, accurately predicting the charge storage capacity of battery materials is crucial for developing more efficient and reliable energy storage systems. Machine Learning (ML) and data-driven approaches, plays a vital role in enhancing our understanding of Li-ion battery performance, guiding materials design, optimizing system efficiency, and accelerating innovation in energy storage technologies. In this study, an ML-based approach was applied to a dataset of 2345 rechargeable Li-ion battery materials, obtained from the Materials Project online portal, to predict gravimetric charge storage capacity ─ a key …

Measuring Small Currents At Fast Speeds Using A 2Nd Generation Electrometer, Donna Metcalf

Student Research Symposium

The Electron Emission Test (EET) chamber in the Utah State University Materials Physics Group (MPG) is used to determine the electron yield of highly insulating materials. An electrometer is employed alongside the EET chamber to measure the output current of 10-6 to 10-14 pulses of 10-7 seconds to DC duration. In previous years, a first- generation electrometer was used for these measurements. However, the introduction of a new electrometer presents an opportunity to achieve faster measurement speeds and improved sensitivity to smaller current values.

Effect Of Geomagnetic Activity On Radio Propagation In The 14 And 18 Mhz Range, Stuart Barney

Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this experiment was to discover if the magnitude of a geomagnetic event has a notable effect on the reliability of the reception of a radio transmission given the location of origin.

Automatic Aurora Detection, Cameron Eggleston

Student Research Symposium

Aurorae happen when particles in the earth’s magnetosphere become excited and emit visible light. Below is a picture that shows this process more meaningfully:

The colors of each aurora is determined by these electrons as well. Below is a diagram showing where the different colors of aurora come from. In addition to being nice to look at, aurorae can be caused by Coronal Mass Ejections(CMEs). CMEs can affect radio communication, power grids, GPS systems, and more.

2017 Seasonal Variation Of Atmospheric Gravity Waves Above Rothera Station, Antarctica, Elijah Kroeber, Zhao Yucheng, Pautet Dominique, Taylor Michael

Student Research Symposium

As a part of the international Antarctic Gravity Wave Instrument Network (ANGWIN), Utah State University operates an infrared (IR) all-sky imager at the British Rothera Station in Antarctica (67°34’S, 68°07’W) which observes several hydroxyl (OH) emission bands.

Electron-Phonon Coupling In Copper, Joseph Pigott

Student Research Symposium

The behavior of metals is all about the motion and behavior of the metal's electrons. When interactions between the electrons and vibrations in the crystal lattice (phonons) are considered, the electrons act as if they are "heavier" than they otherwise would be. This is accounted for by introducing the mass- enhancement parameter λ, which represents the strength of electron- phonon interactions. This study explores whether λ can be accurately calculated by comparing literature data for two known quantities: the electronic coefficient of specific heat and the density of states at the Fermi energy.

Ion-Induced Electron Yield Database Development Through Data Mining For Exploratory Data Analysis And Predictive Analytics, Trace Taylor

Student Research Symposium

• What is ion yield and what affects it?

• Why create a database?

• Status of the database

• Ion yield data comparisons

• Conclusions

• Future work

Are Rotating Black Holes Rigid?, Luis Fernando Temoche

Student Research Symposium

What is rigidity for a black hole?

Gravity Wave Activity During The 2024 Sudden Stratospheric Warmings Observed By Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe), Jiarong Zhang, Yucheng Zhao, Pierre‐Dominique Pautet, Ludger Scherliess, Michael J. Taylor, Hanli Liu

All Physics Faculty Publications

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) instrument, launched in November 2023, provides direct observation of small‐scale (30–300 km) gravity waves (GWs) in the mesosphere on a global scale. This work examined changes in GW activity observed by AWE during two major Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) in the 2023 and 2024 winter season. Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitude GW activity during these events shared similarities. Variations in mesospheric GW activity showed an evident correlation with the magnitude of zonal wind in the upper stratosphere. NH midlatitude GW activity at ∼87 km was reduced following the onset of …

Three New 2+2 Quadruple Systems With Changing Inclination, Petr Zasche, Z. Henzl, M. Mašek, Jan Kára, H. Kučáková, J Merc, R. Uhlař

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present a unique discovery of three new detected systems showing two different phenomena together. These are 2+2 quadruple stellar systems showing two eclipsing binaries as the inner pairs. And besides that, these systems were also found to exhibit the precession of the inner orbits causing the inclination changes manifesting themselves through the eclipse depth variations. We are not aware of any similar known system on the sky nowadays, hence our discovery is really unique. In particular these systems are: CzeV4315 = HD 228777 (periods 6.7391 and 0.91932 d, inclination change of pair B of about 1.4∘ yr−1); ASASSN-V J075203.23−323102.7 …

Mitigation Of Lunar Dust Charging Issues Using Electron Yield, Christopher Vega

Student Research Symposium

What is Electron Yield?

• Electron Yield(EY): Ratio of electrons in over electrons out

Physical Interpretation Of The Dynamic Dual-Defect Model Of Radiation Induced Conductivity, Tyler Heggenes, Jenny Whiteley

Student Research Symposium

• Spacecraft charging is the main source of spacecraft anomalies [A]
• Spacecraft are often made of resistors
• Arcing can end a project early

Fiber Bundles Of The Complex Projective Space And Their Relation To Quantum Physics, Emily Wessman

Student Research Symposium

The complex projective space CPⁿ is the space of lines through the origin in Cⁿ⁺¹ with an equivalence relation defined by Z ~ λZ' for λ ∈ C*. We define the points under the equivalence relation as homogeneous coordinates, represented by [Z₀ : Z₁ : ... Z_n]. Since all Z,sub>i cannot equal zero, we can find a unique set of n coordinates (z₁,...,z_n) such that [Z₀ : Z₁ : ... : Z_n] ~ [1 : z₁ : ... : z_n] where z …