Other Physics Commons^™

Focused Led Sintering, Dylan Defazio, Nilav Maulik, Branden Majors, Michael Fontillas

Mechanical Engineering

This report provides a detailed overview of the final design of our light-emitting diode (LED) focusing system. Our system incorporates a converging lens and a specially designed "glass funnel," which acts as a thick fiber optic that narrows the light to a fine point through internal reflection. The glass components of our system are precisely housed in a part made using advanced computer-numeric controlled (CNC) Mill and CNC Lathe manufacturing processes. This ensures high precision and durability of the overall system. Our LED focusing system is designed with a 60-watt stage light. The decision to use a glass funnel as …

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 …

On The Ubiquity, Properties And Evolution Of Small-Scale Magnetic Flux Ropes In The Heliosphere, Hameedullah Farooki

Dissertations

The solar wind is a plasma constantly blowing out from the Sun with a large-scale magnetic field having significant local complexity at small scales. Small-scale magnetic flux ropes (SMFRs), plasma structures with twisted field lines, are an important element of this complexity. This dissertation contributes several studies that further our understanding of SMFRs. The first study applies machine learning to measurements from Wind labeled by the presence of SMFRs and magnetic clouds (MCs). MCs were distinguished from non-MFRs with an AUC of 94% and SMFRs with an AUC of 89% and had distinctive plasma properties, whereas SMFRs appeared to be …

Improving 2–5 Qubit Quantum Phase Estimation Circuits Using Machine Learning, Charles Woodrum, Torrey J. Wagner, David E. Weeks

Faculty Publications

Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that are currently intractable to classical computers with algorithms like Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE); however, noise significantly hinders the performance of today’s quantum computers. Machine learning has the potential to improve the performance of QPE algorithms, especially in the presence of noise. In this work, QPE circuits were simulated with varying levels of depolarizing noise to generate datasets of QPE output. In each case, the phase being estimated was generated with a phase gate, and each circuit modeled was defined by a randomly selected phase. The model accuracy, prediction speed, overfitting level …

Proof-Of-Concept For Converging Beam Small Animal Irradiator, Benjamin Insley

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The Monte Carlo particle simulator TOPAS, the multiphysics solver COMSOL., and

several analytical radiation transport methods were employed to perform an in-depth proof-ofconcept

for a high dose rate, high precision converging beam small animal irradiation platform.

In the first aim of this work, a novel carbon nanotube-based compact X-ray tube optimized for

high output and high directionality was designed and characterized. In the second aim, an

optimization algorithm was developed to customize a collimator geometry for this unique Xray

source to simultaneously maximize the irradiator’s intensity and precision. Then, a full

converging beam irradiator apparatus was fit with a multitude …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Black Phosphorus Terahertz Photoconductive Antennae, Katie Michelle Welch

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in terahertz (THz) imaging systems, particularly for applications like post-surgical analysis of breast cancer, have led to the exploration of novel materials such as black phosphorus as the active material for a THz photoconductive antenna (PCA). This thesis, motivated by innovative techniques developed at the University of Arkansas, investigates the potential of black phosphorus as a material to enhance the performance of THz PCAs, focusing on generation efficiency and bandwidth. Previous implementations of BP as THz emitters have shown limitations, highlighting the need for thorough material characterization and optimized fabrication processes. Therefore, we adopted a dual-phase approach to this …

Computational Study For Tissue-Specific Dosimetric Quantities Of Secondary Radiation For Mars Exploration, Sungmin Pak

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The two main sources of primary space radiation, Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and Solar Particle Events (SPEs), encompass a spectrum of ions, ranging from protons (Z=1) to nickel ions (Z=28), with energies spanning from less than 1 keV to exceeding a few TeV. While SPEs represent sporadic events primarily comprised of a high flux of low- to intermediate-energy protons, GCRs are characterized by continuous low flux of diverse ions with higher energies, peaking in intensity near the solar minimum. During a Mars mission, astronauts will encounter primary particles of high energy from GCR and SPE spectra, capable of penetrating spacecraft …

Evaluation Of An End-To-End Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Pipeline For Prostate Cancer, Mohammad Daniel El Basha, Court Laurence, Carlos Eduardo Cardenas, Julianne Pollard-Larkin, Steven Frank, David T. Fuentes, Falk Poenisch, Zhiqian H. Yu

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Radiation treatment planning is a crucial and time-intensive process in radiation therapy. This planning involves carefully designing a treatment regimen tailored to a patient’s specific condition, including the type, location, and size of the tumor with reference to surrounding healthy tissues. For prostate cancer, this tumor may be either local, locally advanced with extracapsular involvement, or extend into the pelvic lymph node chain. Automating essential parts of this process would allow for the rapid development of effective treatment plans and better plan optimization to enhance tumor control for better outcomes.

The first objective of this work, to automate the treatment …

Quantum Computing Based Image Segmentation For Treatment Planning Applications, Rachel Glenn

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The exponential advancement of quantum computing has led to its increasing integration into medical radiology. Quantum-inspired algorithms have helped accelerate magnetic resonance fingerprinting for possible applications in clinic settings. Numerous global initiatives are currently integrating quantum computing into medical radiology and health care applications. Given the potential of quantum computing to enhance clinical care and medical research, we have developed this primer to introduce medical physicists to the realm of quantum computing. In this primer, we explore the application of currently available quantum computing-based auto-contouring methods to image segmentation. These implementations serve as prototypes of existing quantum algorithms tailored for …

Geomagnetic Substorms Prediction Model Using Combined Physics-Based And Deep Learning Modeling Techniques, Ruthba Yasmin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This thesis aims to develop a hybrid physics-incorporated neural network model (PINN) for classifying geomangnetic substorms in Earth's Magnetosphere. The model is trained using a comprehensive list of substorm onsets, ground magentometer data from a global network, and solar wind parameters from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite. Two different neural network architectures are used, and the physics model used for training is called WINDMI. The magnetic field components on the ground, which are a function of the ionospheric currents, are captured by the SML index. The methodology involves using 60-minute data segments preceding an event to train the hybrid …

Utilizing Electrical Geophysical Methods To Map Mycorrhizal Mycelium Networks Non-Invasively, Donald Pesonen

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

Mycorrhizal mycelium networks are a key component to forest health. These networks act as a transportation system for nutrients, are major players in carbon and nitrogen cycling, and can provide some level of drought resistance to the surrounding flora. Due to the location and size of these network’s filaments, studying mycelium non-invasively has been difficult. The alternative method of laboratory grown samples, lacks the important environmental factors that play into the growth and development of mycelium. Mycelium’s inherent conductivity and moisture retention allows for these networks to be a viable target for electrical geophysical equipment. CMD-Tiny, a small shallow depth …

Gate-Controlled Supercurrent Effect In Dry-Etched Dayem Bridges Of Non-Centrosymmetric Niobium Rhenium, Jennifer Koch, Carla Cirillo, Sebastiano Battisti, Leon Ruf, Zahra Makhdoumi Kakhaki, Alessandro Paghi, Armen Gulian, Serafim Teknowijoyo, Giorgio De Simoni, Francesco Giazotto, Carmine Attanasio, Elke Scheer, Angelo Di Bernardo

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

The application of a gate voltage to control the superconducting current flowing through a nanoscale superconducting constriction, named as gate-controlled supercurrent (GCS), has raised great interest for fundamental and technological reasons. To gain a deeper understanding of this effect and develop superconducting technologies based on it, the material and physical parameters crucial for the GCS effect must be identified. Top-down fabrication protocols should also be optimized to increase device scalability, although studies suggest that top-down fabricated devices are more resilient to show a GCS. Here, we investigate gated superconducting nanobridges made with a top-down fabrication process from thin films of …

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.

Post-Modeling Adjustments And Delivered Dose Verification Of The 6fff Beam Model Commissioned For The Monaco Treatment Planning System, Grant C. Debevec

LSU Master's Theses

External beam radiation therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment method for tumors and abnormalities of the spine and vertebral region. Treating the spine using a stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) technique can reduce toxicity to the spinal cord. The 6 MV flattening filter free (6FFF) beam model is currently used to plan and calculate dose for SBRT treatment plans, and the treatment plans are delivered using a linear accelerator (LINAC).

The commissioned beam model represents an invariant component of a LINAC. For volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans, the multileaf collimator (MLC) positions are changing throughout …

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Mitochondrial Fitness Governs Chemotherapeutic Efficacy In Hematologic Malignancies, Saeed Daneshmandi, Jee Eun Choi, Qi Yan, Cameron R. Macdonald, Manu Pandey, Mounika Goruganthu, Nathan Roberts, Prashant K. Singh, Richard M. Higashi, Andrew N. Lane, Teresa W-M Fan, Jianmin Wang, Philip L. Mccarthy, Elizabeth A. Repasky, Hemn Mohammadpour

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key regulators of immune responses and correlate with poor outcomes in hematologic malignancies. Here, we identify that MDSC mitochondrial fitness controls the efficacy of doxorubicin chemotherapy in a preclinical lymphoma model. Mechanistically, we show that triggering STAT3 signaling via β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) activation leads to improved MDSC function through metabolic reprogram- ing, marked by sustained mitochondrial respiration and higher ATP generation which reduces AMPK signaling, altering energy metabolism. Furthermore, induced STAT3 signaling in MDSCs enhances glutamine consumption via the TCA cycle. Metabolized glutamine generates itaconate which downregulates mitochondrial reactive oxygen species via regulation of …

X-Currents And Extreme Brightening Events, Abrielle Tio An Mei Wang, Gerard J. Fasel, Audrey Daucher, Makena Swenski, Andrea Black, John Mann, Maame Osei-Tutu

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The solar-terrestrial interaction is a dynamic process which manifests itself in the ionosphere. Interplanetary (IP) shocks or solar wind dynamic pressure pulses can generate enhanced brightening in dayside aurora. Foreshock transients are capable of inducing pressure changes, larger in magnitude than solar wind pressure pulses, which also contribute to intensifying dayside aurora. These pressure variations can accelerate particles into the ionosphere, generating field- aligned currents that produce magnetic impulse events and enhanced dayside auroral activity with periods of increased brightening. This study presents several dayside auroral brightening events which are not associated with IP shocks or solar wind dynamic pressure …

Thermal, Electrical, And Spin Transport: Encompassing Low-Damping Ferromagnets And Antiferromagnetic/Ferromagnetic Heterostructures, Matthew Ryan Natale

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Continuing technological advancements bring forth escalating challenges in global energy consumption and subsequent power dissipation, posing significant economic and environmental concerns. In response to these difficulties, the fields of thermoelectrics, spintronics, and spincaloritronics emerge as contemporary solutions, each presenting unique advantages. Thermoelectric devices, based on the Seebeck effect, other a passive, carbon-free energy generating solution from waste heat. Although current thermoelectric technology encounters hurdles in achieving optimal efficiencies without intricate designs or complex materials engineering, recently research into low-damping metallic ferromagnetic thin films have provided a new method to enhance spin wave lifetimes, thus contributing to thermoelectric voltage improvements. As …

Spacetime Geometry Of Acoustics And Electromagnetism, Lucas Burns, Tatsuya Daniel, Stephon Alexander, Justin Dressel

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Both acoustics and electromagnetism represent measurable fields in terms of dynamical potential fields. Electromagnetic force-fields form a spacetime bivector that is represented by a dynamical energy–momentum 4-vector potential field. Acoustic pressure and velocity fields form an energy–momentum density 4-vector field that is represented by a dynamical action scalar potential field. Surprisingly, standard field theory analyses of spin angular momentum based on these traditional potential representations contradict recent experiments, which motivates a careful reassessment of both theories. We analyze extensions of both theories that use the full geometric structure of spacetime to respect essential symmetries enforced by vacuum wave propagation. The …

Superconducting Polycrystalline Rhenium Films Deposited At Room Temperature, Serafim Teknowijoyo, Armen Gulian

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We report on magnetron deposition of thin superconducting rhenium films on sapphire substrates. During the deposition, substrates were held at ambient temperature. Critical temperature of the films is Tc ~ 3.6 K. Films have polycrystalline structure, and grazing incidence X-ray diffractometry indicates that crystalline lattice parameters are somewhat larger compared to the bulk ones. Magnetoresistive and AC/DC susceptibilities allowed us to determine Hc1 and Hc2 of these films, as well as estimate coherence length ξ(0) and magnetic penetration depth λL(0). We also provide information on surface morphology of these films.

Phase-Slip Centers As Cooling Engines, Iris Mowgood, Serafim Teknowijoyo, Sara Chahid, Armen Gulian

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Based on time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau system of equations, Éliashberg’s kinetic equations and finite element modeling, we analyze phonon emission by the phase-slip centers in superconducting filaments. Our results show that in the dissipative regime with these centers, thin superconducting filaments can be effective in originating not only positive but also negative thermal fluxes, i.e., they both generate and absorb phonons. In a stationary oscillatory regime, at a given moment of time, this generation and absorption of phonons reveals itself as positive and negative spectrum of phonons at different spectral ranges. Moreover, at a given spectral range, the emission reverses its sign …