Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Two-Photon Ionization Of The Calcium 4s3d 1d2 Level In An Optical Dipole Trap, Jared Estus Daily

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports an optical dipole trap for atomic calcium. The dipole trap is loaded from a magneto-optical trap (MOT) of calcium atoms cooled near the Doppler limit (~1 mK). The dipole trap is formed by a large-frame argon ion laser focused to 20 microns into the center of the MOT. This laser runs single-line at 488 nm with a maximum power of 10.6 watts. These parameters result in a trap of 125 mK for calcium atoms in the 4s3d 1D2 state. The 488 nm light also photo-ionizes the trapped atoms due to a near-resonant transition to the 4s4f 1F3 …

A Statistical Performance Model Of Homogeneous Raidb Clusters, Brandon Lamar Rogers

Theses and Dissertations

The continual growth of the Internet and e-commerce is driving demand for speed, reliability and processing power. With the rapid development and maturation of e-commerce, the need for a quick access to large amounts of information is steadily rising. Traditionally, database systems have been used for information storage and retrieval. However, with online auctions, rapid Internet searches, and data archival, the need for more powerful database systems is also growing. One type of distributed database is called Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Databases (RAIDb). RAIDb clusters are middleware-driven to promote interoperability and portability. RAIDb clusters allow for multiple levels of data …

Thor: The Hybrid Online Repository, Timothy W. Van Der Horst

Theses and Dissertations

Digital credentials enable users to perform secure interactions by proving either their identity or that they posses certain attributes. Special care is taken to protect these credentials and their associated private keys during transaction time. However, protection of these items outside of the transaction is often delegated to a secure credential repository. A mobile environment creates significant challenges for secure repositories. We examine these challenges with respect to existing repository practices and produce a set of requirements that a repository must meet in order to cope with the harshness of a mobile environment. We also present the design and implementation …

Optical Detection Of Ultracold Neutral Calcium Plasmas, Elizabeth Ann Cummings

Theses and Dissertations

We demonstrate an optical method to detect calcium ions in an ultracold plasma. We probe the plasma with a 397 nm laser beam tuned to a calcium ion transition. The probe laser beam is focused to a 160 µm waist allowing fine spatial resolution. Ions are detected by measuring fluorescence using a Photo-Multiplier Tube (PMT). The signal, an average of 4000 acquisitions, has a temporal resolution of 120 ns. We present the details of this method, potential improvements, and prospects of imaging the expanding plasma ions. We also present preliminary work on spatially resolved absorption measurements, as well as additional …

Temperature Dependence Of The Double Layer Capacitance For The Restricted Primitive Model Of An Electrolyte Solution From A Density Functional Approach, Douglas Henderson, J. Reszko-Zygmunt, Stefan Sokolowski, Dezso Boda

Faculty Publications

We apply a different version of the density functional theory, given by Pizio, Patrykiejew, and Sokolowski [J. Chem. Phys. 121, 11957 (2004)], for a nonuniform restricted primitive model of an electrolyte solution to evaluate the temperature dependence of the capacitance of an electric double layer. We show that this theory is capable of reproducing the computer simulation data at a quantitative level. In particular, the reversal of the temperature dependence of the capacitance at low temperatures is predicted. This phenomenon has been difficult to predict from theory. Further, this theory also leads to an accurate description of the double layer …

Fast And Robust Incremental Action Prediction For Interactive Agents, Jonathan Dinerstein, Parris K. Egbert, Dan A. Ventura

Faculty Publications

The ability for a given agent to adapt on-line to better interact with another agent is a difficult and important problem. This problem becomes even more difficult when the agent to interact with is a human, since humans learn quickly and behave non-deterministically. In this paper we present a novel method whereby an agent can incrementally learn to predict the actions of another agent (even a human), and thereby can learn to better interact with that agent. We take a case-based approach, where the behavior of the other agent is learned in the form of state-action pairs. We generalize these …

Graphs Whose Minimal Rank Is Two: The Finite Fields Case, Wayne Barrett, Hein Van Der Holst, Raphael Loewy

Faculty Publications

Let F be a finite field, G = (V,E) be an undirected graph on n vertices, and let S(F,G) be the set of all symmetric n × n matrices over F whose nonzero off-diagonal entries occur in exactly the positions corresponding to the edges of G. Let mr(F,G) be the minimum rank of all matrices in S(F,G). If F is a finite field with p^t elements, p does not = 2, it is shown that mr(F,G) ≤ 2 if and only if the complement of G is the join of a complete graph with either the union of at most …

A Framework For Extraction Plans And Heuristics In An Ontology-Based Data-Extraction System, Alan E. Wessman

Theses and Dissertations

Extraction of information from semi-structured or unstructured documents, such as Web pages, is a useful yet complex task. Research has demonstrated that ontologies may be used to achieve a high degree of accuracy in data extraction while maintaining resiliency in the face of document changes. Ontologies do not, however, diminish the complexity of a data-extraction system. As research in the field progresses, the need for a modular data-extraction system that de-couples the various functional processes involved continues to grow.

In this thesis we propose a framework for such a system. The nature of the framework allows new algorithms and ideas …

Java Performance Of The Rijndael Encryption Algorithm Across Compilers And Virtual Machines, Gregory Leavitt Orgill

Theses and Dissertations

The Rijndael encryption algorithm has recently been published as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a Federal Information Processing Standard, and is being accepted by developers and designers as the algorithm of choice where encryption is required. Java is becoming the language of choice for E-Business applications, many of which require cryptography. The performance of any Java application is dependent on the compiler and virtual machine used to compile and interpret. Prior research has provided performance information for the Rijndael algorithm in Java for specific virtual machines. This research includes the development of a Rijndael implementation in Java. Using Java system …

Computer-Simulation-Assisted Lean Manufacturing Training, Luoding Wang

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis assesses the potential of using computer simulation to aid existing lean manufacturing training methods such as lecture and live simulation. An investigation of this possibility was carried out in conjunction with UMEP's Lean 101 class. In the study, two experimental computer simulation models demonstrating the push and pull production scenarios were constructed using ProModel software. Simulation models were equipped with a Visual Basic interface to aid trainees to manipulate the model via ActiveX. Constructed computer simulation was compared with live simulation to answer these research questions: 1. Was computer simulation able to teach additional lean concepts not covered …

Prioritization Methods For Accelerating Mdp Solvers, Kevin Seppi, David Wingate

Faculty Publications

The performance of value and policy iteration can be dramatically improved by eliminating redundant or useless backups, and by backing up states in the right order. We study several methods designed to accelerate these iterative solvers, including prioritization, partitioning, and variable reordering. We generate a family of algorithms by combining several of the methods discussed, and present extensive empirical evidence demonstrating that performance can improve by several orders of magnitude for many problems, while preserving accuracy and convergence guarantees.

Thorium-Based Thin Films As Highly Reflective Mirrors In The Euv, David D. Allred, William R. Evans, Jed E. Johnson, Richard L. Sandberg, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

As applications for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation have been identified, the demand for better optics has also increased. Thorium and thorium oxide thin films (19 to 61 nm thick) were RF-sputtered and characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), spectroscopic ellipsometry, low-angle x-ray diffraction (LAXRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in order to assess their capability as EUV reflectors. Their reflectance and absorption at different energies were also measured and analyzed at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley. The reflectance of oxidized thorium is reported between 2 and 32 nm at 5, 10, and 15 …

Autonomous Vehicle Technologies For Small Fixed-Wing Uavs, Randal Beard, Derek Kingston, Morgan Quigley, Deryl Snyder, Reed Christiansen, Walt Johnson, Timothy Mclain, Michael A. Goodrich

Faculty Publications

The objective of this paper is to describe the design and implementation of a small semi-autonomous fixed-wing unmanned air vehicle. In particular we describe the hardware and software architectures used in the design. We also describe a low weight, low cost autopilot developed at Brigham Young University and the algorithms associated with the autopilot. Novel PDA and voice interfaces to the UAV are described. In addition, we overview our approach to real-time path planning, trajectory generation, and trajectory tracking. The paper is augmented with movie files that demonstrate the functionality of the UAV and its control software.

Variable Resolution Discretization In The Joint Space, Christopher K. Monson, Kevin Seppi, David Wingate, Todd S. Peterson

Faculty Publications

We present JoSTLe, an algorithm that performs value iteration on control problems with continuous actions, allowing this useful reinforcement learning technique to be applied to problems where a priori action discretization is inadequate. The algorithm is an extension of a variable resolution technique that works for problems with continuous states and discrete actions. Results are given that indicate that JoSTLe is a promising step toward reinforcement learning in a fully continuous domain.

A Bayesian Technique For Task Localization In Multiple Goal Markov Decision Processes, James Carroll, Kevin Seppi

Faculty Publications

In a reinforcement learning task library system for Multiple Goal Markov Decision Process (MGMDP), localization in the task space allows the agent to determine whether a given task is already in its library in order to exploit previously learned experience. Task localization in MGMDPs can be accomplished through a Bayesian approach, however a trivial approach fails when the rewards are not distributed normally. This can be overcome through our Bayesian Task Localization Technique (BTLT).

Atomic Force Microscope Conductivity Measurements Of Single Ferritin Molecules, Degao Xu

Theses and Dissertations

Conductive Atomic Force Microscope (c-AFM) was used to measure the conductivity of single horse spleen ferritin (HoSF) and azotobacter vinelandii bacterial ferritin (AvBF) molecules deposited on flat gold surfaces. A 500 micron diameter gold ball was also used as a contact probe to measure the conductivity of a thin film of ferritin molecules. The average current measured for holo HoSF was 13 and 5 times larger than that measured for apo HoSF as measured by c-AFM at 1V and gold ball at 2V and respectively, which indicates that the core of ferritin is more conductive than the protein shell and …

Hyperbolic Sets That Are Not Locally Maximal, Todd L. Fisher

Faculty Publications

This paper addresses the following topics relating to the structure of hyperbolic sets: First, hyperbolic sets that are not contained in locally maximal hyperbolic sets. Second, the existence of a Markov partition for a hyperbolic set. We construct new examples of hyperbolic sets which are not contained in locally maximal hyperbolic sets. The first example is robust under perturbations and can be constructed on any compact manifold of dimension greater than one. The second example is robust, topologically transitive, and constructed on a 4-dimensional manifold. The third example is volume preserving and constructed on R4. We show that every hyperbolic …

Wave Scattering From Infinite Cylindrical Obstacles Of Arbitrary Cross-Section, Matthew B. Weber

Theses and Dissertations

In this work the scattering of an incident plane wave propagating along a plane perpendicular to the xy-plane is studied. The wave is scattered from an infinitely long cylindrical object of arbitrary cross-section. Due to the arbitrary geometry of the obstacle, a finite differences numerical method is employed to approximate the solution of the scattering problems. The wave equation is expressed in terms of generalized curvilinear coordinates. Boundary conforming grids are generated using elliptic grid generators. Then, a explicit marching in time scheme is implemented over these grids. It is found that as time grows the numerical solution converges to …

Ip Algorithm Applied To Proteomics Data, Christopher Lee Green

Theses and Dissertations

Mass spectrometry has been used extensively in recent years as a valuable tool in the study of proteomics. However, the data thus produced exhibits hyper-dimensionality. Reducing the dimensionality of the data often requires the imposition of many assumptions which can be harmful to subsequent analysis. The IP algorithm is a dimension reduction algorithm, similar in purpose to latent variable analysis. It is based on the principle of maximum entropy and therefore imposes a minimum number of assumptions on the data. Partial Least Squares (PLS) is an algorithm commonly used with proteomics data from mass spectrometry in order to reduce the …

Pluton Zonation Unveiled By Gamma-Ray Spectrometry And Magnetic Susceptibility; A Case Study Of The Sheeprock Granite, Western, Utah, Paul D. Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

A radiometric survey of the zoned 21 Ma, A-type Sheeprock granite, western Utah, combined with measurements of magnetic susceptibility and field observations were analyzed using a geographic information system. The intrusion spans 25 square km and is roughly eliptical in shape with its long axis trending northwest. Concentration maps (composed of more than 500 survey stations) of eU, eTh, texture, magnetic susceptibility, color, and joint density help to constrain magmatic and post-magmatic processes related to its chemical and physical zonation. Uranium ranges from 3.9 to 26.9 ppm (mean 12.7) and thorium from 1.7 to 125.7 ppm (mean 45.5). Similarities in …

Automating The Extraction Of Domain-Specific Information From The Web-A Case Study For The Genealogical Domain, Troy L. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Current ways of finding genealogical information within the millions of pages on the Web are inadequate. In an effort to help genealogical researchers find desired information more quickly, we have developed GeneTIQS, a Genealogy Target-based Information Query System. GeneTIQS builds on ontology-based methods of data extraction to allow database-style queries on the Web. This thesis makes two main contributions to GeneTIQS. (1) It builds a framework to do generic ontology-based data extraction. (2) It develops a hybrid record separator based on Vector Space Modeling that uses both formatting clues and data clues to split pages into component records. The record …

Target-Dominant Chinese-English Machine Translation, Dan Su

Theses and Dissertations

Information exchange is increasing rapidly with the advent of globalization. As the language spoken by the most people in today's world, Chinese will play an important role in information exchange in the future. Therefore, we need an efficient and practical means to access the increasingly large volume of Chinese data. This thesis describes a target-dominant Chinese-English machine translation system, which can translate a given Chinese news sentence into English. We conjecture that we can improve the state of the art of MT using a TDMT approach. This system has participated in the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) 2004 …

Does The Halting Necessary For Hardware Trace Collection Inordinately Perturb The Results?, Myles G. Watson

Theses and Dissertations

Processor address traces are invaluable for characterizing workloads and testing proposed memory hierarchies. Long traces are needed to exercise modern cache designs and produce meaningful results, but are difficult to collect with hardware monitors because microprocessors access memory too frequently for disks or other large storage to keep up. The small, fast buffers of the monitors fill quickly; in order to obtain long contiguous traces, the processor must be stopped while the buffer is emptied. This halting may perturb the traces collected, but this cannot be measured directly, since long uninterrupted traces cannot be collected. We make the case that …

Real-Time Image Enhancement Using Texture Synthesis, Matthew J. Sorensen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an approach to real-time image enhancement using texture synthesis. Traditional image enhancement techniques are typically time consuming, lack realistic detail, or do not scale well for large magnification factors.

Real-time Enhancement using Texture Synthesis (RETS) combines interpolation, classification, and patch-based texture synthesis to enhance low-resolution imagery, particularly aerial imagery. RETS uses as input a low-resolution source image and several high-resolution sample textures. The output of RETS is a high-resolution image with the structure of the source image, but with detail consistent with the high-resolution sample textures. We show that RETS can enhance large amounts of imagery in …

Geometric Acoustic Modeling Of The Lds Conference Center, Heather Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses the process of modeling a 21,000 seat fan-shaped auditorium using methods of geometric acoustics. Two commercial geometric acoustics software packages were used in the research: CATT-Acoustic™ 8.0 and EASE™ 4.1. The process first included creating preliminary models of the hall using published absorption coefficients for its surfaces and approximate scattering coefficients based on current best-known techniques. A detailed analysis determined the minimum numbers of rays needed in both packages to produce reliable results with these coefficient values. It was found that 100,000 rays were needed for CATT™ and 500,000 rays were needed for EASE™. Analysis was also …

Improved Signal Integrity In Ieee 1149.1 Boundary Scan Designs, Efren De Jesus Rangel Taboada

Theses and Dissertations

This work is an analysis of solutions to problems derived from inherent timing and signal integrity issues in the use and application of the IEEE 1149.1 Standard at the board level in conjunction with its test system. Setup or hold times violations may occur in a boundary scan chain using IEEE 1149.1 compliant devices. A practical study of the TDI-TDO scan data path has been conducted to show where problems may arise in relationship to a particular board topology and test system. This work points to differences between passing and failing scan path tests for problem characterization. Serial data flow …

How Cellular Movement Determines The Collective Force Generated By The Dictyostelium Discoideum Slug, J. C. Dallon, H. G. Othmer

Faculty Publications

How the collective motion of cells in a biological tissue originates in the behavior of a collection of individuals, each of which responds to the chemical and mechanical signals it receives from neighbors, is still poorly understood. Here we study this question for a particular system, the slug stage of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. We investigate how cells in the interior of a migrating slug can effectively transmit stress to the substrate and thereby contribute to the overall motive force. Theoretical analysis suggests necessary conditions on the behavior of individual cells, and computational results shed light on experimental …

Computing The M = 1 Diocotron Frequency Via An Equilibrium Calculation In Non-Neutral Plasmas, Ross L. Spencer

Faculty Publications

The m = 1 diocotron mode in non-neutral plasmas has long been thought of as a shifted equilibrium, and its frequency has been approximately calculated in this way by Fine and Driscoll [Phys. Plasmas 5, 601 (1998)]. This article shows that this idea can be coupled with a standard axisymmetric equilibrium calculation on a grid to calculate the frequency of this mode to very high precision including both finite-length and thermal effects, provided that the Debye length is small enough. As the Debye length begins to approach the plasma size not only does the shifted equilibrium calculation fail to predict …

Disk Based Model Checking, Tonglaga Bao

Theses and Dissertations

Disk based model checking does not receive much attention in the model checking field becasue of its costly time overhead. In this thesis, we present a new disk based algorithm that can get close to or faster verification speed than a RAM based algorithm that has enough memory to complete its verification. This algorithm also outperforms Stern and Dill's original disk based algorithm. The algorithm partitions the state space to several files, and swaps files into and out of memory during verification. Compared with the RAM only algorithm, the new algoritm reduces hash table insertion time by reducing the cost …

Optical Properties And Application Of Uranium-Based Thin Films For The Extreme Ultraviolet And Soft X-Ray Region, Richard L. Sandberg, David D. Allred, Shannon Lunt, Marie K. Urry, R. Steven Turley

Faculty Publications

Uranium oxide and uranium nitride thin films reflect significantly more than all previously known/standard reflectors (e.g., nickel, gold, and iridium) for most of the 4-10 nm range at low angles of incidence. This work includes measurements of the EUV/soft x-ray (2-20 nm) reflectance of uranium-based thin films (~20 nm thick) and extraction of their optical constants (d and ?). We report the reflectances at 5, 10, and 15 degrees grazing incidence of air-oxidized sputtered uranium, reactively sputtered (O2) uranium oxide, and reactively sputtered (N2) uranium nitride thin films measured at Beamline 6.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence …