Other Physics Commons^™

Measuring Cosmic Expansion From Early To Late Times Using Quasars, Galaxies, & Local Supernovae, Rajeev Vaisakh

Physics Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the evolution of cosmic expansion across a wide redshift ($z$) range by combining measurements from quasars \& galaxies in the distant universe $(z > 0.8)$ with those obtained from stripped-core collapse supernovae observations from the nearby universe $(z < 0.1)$. Using the DESI spectroscopic survey, we analyze large-scale clustering from quasars over $0.8 < z < 2.1$ and emission line galaxies over $0.8 < z < 1.6$, contributing to DESI DR2 BAO and full-shape measurements of cosmic expansion and structure growth. Combined with BBN in flat $\Lambda$CDM, DESI DR2 BAO gives $H_0 = 68.51 \pm 0.58$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$, while combinations of DESI BAO with CMB and supernova data show a preference for evolving dark energy, with representative constraints such as $w_0 = -0.752 \pm 0.057$ and $w_a = -0.86^{+0.23}_{-0.20}$ for DESI+CMB+DESY5. Using the ROTSE-III Supernova Survey and the expanding photosphere method (EPM), we measure distances to a sample of six supernovae for which the thermal phase can be clearly identified. This analysis focuses on testing whether reliable EPM distances can be obtained for this population. The resulting distances will eventually be compared with independent estimates from the literature. Establishing consistency with these external measurements represents an important step toward applying this methodology to larger samples, with the eventual goal of using ROTSE supernova distances to provide an independent measurement of the local Hubble constant.

Modeling Velocity Distributions Of Interstellar Neutral Hydrogen In The Heliosphere, Lucas Robert Dyke

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

As interstellar neutral hydrogen (ISN H) is the most abundant neutral element in the helio- sphere, the region within which the solar wind interacts with the portion of the interstellar medium through which our solar system moves through, it is integral that we aim to under- stand its many properties and interactions within this region. This work details the synthesis and use of a model of ISN H, using trajectory methods to backtrace from a target point at a radial distance of 1 au where explorer probes like Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) and Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) reside. …

Machine Learning In Fundamental Physics: From Early Universe Signatures To Qcd Evolution, Brandon Stevenson

Physics Theses and Dissertations

In both cosmology and small-x quantum chromodynamics, the relevant theoretical predictions are well-defined but expensive to evaluate repeatedly over broad parameter spaces or large ensembles of simulated data. The central question of this thesis is when machine learning can accelerate those calculations without weakening the reliability of the final physics conclusions. The thesis develops and tests this idea in three settings. First, it studies the Derivative Approximation for Likelihoods (DALI) as a means of diagnosing when Fisher-matrix forecasts cease to be trustworthy in cosmological parameter inference. Second, it investigates graph-based spherical neural networks for estimating primordial non-Gaussianity directly from simulated …

Investigating The Viability Of Fully Online Asynchronous Physics Instruction In Formal Education, Clifton W. Massey-Noel

Physics Dissertations

In this dissertation we present results from two consecutive investigations into the fully online asynchronous modality in Physics Education. We first discuss the efficacy of a fully online asynchronous section of Modern Physics held in Fall 2024. The asynchronous section is compared with four prior partially-flipped sections of the same class, two of which were held in-person, and two of which were held synchronously online. Results suggest that all three modalities can be made to be about equally as effective. We also discuss the efficacy of a fully online asynchronous section of Calculus-Based Introductory Mechanics held in Fall 2025. The …

Physics Alumni Newsletter Spring 2026, Terry Goforth

Physics Alumni Newsletter

Physics Alumni Newsletter

The Physics Alumni Newsletter is produced by the SWOSU Physics Department.

Our Engineering Physics students are recruited in fields such as electronics, aerospace, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering and software engineering. Graduates also have careers in meteorology, architecture, education and more.

A New Avenue For Higgs Boson Self-Coupling Measurements: Combined Searches For Higgs Pairs In Multilepton Final States With The Atlas Experiment, Reagan E. Thornberry

Physics Theses and Dissertations

The Higgs boson self-coupling (λ) is a fundamental parameter of the Standard Model that sets the shape of the Higgs potential and probes the mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking. This coupling can be directly measured through Higgs boson pair production (HH), which has a predicted production rate roughly 1000 times smaller than single-Higgs production at the LHC.

A combined search for non-resonant Higgs boson pair production in final states with multiple light leptons (e,µ), hadronically decaying τ leptons, and photons is presented, using 140 fb−1 of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of …

Development Of Lineal Energy Spectrum-Based Biological Effects Models For Protons, Joseph M. Decunha, Fada Guan, David Grosshans, Zhongxing Liao, Dragan Mirkovic, Oleg Vassiliev, Radhe Mohan

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

In this dissertation, methods are developed and described to allow for the rapid calculation of microdosimetric spectra (specifically, lineal energy) for protons. SuperTrack, a GPU-accelerated tool for calculation of microdosimetric spectra was developed and is capable of computing lineal energy spectra up to 5000x faster than using Geant4 directly. Proton lineal energy spectra generated by SuperTrack are indistinguishable from those generated by Geant4. With SuperTrack, large libraries of lineal energy spectra for monoenergetic protons spanning 0-300 MeV have been developed. The proton lineal energy spectra calculated by SuperTrack have been compared to experimental measurements made by a tissue equivalent proportional …

Computational Modeling Of Astrophysical Systems, Leleya Iris Stallard

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

This research project focuses on the computational modeling of astrophysical systems using Femap with NX Nastran. The goal was to simulate and analyze the vibrational behavior and structural deformation of celestial bodies under different material compositions and collision conditions. Materials such as iron, granite, titanium, and models for white dwarf stars were used to investigate how varying physical properties affect the systems' dynamic responses. Both isotropic and anisotropic models were created to represent realistic astrophysical materials. Through static and modal analyses, the study explored how internal structure and material stiffness influence the reaction of celestial objects to applied forces and …

Scp 231 Dictionary + Example Problems [General Physics 1], Daniel Capic

Open Educational Resources

Student-written definitions of key physics concepts that appear in SCP 231. There are also student-written word problems with links to instructor-created video solutions.

Backgrounds And Efficiencies For Low-Energy Searches, And Improved Calibration Techniques In The Lux-Zeplin Dark Matter Experiment, Gregory M. Blockinger

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The full understanding of dark matter has eluded physicists for many years. While there is abundant astrophysical evidence across many scales, the exact nature of this matter, which comprises about 25% of the Universe’s energy density, remains unknown. Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) are one of the leading theoretical candidates, and numerous ex- periments have searched for their interactions. In recent decades, dual-phase Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) have become the leading technology in this search. The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) detector is one such xenon-based experiment, operating nearly a mile underground in the Black Hills of South Dakota at the Sanford Underground …

Maximizing Legged Accelerations: A Matter Of Force, Time, And Gravity, Lance Brooks

Applied Physiology and Wellness Theses and Dissertations

Sprint running accelerations require runners to apply surface forces that: support body weight by pushing downward, accelerate the body horizontally by pushing backward, and align the direction of the push with the body’s mass center to maintain balance and posture, which imposes an upper limit on the average forward acceleration force equal to the average gravitational force (1.0 G) acting on the runner. This expectation arises from the mechanical constraints imposed by the need to generate sufficient vertical force to support body weight against gravity while simultaneously producing horizontal force to accelerate forward and aligning the push through the center …

Representation Theory And Its Applications In Physics, Max Varverakis

Master's Theses

Representation theory, which encodes the elements of a group as linear operators on a vector space, has far-reaching implications in physics. Fundamental results in quantum physics emerge directly from the representations describing physical symmetries. We first examine the connections between specific representations and the principles of quantum mechanics. Then, we shift our focus to the braid group, which describes the algebraic structure of braids. We apply representations of the braid group to physical systems in order to investigate quasiparticles known as anyons. Finally, we obtain governing equations of anyonic systems to highlight the differences between braiding statistics and conventional Bose-Einstein/Fermi-Dirac …

High Powered Rocket Modification, Joshua Gage

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Rocketry has always been a fun challenge for me. Since not only was I able to learn something new every time I did it, but I was able to do something with my hands as well. One area that has been very challenging for me is how to put a tracker onto a rocket that has no electronics bay. And studying for the L2 Certification tests. And this poster shows my thoughts and process I did to pass my L2 Certification Flight.

Creative Physics Syllabus For Online Class, Kalani Hettiarachchilage

Open Educational Resources

Creative Physics syllabus for all information and guidelines will be a big help for students to know about the class structure, expectations, submission, personalized class materials, class ethics, and requirements in one place. This detailed syllabus will be a very effective way of expressing the information to the class. Creating a detailed syllabus and engaging activity of in the learning management system such as syllabus review activity will help students to navigate through important items on the syllabus.

Strong Homotopy Lie Algebras And Hypergraphs, Samuel J. Bevins, Marco Aldi

Undergraduate Research Posters

We study hypergraphs by attaching a nilpotent strong homotopy Lie algebra. We especially focus on hypergraph theoretic information that is encoded in the cohomology of the resulting strong homotopy Lie algebra.

Classification Of Pixel Tracks To Improve Track Reconstruction From Proton-Proton Collisions, Kebur Fantahun, Jobin Joseph, Halle Purdom, Nibhrat Lohia

SMU Data Science Review

In this paper, machine learning techniques are used to reconstruct particle collision pathways. CERN (Conseil européen pour la recherche nucléaire) uses a massive underground particle collider, called the Large Hadron Collider or LHC, to produce particle collisions at extremely high speeds. There are several layers of detectors in the collider that track the pathways of particles as they collide. The data produced from collisions contains an extraneous amount of background noise, i.e., decays from known particle collisions produce fake signal. Particularly, in the first layer of the detector, the pixel tracker, there is an overwhelming amount of background noise that …

Drawing Parallels In Art Science For Collaborative Learning: A Case Study, Karen Westland

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This research paper explores drawing as a tool to facilitate interdisciplinary practice. Outlined is the personal experience of PhD researcher [name removed] in their physics/craft research project, combined with thoughts and opinions from collaborators gathered through group discursive interviews. Interdisciplinary projects face interpersonal and conceptually ambiguous challenges which can be addressed through adopting drawing techniques for educational purposes. Findings highlight that drawing can assist across a breadth of applications as a learning tool for everyone, regardless of drawing ability, to improve the functionality of collaborative projects. Specifically, drawing combined with other communication techniques develops a performative communicative approach that enriches …

Learning Assistant And Instructor Communication: Impacts On Perceived Efficacy, Jahangir Rassouli, Laura Ríos

Physics

The Learning Assistant (LA) Model was co-developed by Richard McCray and Valerie Otero at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2003. In this model, senior undergraduate students serve as facilitators for group discussion in lower-division courses, and employ evidenced-based practices for promoting inquiry and active learning [1]. Since its inception, the LA model has grown to various departments, disciplines, and universities.

At California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), the LA program in the physics department is still in its early stages. As such, it is an environment rich for exploration into the affordances, limitations, and benefits of …

Measurements Of Radio Pulse Reception With Stations Of The Ara Experiment Based On The Spicecore Pulser Data Set, Jesse Osborn, Ilya Kravchenko

UCARE: Research Products

The Askaryan Radio Array Experiment located near the South Pole works to pinpoint specific instances of neutrinos from outside the solar system interacting with nucleons inside the Antarctic ice. Neutrinos are a subatomic particle that has nearly no mass and a net neutral charge. As they are, neutrinos tend not to interact with anything as they travel through space which means they can provide us with information about events occurring far from Earth that might not be easily attained through other methods. Neutrinos are known to be emitted from a myriad of sources, including the Sun, the interaction between cosmic …

Characterization Of Magma Storage And Dynamics At Akutan, Semisopochnoi, And Okmok Volcanoes From Analytical And Numerical Models Of Geodetic, Seismic, And Petrologic Data, Kimberly Degrandpre

Earth Sciences Theses and Dissertations

Volcanic eruptions can cause significant socioeconomic loss, but a better understanding of the processes and dynamics influencing the evolution of volcanic plumbing systems will advance the development of eruption forecasting models that will ultimately mitigate hazards and risks associated with eruptive events. Geologic and geophysical data must be integrated in 3D, finite- element, multiphysical, numerical models to define the coupled evolution of magmatic and crustal stress regimes in volcanic environments, but in data limited regions this is not always an option. The remote nature of the Aleutian Island Arc restricts ground-based monitoring and sampling efforts, and due to sparse temporal …

Designing Writing Intensive Upper Division Laboratories In Physics, Sara Callori

Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy

California State University San Bernardino is currently transitioning from quarters to semesters, starting in Fall 2020. As part of this transition, the Department of Physics has transformed its curriculum to better suit the needs of its students. One major facet of this redesign has been the creation of two writing intensive, upper division laboratory courses. From a practical standpoint, under the revamped general education program, we are able to incorporate upper division writing into the major. More importantly, there are many benefits where having a writing-intensive major course aligns with program goals and professional organization recommendations. This includes designing activities …

Quantifying Electron Precipitation In The Van Allen Radiation Belts, Timothy Raeder

Honors Theses and Capstones

The spatial and temporal distribution of high energy electron precipitation from the Van Allen radiation belts is not currently well-understood. The FIREBIRD-II mission (2015-present) and the Van Allen Probes (2012-2019) provide a unique opportunity to examine the behaviors and drivers of high energy electron precipitation. This study quantifies electron precipitation observed by FIREBIRD-II as a function of radial distance (L-shell), magnetic local time (MLT), hemisphere, and geomagnetic indices (Kp). Electron precipitation was observed to peak at L-shell 4.5-5. Regions of elevated electron precipitation were identified at L-shell 4-6 at dawn (MLT 6-9) and dusk (MLT 15-21). Hemisphere filtering indicated very …

Practical Chaos: Using Dynamical Systems To Encrypt Audio And Visual Data, Julia Ruiter

Scripps Senior Theses

Although dynamical systems have a multitude of classical uses in physics and applied mathematics, new research in theoretical computer science shows that dynamical systems can also be used as a highly secure method of encrypting data. Properties of Lorenz and similar systems of equations yield chaotic outputs that are good at masking the underlying data both physically and mathematically. This paper aims to show how Lorenz systems may be used to encrypt text and image data, as well as provide a framework for how physical mechanisms may be built using these properties to transmit encrypted wave signals.

Announcement: In Memory Of Yong Ho Chin, Michael Thoennessen, Debbie Brodbar, Brant Johnson, Jean Delayen, Dan Kulp, Frank Zimmermann, Maria Poko

Physics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Three Dimensional Passive Localization For Single Path Arrival With Unknown Starting Conditions, Britt Aguda

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Introduced in this paper is the time difference of arrival (TDoA) conic approximation method (TCAM), a technique for passive localization in three dimensions with unknown starting conditions. The TDoA of a mutually detected signal across pairs of detectors is used to calculate the relative angle between the signal source and the center point of the separation between the detectors in the pair. The relative angle is calculated from the TDoA using a mathematical model called the TDoA approximation of the zenith angle (TAZA). The TAZA angle defines the opening angle of a conic region of probability that contains the signal …

Light, Electricity And Semiconductors, Josephine Zhao

The International Student Science Fair 2018

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Frenkel Defects And Backgrounds Modeling For Supercdms Dark Matter Searches, Matthew Stein

Physics Theses and Dissertations

Years of astrophysical observations suggest that dark matter comprises more than ~80 % of all matter in the universe. Particle physics theories favor a weakly-interacting particle that could be directly detected in terrestrial experiments. The Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS) Collaboration operates world-leading experiments to directly detect dark matter interacting with ordinary matter. The SuperCDMS Soudan experiment searched for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) via their elastic-scattering interactions with nuclei in low-temperature germanium detectors.

During the operation of the SuperCDMS Soudan experiment, ²¹⁰Pb sources were installed to study background rejection of the Ge detectors. Data from these sources …

Underwater Acoustic Signal Analysis Toolkit, Kirk Bienvenu Jr

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This project started early in the summer of 2016 when it became evident there was a need for an effective and efficient signal analysis toolkit for the Littoral Acoustic Demonstration Center Gulf Ecological Monitoring and Modeling (LADC-GEMM) Research Consortium. LADC-GEMM collected underwater acoustic data in the northern Gulf of Mexico during the summer of 2015 using Environmental Acoustic Recording Systems (EARS) buoys. Much of the visualization of data was handled through short scripts and executed through terminal commands, each time requiring the data to be loaded into memory and parameters to be fed through arguments. The vision was to develop …

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies Of Electrode And Electrolyte Materials For Li-Ion Batteries, Lisa Cirrincione

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In this thesis, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques are used to study lithium electrode and electrolyte materials for advanced rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Three projects are described in this thesis. The first involves ²³Na and ³⁷Al static and magic angle spinning NMR studies of NaAlH₄/C anode materials for advanced rechargeable batteries. The second project is a study of paramagnetic lithium transition-metal phosphate cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, where ⁷Li, and ³¹P single crystal NMR was used in order to obtain detailed information on the local electronic and magnetic environments. The third project investigates …

Models Of Time Travel And Their Consequences, Antonio M. Mantica

Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research

How do we travel through time? We know that we can move forward in it (we have no choice), but can we jump forward in time? Can we go backward in time? It also gives rise to other troubling questions: is time measurable in distinct increments, or does it flow continuously? In "Models of Time Travel and their Consequences," Antonio Mantica walks the reader through current understandings of how time functions in Einstein's universe and proposes three distinct models to explain it. Following that, he provides a list of experiments to credit or discredit the models. Appropriate for audiences of …