Physics Commons^™

Climate Change And Variability Drive Increasing Exposure Of Marine Heatwaves Across Us Estuaries, Ricardo U. Nardi, Piero L. F. Mazzini, Ryan K. Walter

Physics

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are among the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, and while substantial advances have been made in oceanic MHWs, little is known about estuarine MHWs. Utilizing a temperature dataset spanning over two decades and 54 stations distributed across 20 estuaries in the United States National Estuarine Research Reserve System, we present a comprehensive analysis of estuarine MHW characteristics and trends. Long-term climate-change-driven warming is driving more frequent MHWs along the East Coast, and if trends continue, this region will be in a MHW state for ~ 1/3 of the year by the end of the century. In contrast, …

Layout-Aware Quantum Circuitry And Algorithmic Extensions To Grover's Algorithm, Ali Al-Bayaty

Dissertations and Theses

Lov K. Grover introduced, in 1996, Grover's algorithm as a quantum search algorithm to find all solutions for quantum oracles representing classical problems. My research observed that the Grover diffusion operator of Grover's algorithm gives wrong solutions when Boolean oracles are designed in some logical structures. Therefore, I invented the new "controlled-diffusion operator" for Boolean oracles as a new approach for Grover's algorithm that always correctly solves the problem of Grover's algorithm.

Another important problem in quantum computing is designing reliable and cost-effective quantum gates using reversible binary logic. In classical logic design, the stage of logic design can be …

On Static Equilibrium State Of An Electron-Positron Pair Interacting By Electrostatic And Magnetic Forces, Polievkt Perov, Natasha Perova-Mello

College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Works

An electron-positron pair can be in static equilibrium where the magnetic torque is zero and the attractive Coulomb’s force between unlike charges and the repelling force between the spin magnetic moments of these two particles balance each other out. An electron-positron pair near the equilibrium position can be modeled as an oscillator consisting of two masses on a spring. The calculations of the equilibrium distance, the effective “electromagnetic spring constant”, and the frequency of oscillations of an electron-positron pair near the equilibrium are presented. The calculations might be useful for the students in their studies of electricity, magnetism, and particle …

Advanced Ligo Detector Performance In The Fourth Observing Run, E. Capote, W. Jia, N. Aritomi, M. Nakano, V. Xu, R. Abbott, I. Abouelfettouh, R. X. Adhikari, Francisco Llamas Villarreal, Volker Quetschke

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

On May 24, 2023, the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), joined by the Advanced Virgo and KAGRA detectors, began the fourth observing run for a two-year-long dedicated search for gravitational waves. The LIGO Hanford and Livingston detectors have achieved an unprecedented sensitivity to gravitational waves, with an angle-averaged median range to binary neutron star mergers of 152 and 160 Mpc, and duty cycles of 65.0% and 71.2%, respectively, with a coincident duty cycle of 52.6%. The maximum range achieved by the LIGO Hanford detector is 165 Mpc and the LIGO Livingston detector 177 Mpc, both achieved during the second …

(Si14-15) Heat Source/Sink And Chemical Reaction Effects On Micropolar Mhd Nano Fluid Flow In Stretching/Shrinking Sheet, Tejal Nagar, Harshad Patel, Akhil Mittal, Vikas Kori

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This paper deals with the effects of a non-uniform heat source/sink and chemical reaction on micropolar nanofluid flow in a stretching and shrinking sheet. The flow is considered as a laminar mixed convective two-dimensional steady flow. In this flow, water is considered as a base fluid, whereas iron oxide is considered to be a conventional fluid. The governing non-linear system of PDEs are transformed into a system of ODEs using the similarity transformation, and HAM is employed for obtaining solutions. For more understanding of the effects of various physical conditions, approximate results are obtained, and expressed graphically. From the results, …

Novel Approach To Traveling-Wave-Based Fault Location In Nonhomogeneous Transmission Lines, John Parker Burrell

Master's Theses

Accurate fault location is a critical aspect of power system protection, ensuring grid reliability and minimizing downtime. Traditional traveling-wave-based fault location methods face limitations when applied to nonhomogeneous transmission lines due to the reliance on precise segment velocities and propagation time data. This thesis addresses these challenges by proposing a novel algorithm that leverages historical fault data to estimate segment velocities and refine these estimates as more faults occur. The algorithm was rigorously tested using the digital model of an 11-segment, 65.694 km real overhead transmission line and validated using both simulations and hardware tests using commercially available time-domain protective …

Phases And Phase Transitions Of The Disordered Quantum Clock Model, Pulloor Kuttanikkad Vishnu, Gaurav Khairnar, Rajesh Narayanan, Thomas Vojta

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

We study the phases and phase transitions of a disordered one-dimensional quantum q-state clock Hamiltonian using large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. Making contact with earlier results, we confirm that the clean, translational invariant version of the model, for q=6, hosts an intermediate emergent quasi-long-range ordered (QLRO) phase between the symmetry-broken true long-range ordered (TLRO) phase and the disordered (paramagnetic) phase. With increasing disorder strength, the quasi-long-range ordered phase shrinks and finally vanishes at a multicritical point, beyond which there is a direct transition from the TLRO phase to the paramagnetic phase. After establishing the phase diagram, we characterize the critical behaviors …

Irreducible Three-Loop Vacuum-Polarization Correction In Muonic Bound Systems, Gregory S. Adkins, Ulrich D. Jentschura

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

Three-loop electronic vacuum-polarization corrections due to irreducible diagrams are evaluated for two-body muonic ions with nuclear charge numbers 1≤Z≤6. The corrections are of order α3(Zα)2mr, where α is the fine-structure constant and mr is the reduced mass. Numerically, the energy corrections are found to be of the same order of magnitude as the largest of the order α2(Zα)6mr corrections, and are thus phenomenologically interesting. Our method of calculation eliminates numerical uncertainty encountered in other approaches.

Muon Veto Panel Uniformity Tests At Yale Wright Laboratory For The Cuore And Cupid Experiments And Visualizing Dirac Spinors In The Chiral Basis With The Bloch Sphere, Reagen Neeva Garcia

Physics

This senior project is divided into three sections that describe my path and experiences in under graduate research. The first provides an introduction to the field of particle physics and the search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) with the Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) experiment, as well as its upgrade, CUPID (CUORE Upgrade with Particle IDentification). The second section details my contributions to these experiments, including my summer working at Yale’s Wright Laboratory on R&D for the CUPID experiment. In this section I describe my work on the experiment’s muon veto system and on light detector development …

Transfer Efficiencies Of Surface-To-Surface Transport Of Micron-Sized Actinide Surrogate Particles, Austin R. Powell

Theses and Dissertations

Particle effluent of varying sizes is released during routine activities within laboratory environments and these particles can come in contact with a wide range of surfaces. Particles of micron size or smaller can be especially pervasive and can transfer between multiple subsequent surfaces, leading to the progressive contamination of a laboratory. Understanding the transport dynamics of micron sized particles will help inform facility personnel of the possibility of contamination by these potentially hazardous materials of interest. In this research, the transfer efficiency of micron sized surrogate actinide particles (Europium-doped Gadolinium Oxysulfide (EGOS)) is measured for multiple materials, between two particle …

Numerical Studies Of Semiclassical Light Storage Using The Coherent Atomic Transfer Function, Zachary T. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Quantum communication through photons relies on photonic storage to preserve quantum states. However, when photons interact with matter, quantum information becomes distorted. A recently developed semi-classical analytical model predicts output light pulses from an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system. Using the predictions, the model known as the Coherent Atomic Transfer (CAT) Function, is capable of predicting the stored pulse or reconstructing the original pulse. Using numerical convolution and deconvolution with the CAT function as an analog of the point spread function of Fourier optics can provide insights on the effects of EIT storage on the retrieved pulse. Blind deconvolution is …

Correlating Aerosol Morphology And Optical Properties With Image Blur: An Investigation Of Aerosol-Induced Image Degradation, Patricia A. Byrd

Theses and Dissertations

Small-angle scattering by relatively large cloud/fog droplets and ice crystals is known to degrade imagery. However, it is not well investigated how much of an impact aerosols, especially the prevalent anthropogenic fine/ultra-fine/coarse particles, have in image degradation. This thesis explores the contribution of aerosols to image blur but focuses on collecting field data with a relatively large variety of ambient aerosol characterization and optical instrumentation. Field experiments were conducted over six days, correlating aerosol measurements (particle counters and nephelometer) with image quality from a visible camera along a 450m path. Image blur was quantified using the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), …

Quantum Control And Simulation Using Hamiltonian Engineering In Solid-State Nmr, Linta Joseph

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Lattices of dipolar coupled nuclear spins in natural crystals are large, interacting quantum systems -- ideal platforms to simulate non-equilibrium many-body dynamics. Using the magnetic resonance toolkit, which includes Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP), Hamiltonian engineering, and multiple-quantum Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments, we study aspects of coherent control, manipulation, and readout of the complex dynamics of the spin system in NMR quantum simulation.

First, applying Hamiltonian engineering sequences, we control the system evolution. Specifically, we use a combination of numerical simulations and NMR experiments on adamantane to evaluate and compare the performance of several known sequences that aim to suppress …

The Adoption Of The Braided River Model Toward An Inclusive Stem Workforce For All, Aixa Alemán-Díaz, Sakib Hussen, Abdul Siam, Candice M. Etson, Robin Mc C. Greenler, Taylor Lightner, Semarhy Quiñones-Soto, Simone B. Soso, Verónica A. Segarra

Physics: Faculty Publications

Despite decades of interventions aiming to transform the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce to be more inclusive and diverse, little progress has been made in creating long-lasting, sustainable change. For a long period of time, the STEM workforce has been described as a leaky pipeline. While there has been some utility to thinking about the STEM workforce in this way, in this article, we discuss how characterizing the STEM workforce as a leaky pipeline can impede the design of innovative interventions that contribute to sustainable change toward a more inclusive scientific enterprise. As an alternative, we join others …

Isotopic Analysis Of Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Self-Reversal Isotopic Spectrometry (Libris) And Machine Learning, Madison R. Moran

Theses and Dissertations

High-resolution Laser-Induced Breakdown Self-Reversal Isotopic Spectrometry (LIBRIS) is implemented to record the 15.8 pm Li I 670.8 nm isotopic shift in LiOH · H₂O samples of varying 6, 7Li abundance. A simple univariate linear regression demonstrates an acquired isotopic shift of 13.813 ± 1.21 pm in samples varying from 3 to 95 ⁶Li at%. Supervised machine learning regressions are trained on self-reversal wavelength locations in order to quantify ⁶Li abundance. A stacked ensemble using two base learners yields the superlative characterization of 6Li abundance with RMSE of 5.66 at% and detection limit of 18.8 at%. Using …

Reflected Laser Light As A Diagnostic Insight For Femtosecond Laser-Plasma Coupling, David S. Stiles

Theses and Dissertations

High-energy laser technology is critical for military, scientific, and industrial applications, but traditional mixed-radiation facilities are hindered by cost, scheduling constraints, and lack of portability. A high-repetition-rate, cost-effective alternative is needed to meet evolving application needs and timelines. This study investigates changes in reflected laser intensity to diagnose coupling efficiency and optimize energetic particle generation in ultraintense laser-target interactions. Using an ultraintense 35 femtosecond, 9 - 12 mJ laser and a deuterated water target, reflected laser light was captured via high-resolution imaging, while energetic electron and X-ray data were collected using a custom spectrometer and ion chamber, respectively. Statistical analysis …

Implications Of Magnetic Evolution On Coronal Loop Thermal Variation Prior To Solar Flares, Kara L. Kniezewski

Theses and Dissertations

Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation, which occur due to a rapid destabilization and reconnection of the magnetic field. While flares are a magnetic phenomena, very little attention has been paid to thermal conditions in the corona prior to flare onset. This study serves as a follow-on to Kniezewski et al., 2024, where the EUV emission from coronal loops was observed to vary substantially and without any coherence between channels before 53 off-limb flares. These variations suggest multiple mechanisms within the coronal magnetic field are responsible for heating fluctuations. Here, the 3D magnetic field is modeled using a …

Ground-Based Reconnaissance Observations Of 21 Exoplanet Atmospheres With The Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy Imager, Ryan J. Oelkers, Luke M. Schmidt, Erika Cook, Mary Anne Limbach, Darren L. Depoy, J. L. Marshall, Jimmy Ardoin, Mitchell Barry, Evan Batteas, Alexandra Boone

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

One of the most prolific methods of studying exoplanet atmospheres is transmission spectroscopy, which measures the difference between the depth of an exoplanet's transit signal at various wavelengths and attempts to correlate the depth changes to potential features in the exoplanet's atmosphere. Here we present reconnaissance observations of 21 exoplanet atmospheres measured with the Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy Imager (ETSI), a recently deployed spectrophotometer on the McDonald Observatory Otto Struve 2.1 m telescope. ETSI measurements are mostly free of systematics through the use of a novel observing technique called common-path multiband imaging (CMI), which has been shown to achieve photometric color …

The Effect Of Vera C. Rubin Observatory Cadence Selections On Kilonova Detectability, Cristina Andrade, Raiyah Alserkal, Luis Salazar Manzano, Emma Martin, Igor Andreoni, Michael W. Coughlin, Nidhal Guessoum, Liliana Rivera Sandoval

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

The discovery of the optical/infra-red counterpart (AT2017gfo) to the binary neutron star gravitational-wave detection (GW170817), which was followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817), marked a groundbreaking moment in multi-messenger astronomy. To date, it remains the only confirmed joint detection of its kind. However, many experiments are actively searching for similar fast-fading electromagnetic counterparts, known as kilonovae. Fortunately, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) provides excellent prospects for identifying kilonova candidates either from, or independent of, gravitational-wave and GRB triggers. Cadence choices for LSST surveys are especially important for maximising the likelihood of …

Atmospheric Characterization For Optical Paths In Lunar Proximity, Patrick D. Carattini

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents a novel technique for estimating the Fried seeing parameter (r0) for optical paths around the Moon, where traditional methods fail due to the Moon's intensity. Using image processing, it derives the atmospheric optical transfer function (OTF) by using the Moon's edge as a step-input. A simulation chain validates the approach, achieving r0 estimation within 0.0012 m. Real-world tests confirm accuracy through visual and statistical analysis, offering an effective alternative for atmospheric characterization of optical paths close to the moon.

On The Exploration Of Crystallographic Anisotropy And Defects In Shock Loading Using Molecular Dynamics, Benjamin P. Helman

Theses and Dissertations

The impact of crystallographic orientation, grain boundaries, and vacancies on the shock behavior of aluminum was investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Shock loading in the [001], [011], and [111] directions was explored, revealing anisotropic behavior in shock speed, melting, dislocation density, and unique phase changes. The Hugoniot elastic limit in the [100], [110], and [111] directions was calculated as 23.2 GPa, 24 GPa, and 18.4 GPa respectively. These results were found to be an order of magnitude larger than the compressive yield strength computed at equilibrium. Additionally, metastable melting in the [011] and [111] directions occurred roughly 1000 K below …

Material Classification With Spectropolarimetric Lidar, Alexander J. Watson

Theses and Dissertations

A method for characterizing unknown targets using a hyperspectral polarimetric light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system is presented. Light reflected from manmade objects tends to be more polarized than light reflected from objects in the natural world. As such, polarization measurements can be used in remote sensing applications to differentiate artificial and natural objects. Previous works have attempted to characterize objects through passive polarimetric imagery. Methods developed by Cain and Lemaster and Cunningham facilitate reconstruction of the Stokes Vector from returning light. Martin used multispectral polarimetry to classify targets when the angle of incidence (AOI) is close to 0º. Here, …

Investigation Of Neutron Inelastic Scatter Cross Sections On 16O, Molly A. Wakeling

Theses and Dissertations

Nuclear data underpin a number of applications across nuclear reactor design, medicine, astrophysics, nonproliferation, national security, and other related fields. However, data are conflicting or missing across the spectrum of isotopes and reactions, and theoretical calculations can only go so far to predict nuclear properties. A key reaction with incomplete data is neutron inelastic scatter on ¹⁶O, which reduces neutron energies and produces high-energy gamma rays that are often not taken into account in simulations of nuclear reactors, nuclear weapon detonations, nuclear fusion, and other areas. To fill these gaps, the Gamma-Energy Neutron-Energy Spectrometer for Inelastic Scattering, or GENESIS, …

The Nanograv 15 Yr Dataset: Posterior Predictive Checks For Gravitational-Wave Detection With Pulsar Timing Arrays, Gabriella Agazie, Akash Anumarlapudi, Anne M. Archibald, Zaven Arzoumanian, Jeremy G. Baier, Paul T. Baker, Bence Becsy, Joey S. Key, Jing Luo, Joseph D. Romano

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Pulsar timing array experiments have reported evidence for a stochastic background of nanohertz gravitational waves consistent with the signal expected from a population of supermassive black hole binaries. Their analyses assume power-law spectra for intrinsic pulsar noise and for the background, as well as a Hellings-Downs cross-correlation pattern among the gravitational-wave-induced residuals across pulsars. These assumptions may not be realized in actuality. We test them in the NANOGrav 15 yr dataset using Bayesian posterior predictive checks. After fitting our fiducial model to real data, we generate a population of simulated dataset replications. We use the replications to assess whether the …

Still More On Wahlquist Metric, Mahmut Hortaçsu

Turkish Journal of Physics

We start by reviewing the status of the Wahlquist metric and give references to the relevant literature. Then, in studying the scattering properties of a scalar particle at the center coming from infinity, we give three methods to obtain finite scattering coefficients.

Stabilization Of Argan Oil Nanoemulsions Using Chitosan Extracted From Pink Shrimp Shells, Yousra Mdarhri, Ikram Bouziane, Ilyace Korodowou, Narjisse Mokhtari, Lama Rissouli, Fakhita Touhami, Mohamed Chabbi, Ahmed Touhami

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

This study investigates the use of chitosan, extracted from pink shrimp shells, as a stabilizer for argan oil nanoemulsions. Chitosan was obtained through demineralization, deproteination, bleaching, deacetylation, and purification, then characterized through potentiometric titration, viscometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and purity assessments. The resulting chitosan was used to stabilize nanoemulsions formulated with extra-virgin argan oil and a nonionic surfactant using the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The stability of the nanoemulsion was assessed through light scattering, zeta potential, viscosity, and pH measurements. The extracted chitosan exhibited high purity, a deacetylation degree of 88.34%, a molecular weight of …

Vertical Structure Of Subsurface Marine Heatwaves In A Shallow Nearshore Upwelling System, Gavin Plume, Ryan K. Walter, Isabelle Cobb, Michael Dalsin, Piero L. F. Mazzini, Nathan P. Shunk, Ian C. Robbins, Thomas P. Connolly

Physics

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency and intensity globally and are among the greatest threats to marine ecosystems. However, limited studies have characterized subsurface MHWs, particularly in shallow waters. We utilized nearly two decades of full water-column (~ 10 m) observations from a unique automated profiler in central California to characterize, for the first time, the vertical structure of MHWs in a shallow nearshore upwelling system. We found MHWs have similar average durations and intensities across all depths, but there were ~ 17% more bottom MHW days than surface MHW days. Nearly one third of bottom MHWs occurred independently …

Infrared Sensors Provide A Reliable And Economic Alternative For Emissivity Testing, Owen Brent Graham

Research on Capitol Hill

Emissivity is a material property that describes how well a material absorbs and emits electromagnetic radiation.

Coupled Lake-Atmosphere-Land Physics Uncertainties In A Great Lakes Regional Climate Model, William J. Pringle, Chenfu Huang, Pengfei Xue, Jiali Wang, Khachik Sargsyan, Miraj Kayastha, Et. Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

This study develops a surrogate-based method to assess the uncertainty within a convective permitting integrated modeling system of the Great Lakes region, arising from interacting physics parameterizations across the lake, atmosphere, and land surface. Perturbed physics ensembles of the model during the 2018 summer are used to train a neural network surrogate model to predict lake surface temperature (LST) and near-surface air temperature (T2m). Average physics uncertainties are determined to be 1.5°C for LST and T2m over land, and 1.9°C for T2m over lake, but these have significant spatiotemporal variations. We find that atmospheric physics parameterizations alone are the dominant …

Integrating Quantum Computing In High-Frequency Trading: A Project Management Approach, Dhwani Patel, Dhwani Patel

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This thesis explores the integration of quantum computing in high-frequency trading (HFT) from a project management perspective. As quantum computing emerges as a transformative technology, its potential to revolutionize financial markets, particularly HFT, necessitates structured approaches to manage the associated complexities and risks. Agile methodologies are examined as a solution to bridge the gap between the rapid development cycles of quantum software and the high-speed requirements of trading algorithms. The study employs a qualitative research approach, incorporating expert interviews and literature analysis to identify the challenges and opportunities of implementing quantum computing in HFT. The research reveals that while quantum …