Bulletin of the American Physical Society
2019 Annual Meeting of the APS Four Corners Section
Volume 64, Number 16
Friday–Saturday, October 11–12, 2019; Prescott, Arizona
Session F01: Poster Session (4:15pm - 6:10pm) |
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Chair: Preston Jones, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Room: STEM Atrium |
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F01.00001: Radio Emission Due to a Possible Exoplanet Around WX UMa Ivey Davis, Harish Vedantham, Joseph Callingham, Timothy Shimwell Jupiter is the brightest object in the sky below 40 MHz. The cutoff of its emission at 40 MHz, strong circular polarization, and temporal modulation of the emission helped astronomers characterize the emission as a result of electron cyclotron maser instability (ECMI). The relationship between the maximum emission frequency and magnetic field strength, distinct polarization, and large power output of ECMI has made meter-long wavelengths a promising regime to look for exoplanets, but attempts to detect exoplanets at these frequencies have so far been unsuccessful. Our research follows the Low-Frequency Array Two Metre Sky Survey of the sky from 120 to 168 MHz. The survey found sources with high circular polarization with optical counterparts, raising the possibility of having observed ECMI either from the star or from an undetected exoplanet around the star. We focus on one star from the survey, WX UMa, a magnetically active dwarf with a surface field strength of $\sim$7 kG. Spectral analysis of WX UMa shows a possible cutoff at $\sim$145 MHz, lower than the expected cutoff for WX UMa’s magnetic field strength. This property, along with the long duration and high circular polarization of the emission lead us to postulate that the emission is driven by an exoplanet around WX UMa. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00002: Analysis of Delta-Scuti Variable TYC 1951-1755-1 Using All Sky Surveys Samuel Liechty, Jarrod Hansen, Eric Hintz We attempt to determine the validity of measuring the periodicity of short-term variables using irregular, long-term cadences. To do so, we use a star identified in the ASAS-SN archive and the ATLAS survey, and using data taken at Brigham Young University confirm its period of pulsation. The period of~TYC 1951-1755-1 was analyzed and found to be 0.120702 Julian days. After comparing the period to that found by the ATLAS survey, a difference of .04{\%} was found. The period of pulsation of TYC 1951-1755-1 was also used to find a distance of 1080~$+$- 3 pc and was compared to parallax data gathered from the Gaia archive, resulting in a difference of distances of at least 40 pc. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00003: Study on the Dynamics and Stabilities of Motions of the Trojan Asteroids Using Astronomical Dynamics and Computer Analysis Richard Kyung, Juwon Moon The study of Trojan asteroids is one of the prominent fields of astronomical dynamics. Trojan asteroids are small celestial bodies that share the stable orbits of planets or large moons. They move ahead or behind the main body to near one of its Lagrangian points. In celestial mechanics, the Lagrangian points are located by the physical and geometrical properties of the two large orbiting bodies. In this research, asteroids trapped in L4 and L5 locations on the orbits of planets were observed and analyzed to determine whether the Trojan asteroids maintain or deviate their positions in relation to the two large rotating bodies. Lagrange points, stabilities, and the motions around such points were studied for the three-body problem in astronomical mechanics. Furthermore, based on the equations of motion, including the accelerations and velocities of the planets and asteroids around Lagrange points, simulations of the orbit of Trojan asteroids system were performed using computer analysis. The 2D and 3D displays were obtained in either inertial frame or rotating frame. Modifications of the parameters and initialization were altered to create comparisons between the outputs of trajectories for different cases. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00004: Identifying and Understanding Short Period Variables Using All Sky Surveys Jarrod Hansen, Sam Liechty, Eric Hintz We investigate the effectiveness of all sky surveys in identifying short period variables. We discuss obtaining data from several sources to use in confirming the periods found by these surveys. We focus on data obtained by the ASAS-SN and ATLAS surveys supplemented by data taken at BYU to explore these objects. Using data from these surveys we analyze periodicity using Period04 and compare results between the data sets. We select candidate stars using the ASAS-SN and ATLAS surveys and have investigated 31 objects at the time of this abstract. We also discuss misidentification of variability and suggest methods whereby this may be mitigated. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00005: Spectral Analysis of Brown Dwarf Binary Systems John Eberhard I studied the spectra of brown dwarfs that were previously identified as possible binary systems and compared the spectral data to brown dwarf atmospheric models using a least squared analysis. I found the models that best fit the data for both a singular brown dwarf and for a binary system. I then compared the fits of the binary and singular models to see if the differences were statistically significant, meaning that I was 99{\%} positive that the spectra were created by binary systems. Through this process I was able to confirm the presence of binary systems and also identify the properties of each brown dwarf studied, including its temperature, surface gravity, and amount of cloud cover. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00006: A Quantum Mechanical Study of Role of C$_{\mathrm{60}}$ for Origin of Interstellar Life Jose Pacheco, Ajit Hira, David Nunn, Ramakrishna Khalsa, Arrick Gonzales, Tino Pacheco Understanding the physical and chemical properties of small organic molecules is important for exploring the origin of life. This is a theoretical study of the interactions of a couple of C$_{\mathrm{60}}$ fullerene molecules with small organic molecules. Our study began with calculations to study the interactions of C$_{\mathrm{60}}$ with CO and CO$_{\mathrm{2\thinspace }}$molecules, using ab-initio methods based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and some molecular dynamics (MD). We also performed calculations for the interactions of CH$_{\mathrm{4}}$, C$_{\mathrm{2}}$H$_{\mathrm{6}}$, C$_{\mathrm{3}}$H$_{\mathrm{8}}$, C$_{\mathrm{4}}$H$_{\mathrm{10}}$, C$_{\mathrm{6}}$H$_{\mathrm{6}}$, CH$_{\mathrm{3}}$OH and C$_{\mathrm{2}}$H$_{\mathrm{5}}$OH molecules with the C$_{\mathrm{60}}$ fullerene. Some of the important properties of interest in our calculations on these complexes were binding energies, molecular geometries, bond-lengths, ionization potentials, and electron affinities. It should be noted that there have been recent reports on the detection of similar organic molecules in abundant quantities in outer space. We will also present the possible implications of our results for the origin of life in interstellar space and on Earth. Future work will include some experiments to benchmark our computational results.. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00007: Computational Simulations of DY Per Stars Nic Litza, Manos Chatzopoulos, Brad Munson, Juhan Frank, Geoffry Clayton, Courtney Crawford It is believed that DY Per stars are close cousins to R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars. For this to be true, they should experience similar formation processes. We computationally merged two stars with Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA) to see if a DY Per star could be created. Parameters such as stellar composition, mass ratios, and entropy were calculated. Our result did not match current observations, therefore further testing is required. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00008: Using LIGO to prove the existence of gravitons Michael Benjamin, Preston Jones, Michele Zanolin In 2013, Dr. Freeman Dyson published a paper which details the concept of single graviton detection. In this paper he examines various types of graviton detection and explains why they are impossible. One of the methods he examined was that of using LIGO to detect gravitons. The section where he discusses detecting gravitons with LIGO is what I will be making a poster of for the APS meeting [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00009: Fluids, gauge fields, and gravity: connections by way of the classical double copy Tucker Manton, Cindy Keeler, Nikhil Monga Gravity has been shown to be connected to fluid mechanics through the fluid/gravity correspondence, which asserts that $d+1$-dimensional Einstein equations in general relativity (GR) capture the $d$-dimensional Navier-Stokes (NS) equations. More recently, it's been discovered that exact solutions in GR are connected to exact solutions in gauge theories through the classical double copy. In this presentation, we build the third connection between gauge theory and NS solutions using the double copy picture. The particular gauge $\leftrightarrow$ gravity mapping we employ, referred to as the Weyl double copy, is used to analyze two classes of spacetimes which correspond to two separate restrictions on the fluid velocity fields. We discuss the two types of fluid solutions stemming from the two classes of spacetimes, and their corresponding gauge field solutions. Our findings include incompressible vortex solutions on the fluid side being mapped to (Abelian) gauge theory solutions corresponding to constant electromagnetic fields. Within this class of solutions, we further find that the flux of the Poynting vector is equivalent to the flow of kinetic energy of the fluid (enstrophy), suggesting a natural correspondence between gauge theory and fluid mechanics. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00010: Harmonic analysis of mid-latitude temperatures in the mesopause region: TIME-GCM results and sodium resonance lidar observations during 2009 Alynne Cutler, Maura Hagan, Titus Yuan Analyses of sodium resonance lidar temperature measurements made during a three-day period in August 2009 in the mesopause region (ca. 70-120km) above Fort Collins CO, along with analyses of correlative temperature predictions from the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME-GCM) reveal diurnal and semidiurnal temperature variations characteristic of solar atmospheric tides. Harmonic analyses via Fourier decomposition of the lidar data reveal a dominant semidiurnal oscillation with amplitudes that are well-represented in TIME-GCM at altitudes below about 92 km. A comparatively weaker diurnal tide was detected in the lidar data. This variation is negligible in the TIME-GCM results below 95km. Downward phase progression associated with upward propagating tides characterizes both tidal model and measurement results. Comparisons between August 2009 mean temperature profiles reveal a cold bias of \textasciitilde 17K in the TIME-GCM mesopause region. Equivalent analyses of temperature during a second three-day period in January 2009 remain in progress. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00011: Integrated Miniaturized Electrostatic Analyzer (iMESA): Characterizing the Ionosphere and Ionizing Dose in Low Earth Orbit. Patrick Gresham, Ian Moffett, Richard Balthazor, Gabriel Wilson, Jacob Harley, Matthew McHarg Everyday life depends on satellite constellations, which provide essential navigation and communication capabilities to both private companies and government agencies. The continual operation of these satellites requires mitigation of space hazards such as radiation effects, charging, and signal scintillation. The first is caused by ionizing dose from the sun and interstellar space, and the latter two are a result of plasma in the ionosphere. In low earth orbit, the bulk of radiation effects occur in the South Atlantic Anomaly -- a region of unusually high ionizing dose -- and the polar regions, while the ionospheric effects are hard to prevent due to poor understanding of density variations in the ionosphere. The iMESA constellation aims to ameliorate these deficiencies in two ways: by monitoring ionizing dose rate to help define the edges of the South Atlantic Anomaly, and by gathering data determining plasma density and temperature, which can be integrated into ionospheric models to allow for forecasting of space weather conditions. Both results would be of great benefit to spacecraft operators. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00012: Monitoring Laboratory Conditions with an Inexpensive Custom Data Acquisition System Joshua Boman, Megan Loveland, JR Dennison A standardized hardware and software package has been developed to monitor and record laboratory conditions. Changing physical conditions can subtly influence precise experimental devices and measurements. The computer-interfaced system is based around an inexpensive Raspberry Pi microcomputer and commercially available sensors. This system is capable of monitoring ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, visible and UV light intensity, and motion. The Raspberry Pi runs a Python program that reads data from the sensors, checks sensor data for outlying data points, and uploads the sensor data to a text file at user-defined intervals. The text file is used by a LabVIEW program on a host computer to further analyze, plot, and display the calibrated sensor data in real time and to trigger alarms. This allows laboratory users to determine the influence of varying conditions on experiments and identify physical conditions that require better control to improve the precision and accuracy of experimental data. Specific examples from the Materials Physics Group (MPG) labs are presented. For example, minor temperature fluctuations of \textpm 0.5 K were found to affect current measurements of highly insulating materials taken with MPG's constant voltage conductivity chamber. Sensor accuracy and resolution are also addressed, including cross-calibration to the Utah State Climatology campus weather station. Additional sensors can be readily accommodated in the program structure, for example to monitor vibrations, sound intensity, or AC power and voltage fluctuations. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00013: Simple Dye Laser Based on a Tapered Optical Nanofiber Asia Ayanyemi, Philip Rich, Rajani Ayachitula, Randy Knize, Brian Patterson Tapered optical nanofibers are an interesting area of physics research. The evanescent field surrounding the taper region can be used to create atom traps, inertial sensors, novel lasers, and other physical applications. Of these, we have chosen to focus on using a tapered optical fiber to create a simple dye laser. Light from a 520-nm diode laser is launched into a single-mode fiber. The fiber is adiabatically tapered to approximately 1 micrometer and placed in rhodamine 6G laser dye. The pump light interacts with the dye gain medium through the external evanescent field causing stimulated emission, which couples back into the fiber. Mirrors on each end of the fiber provide necessary feedback for lasing, and a grating is used to tune the broad spectral output. We characterize the lasing threshold and output spectrum of the laser. This has been a good project for undergraduate students to learn about lasers and optics. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00014: Heterogeneous Structures for Improved Terahertz Generation Charles Bahr, Natalie Green, Larry Heki Terahertz (THz) radiation has a variety of applications including chemical recognition, biomedical imaging, and developing high-speed electronic devices. Currently, the optimal method for creating intense THz radiation involves the conversion of short-pulsed infrared or visible laser light into THz pulses at significantly lower frequencies via optical rectification. Optical rectification is most effectively accomplished using organic crystals with nonlinear optical properties for infrared to THz conversion. Due to the relatively high refractive indices of these crystals, much of the pump laser light entering the crystal as well as generated THz radiation exiting the crystal is lost from reflections at the crystal surfaces. We report on a structure comprised of a layered series of materials with intermediate refractive indices designed to reduce reflective loss and improve THz generation in the organic crystal trans-4$\prime $-(dimethylamino)-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST). We combine simple theoretical calculations with experimental data to show that a structure comprised of materials with intermediate refractive indices can be used to increase generated THz power up to nearly 50{\%}. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00015: Photophysical Properties of an Organogold(I) Complex Jacob Malloy, Joseph Mihaly, Tod Grusenmeyer, Joy Haley, Thomas Gray, Kimberly de La harpe We will report on the photophysical properties of a novel dinuclear gold(I) complex consisting of a benzothiazole-2,7-fluorenyl moiety bound to N-heterocyclic carbene ligands via gold(I)-carbon $\sigma $-bonds. This complex absorbs in the ultraviolet and exhibits dual fluorescence and phosphorescence in the visible range at room temperature. The ground-state absorption and emission properties of this compound, as well, as excited-state lifetimes will be compared with similar systems to understand how the ancillary ligands and additional gold(I) center impacts excited-state dynamics. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00016: Radiative Heat Transfer in Linear Chains of SiC Nanoparticles Lucas Webster, Stephen Sanders, Vincenzo Giannini, Diego A. R. Dalvit, Wilton J. M. Kort-Kamp, Alejandro Manjavacas The transfer of heat through radiation plays a crucial role in the thermalization of nanoscale objects thanks to the involvement of evanescent waves. Therefore, the understanding of this phenomenon is critical for the development of novel nanoscale devices. Here, we investigate the thermalization of linear chains of spherical SiC nanoparticles. To that end, we develop an analytical approach that allows us to calculate the natural thermalization modes of the system, together with their corresponding decay rates. Using this approach, we analyze the time evolution of the temperature distribution of different structures. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00017: Testing Cellular Cultures in Simultaneous Simulated Reduced-Gravity and Radiation Space Environments Anya Nielson, Alexandra Nelson, Eryn Hansen, Lori Caldwell, JR Dennison, Elizabeth Vargis An apparatus was developed to test the effects of space-like reduced-gravity and radiation environments on biological cells. The modified rotary cell culture system (RCCS) has been used to expose mice muscle and skeletal cells to prolonged reduced-gravity and radiation, either separately or simultaneously, to simulate conditions during extended space travel. The apparatus has five cylindrical vessels rotated by a motor driven chain. The cells grown on polystyrene microspheres suspended in a viscous neutral-buoyant fluid within the vessels reach terminal velocity as they fall; the rotation of the vessels prevents the cells from ever settling, inducing a state of constant ``free-fall.'' Viscous drag and centripetal forces counter the effects of gravity and buoyant forces producing very little net force on the cells and thus simulating a low gravity environment. This apparatus is designed specifically for insertion in the USU Space Survivability Test (SST) chamber equipped with a 0.2 to 2.5 MeV beta radiation Sr$^{\mathrm{90}}$ source. Interchangeable graphite shielding produce specific average radiation dose rates cells. The simultaneous rotation of the vessels and exposure to the Sr-90 source provides a terrestrial method to observe space like conditions on cells. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00018: Modeling Cellular Interactions in Plants Matthew Hogan, David Peak, Keith Mott Plants must regulate a delicate exchange in order to survive:~ taking in enough carbon dioxide to photosynthesize while simultaneously limiting the loss of water to avoid dehydration. It is known that the regulators of this exchange are stomata, which are variable aperture pores found on the surface of leaves. We used a high resolution thermal camera to measure the temperatures across a small area of a leaf's surface, containing hundreds of thousands of stomata. We usually observed these data to be spatially ``patchy,'' which is indicative of collective behavior of stomata.~ Based on these observations and what is known about stomatal physics, we developed a network of discrete differential-difference equations to model how stomatal units respond to various external inputs and internal interactions. This network is closely analogous to a distributed computational method called a Cellular Nonlinear Network. By both running simulations and performing experiments we are trying to see how close this analogy is; that is, we are trying to probe the question, is it possible that plants compute? [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00019: Study on the Control of Bio-Fluid in the Microfluidic Channels Using Numerical Analysis and Computer Programming Aaron Zhao, Richard Kyung With the assistance of microfluidic technology, the integrated organ-on-a-chip (OOC) system can be miniaturized. In this paper, we aim to optimize microfluidic technologies through a multiple channel network using numerical and computer programming. This paper was to evaluate the micro-fluid flow in organ-on-a-chip microfluidic systems considering factors such as flow pattern, optimal flow rate, and flow uniformity. For the purpose of this paper, microfluidic channels with a circular cross section were chosen for computational and numerical simulations due to their low fabrication complexity. Computer code was developed to investigate how the flow rate would change based on a variety of factors through both an iteration analysis. For this research, continuity equation, modified Bernoulli equation, and the Hardy-Cross method which is an alternate iterative method were used. For the one dimensional and two dimensional sample structures of microfluidic channels, geometrical factors such as sample size and fluid properties were considered. Ultimately, the results showed that flow rate had a quadratic relationship to length and diameter of the channel in the iterative methods. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00020: Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy at Low Temperature and High Magnetic Field Daniel Shaw Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) is an extremely sensitive measurement tool, which allows detection of quantum phenomena. By measuring the resonances of a sample at certain temperatures and magnetic fields, one can establish properties such as; elastic moduli, sample integrity, and phase changes (first and second order). Our group is particularly interested in probing the effects experienced by the crystal lattice due to spin orbit coupling. The resonant frequencies shine light upon effects like magnetostrsiction, which is stronger in these systems. Much of the physics we are interested in happens at either low temperatures ($<$10K) or at high fields ($>$2T), or both. For this we have developed a probe for performing RUS within a Quantum Dynamics Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS), which allows us to run our experiments while varying temperature and magnetic field. Our recent work has been centered upon taking these measurements within these extreme environments with precision. I will detail not only the experimental setup and the process of creating it, but also some preliminary results. Illustrating how we are able to use RUS measurements and the future of the project. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00021: Fabrication of Copper Selenate Thin-Films with Pulsed Laser Deposition David King, Jinke Tang Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$ is a rare material that has several properties that are highly desirable for spintronic devices: it is an insulating ferrimagnet that also hosts magnetic skyrmions. Thus far, investigations of Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$ have emphasized single crystals. However, skyrmions are typically more stable in thin films than in bulk materials. Also, thin films are more suitable for device applications than single crystals. In this research, we present preliminary results of using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to fabricate thin films of Cu$_{2}$OSeO$_{3}$. Data showing the film's magnetic properties, crystallography, and electrical properties are presented. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00022: Single-Ion Anisotropy in Lattice-Disordered Quasi-1D Transverse Ising System CoNb$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{6}}$ John Ringler, Colin Sarkis, Matt Williams, Kate Ross Historically, the ability to probe the non-equilibrium properties of bulk quantum magnets has been largely stifled by the extremely short (picosecond) relaxation timescales displayed by these systems. In the well-known quasi-1D Transverse Field Ising system CoNb$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{6}}$, relaxation times have been observed to increase by several orders of magnitude at low temperatures and fields. This long relaxation time leaves the material -- and its non-equilibrium phase diagram -- open to previously inaccessible experimental techniques such as neutron scattering. The mechanisms of this slow magnetic relaxation remain unclear, but could be resolved by investigating the single-ion effects occurring at the magnetic Co$^{\mathrm{2+}}$ sites in the crystal lattice. To accomplish this, Co$^{\mathrm{2+}}$ doped into non-magnetic columbite MgNb$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{6}}$ in an effort investigate these effects through the diluted Ising chains. Powder samples of Mg$_{\mathrm{1-x}}$Co$_{\mathrm{x}}$Nb$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{6}}$ (with x $=$ 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) were synthesized using a sintering technique, and single-ion anisotropic interactions were explored via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and AC susceptibility measurements on the lattice-disordered variant. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00023: Fiber Fabry-Perot Interferometric Characterization of Dissipation in LIGO Mirror Coatings Stephan LeBohec, Conner Winder, Colby Smith, Mario Homer, Brecken Larsen, Cedric Shaskey, Vikram Deshpande, Kay Park An important sensitivity limitation of interferometric gravitational wave detectors is directly related to the mechanical dissipation of the mirrors used as test masses. This dissipation happens primarily because of the reflective coating applied on the surface of the mirror. The microscopic mechanism of this coupling is not understood but it is believed to be associated with the presence of crystalline structures constituting defects in the coating. Hence, currently, the goal is to identify coatings that are free of such defects. The identification of improved coatings will be exploited in the future and regular upgrades of gravitational wave detectors and will enter the design of future gravitational wave observatories. In the newly formed University of Utah LIGO mirror coatings group, we have implemented a fiber Fabry-Perot interferometric characterization of mechanical dissipation in the so-called ``gentle nodal suspension'' geometry. Proof-of-principle measurements have been performed at room temperature in ambient conditions and integration with vacuum and cryogenic conditions is currently underway. In the future, characterization of the coating will be done as a function of temperature toward an understanding of the dissipation mechanisms, in order to identify ideal coating candidate materials and temperatures of operation. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00024: Bi- and Cu-Modified $\delta $-MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ Electrodes in Rechargeable Zn/MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ Batteries: An \textit{Ab Initio} study. Birendra Ale Magar, Nirajan Paudel, Timothy N. Lambert, Igor Vasiliev Despite experimental evidence of the influence of Bi and Cu additives on the performance of rechargeable Zn/MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ batteries, the mechanism by which these additives affect the rechargeability and cyclability of the $\delta $-MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ electrode has not been explained in detail. We apply first-principles computational methods based on density functional theory to study the electrochemical properties of Bi- and Cu-modified delta-MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ electrodes in rechargeable Zn/MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ batteries. Our calculations show the possibility of formation of Bi-Mn and Cu-Mn oxides in Bi/Cu-modified $\delta $-MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ cathodes during battery cycling. The results of our study suggest that the formation of intermediate Bi-Mn and Cu-Mn oxides could reduce the rate of accumulation of irreversible redox reaction products in the MnO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ electrode. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00025: Pin Diamond Diode for Alpha Particle Detection Holly Johnson, Anna Zaniewski, Jason Holmes, Ricardo Alarcon, Manpuneet Benipal, Franz Koeck, Jesse Brown, Harshad Surdi, Robert Nemanich Semiconductors have long been used as radiation detectors for particles such as neutrons, protons, or alpha particles. Historically these detectors have been made of silicon; however, silicon-based detectors are damaged over time by radiation and in some cases must be frequently replaced, require periodic calibration, and are susceptible to thermal noise due to its small bandgap. In this project we demonstrate a PIN diamond-based detector (PIN: p-doped, intrinsic, n-doped). Diamond is a wide bandgap semiconductor with a bandgap of 5.45 eV. PIN diamond has a built-in electric field, allowing it to detect particles without an external bias. The PIN structure has a number of advantages and without an external bias, the signal will have less noise. Compared to silicon, diamond is less susceptible to thermal noise and is more robust to radiation damage, making it advantageous in energetic, high temperature environments. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00026: Comparative Study of Surface Energy Engineering for low temperature wafer bonding on LiTaO$_{\mathrm{3}}$ and LiNbO$_{\mathrm{3}}$ to Si and SiO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ Mohammed Sahal, Brian R Baker, Nicole Herbots, Nikhil C Suresh, Shaurya Khanna, Amber A Chow, Saaketh Narayan, Aashi R Gurijala, Sukesh Ram Surface engineering is needed to directly bond wafers of LiTaO$_{\mathrm{3}}$ (100) and LiNbO$_{\mathrm{3}}$ (100), Si (100) and SiO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ (100). Surface Energy Engineering (SEE) can be designed using the Van Oss-Chaudhury-Good for wafer mapping of three surface interactions, namely van der Waals interactions, and interactions with electron donors and acceptors. Three liquid contact angle analysis (3LCAA$^{\mathrm{TM}})$ was developed for Nanobonding$^{\mathrm{TM}}$ using several drops for each of liquids (Water, $\alpha $-bromo naphthalene, glycerin) for contact angle measurements. The DROP$^{\mathrm{TM}}$ algorithm is a fast, accurate way to extract contact angles. Surface engineered hydrophobic LiTaO$_{\mathrm{3\thinspace }}$(100) bonding to hydrophilic Si (100) is attempted for electron donor-acceptor low temperature direct bonding. Hydrophilic-hydrophilic hydrogen bonding at low temperature is found to require hydrophilic LiTaO$_{\mathrm{3}}$ and LiNbO$_{\mathrm{3}}$. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00027: Light-fueled High Energy Reactions Enabled by Diamond Tirzah Fougner, Jonathan Barkl, Franz Koceck, Anna Zaniewski, Robert Nemanich The enormous power available from the sun has the potential to not only supply electricity, but also fuel high energy chemical reactions that currently depend on fossil fuels to achieve the required high pressure and temperature. In this project, we utilize unique properties of diamond in conjunction with ultraviolet and visible sources of light to generate electrons solvated in water.~ Enabling this electron generating process is the negative electron affinity of the hydrogen-terminated diamond surface. These electrons are used to fuel the high energy reaction of breaking the nitrogen-nitrogen bond and reducing nitrogen to ammonia. This process could also be used to reverse combustion to make fuels from carbon dioxide. Our results confirm that ammonia is produced by this mechanism from nitrogen gas using both visible and ultraviolet light. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00028: Correlating Three Liquid Contact Angle Analysis (3LCAA), High Resolution Ion Beam Analysis (HR-IBA), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to Optimize GaAs Native Oxides as a Function of Surface Processing Shaurya Khanna, Amber Chow, Nikhil Suresh, Sukesh Ram, Aashi Gurijala, Shawn Whaley, Robert Culbertson, Nicole Herbots, Karen Kavanagh Native oxides inhibit opto-electronic epitaxial growth, making their understanding and removal key. In this work, while HR-IBA accurately determines oxygen coverage, XPS detects modifications in the chemical bonding of GaAs oxides to correlate with changes in surface energy and hydro-affinity through 3LCAA. 3LCAA, total surface energy, $\gamma^{\mathrm{T}}$, is determined from Lifshitz-Van der Waals, electron donors, and electron acceptors via van Oss-Chaudhury-Good theory. GaAs changes from hydrophobic $\gamma ^{\mathrm{T\thinspace }}=$ 33 \textpm 1 mJ/m$^{\mathrm{2}}$ to highly hydrophilic $\gamma^{\mathrm{T\thinspace }}=$ 66 \textpm 1 mJ/m$^{\mathrm{2}}$ after etching.IBA combines \textless 111\textgreater channeling with oxygen nuclear resonance to measure monolayer oxygen coverage by matching SIMNRA simulation to spectra. GaAs oxygen coverage decreases after etching from 7.2 \textpm 0.5 ML to 3.6 \textpm 0.5 ML with no stoichiometric change in GaAs. is used to measure oxidation of Ga and As as GaAsO$_{\mathrm{4}}$, Ga$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{3}}$, As$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{3}}$, and As$_{\mathrm{2}}$O$_{\mathrm{5}}$ on two different spots in each wafer. Relative proportions of Ga 3d and As 3d are unaffected by carbon contamination. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00029: Analyzing Prototype Solid State Detector Performance and Suitability for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment Aaron Mutchler The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a new cutting edge experiment that will be fundamental in the study of neutrino oscillations and physics beyond the standard model. It will feature a high intensity beam that will utilize horn-focused mesons to produce a neutrino and muon beam, with the muons stopping in the material after the beamline. In order for DUNE to accurately study neutrino oscillations, the neutrino beam intensity, alignment, and distribution must be monitored in real time. Because muons follow the same trajectory as the neutrinos and are easier to detect, we use muon detectors to monitor the beam. We are investigating the durability and suitability of solid state muon monitors with two prototype detectors: a silicon detector and poly-crystal diamond detector. This poster will show results from these prototypes after several months of operation in a neutrino beam. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00030: Coherent Captain Mills: The Search for Sterile Neutrinos Ashley Elliott, Ryder Moreno, Kate Walker, Emily Strawn, Jonah Greenwood, Jeramy Gordon, Darrel Smith Neutrinos are ubiquitous sub-atomic particles populating every part of the universe. Their lack of electric and color charge makes them susceptible to only weak and gravitational interactions. The observation of neutrino oscillations confirms that the active neutrinos ($\nu_{\mathrm{e}}$ , $\nu_{\mathrm{\mu }}$ , $\nu_{\mathrm{\tau }})$ are comprised of three mass eigenstates with $\Delta $m$^{\mathrm{2\thinspace }}$values between 10$^{\mathrm{-3\thinspace }}$to 10$^{\mathrm{-5\thinspace }}$eV$^{\mathrm{2}}$. However, a persistent phenomenon has been observed at LSND, MiniBooNE and other short-baseline experiments (SBE) where $\Delta $m$^{\mathrm{2\thinspace }}$\textasciitilde $^{\mathrm{~}}$1eV$^{\mathrm{2\thinspace }}$is not compatible with the current mixing between mass eigenstates. However, a 4th neutrino, a sterile neutrino ($\nu $s) That doesn't participate in weak interactions could explain the phenomena observed as SBE's. An experiment has been constructed at TA-53 at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Coherent Captain Mills experiment (CCM), to investigate this large $\Delta $m$^{\mathrm{2}}$\textasciitilde $^{\mathrm{~}}$1eV$^{\mathrm{2\thinspace }}$and determine conclusively whether or not this large $\Delta $m$^{\mathrm{2}}$ is due to a ``new'' sterile neutrino. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00031: Microfield distributions from pseudoatom MD and real-space structures for KKR Green's functions Chase Hanson, Michael Laraia, Charlie Starrett, David Kilcrease, Nathaniel Shaffer Spectroscopic lines broaden and shift in dense plasma environments. Models of these line shapes inform experimental measurements of plasma temperature, density, and ionization. We have (i) investigated the missing plasma physics in the widely-used adjustable parameter exponential approximation method at low temperatures via comparison to microfield distribution calculations from pseudoatom molecular dynamics. In addition, we have (ii) developed novel real space structures for multiple scattering Green's functions and have optimized the KKR electronic structure method, suitable for calculating line shapes in plasma, over complex structures. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00032: UVU VASIMR First Plasma Studies Joshua Baum, Raymond Perkins, Phil Matheson UVU is developing a magnetoplasma rocket as a means to introduce undergraduates to plasma physics and its associated diagnostics and technologies. Because of its novel use in using radio frequency (RF) energy to both produce and energize the plasma, the choice was made to develop a device modeled after a Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR). This report details progress made in producing argon plasma with a magnetron source and in characterizing the plasma electron temperature and density with spectroscopic techniques. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00033: Study on the Organic Solar Cells to Improve Electrical Efficiency Using Physical and Computational Analysis Jaehong Min, Richard Kyung Researchers have been searching for an eco-friendly and sustainable energy source that can replace fossil fuels to alleviate the future energy crisis. Renewable solar cells have been identified as a potential solution for manufacturing miniaturized low-cost photovoltaic cell. In this research, organic materials such as fullerene analogs as electron acceptors were studied using computational and physical methods to increase the electric fields in the OSC (Organic Solar Cell) unit. Electric and thermodynamic properties of isotropic thin organic materials, such as optimized energy (kJ/mol) and dipole moment (debye), were calculated using a computational program. Furthermore, electrostatic potential maps were found and analyzed in the assessment of activity and stability of the OSCs for sustainable solar cell development. Specifically, this research focuses on increasing electric properties of solar batteries using different types of organic nanoparticles. To increase the stability of OSCs to store more energy efficiently, various combinations of C60 fullerene derivatives were tested to differ the structure of functional groups. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00034: Enhancing Amusement Park Physics Curriculum for USU Physics Day at Lagoon JR Dennison, Phil Lundgreen, Emily Stalder, Brenne Wilcox USU Physics Day is one of the Intermountain West region's oldest and largest STEM outreach activities. Held annually at Lagoon Amusement Park for the last 31 years, in recent years it has had annual participation of \textasciitilde 10,000 students and \textasciitilde 600 teachers from over 130 high schools and middle schools. To enhance the educational benefits for secondary students attending Physics Day, web-based STEM curriculum has been developed to support activities both during Physics Day and in the classroom before and after the one-day event. Amusement park physics accesses associative learning situations, and utilizes hands-on activities to apply basic concepts studied in physics and physical science classrooms; it also instills excitement about science by focusing on myriad real-world examples of physics principles so ideally demonstrated at an amusement park. It is not hard to motivate secondary STEM students to pick up their cell phones, climb on roller coasters with their classmates, and delight in doing physics. As a first step for our current efforts to rejuvenate the curriculum (\underline {https://physicsday.usu.edu/}), we report on our evaluations of 12 years of teacher surveys and educator recommendations to identify the most looked-for and effective enhancements to the Physics Day contests and curriculum including physics topics, content, educational objectives, and incentives. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00035: The Challenge of Optimal Quantum Cloning Chanhyun Pak, M. Thomas Hoffman, Jean-Francois Van Huele The No Cloning Theorem prevents copying an unknown arbitrary quantum state. Buzek and Hillery [.()Bužek and Hillery, PRA\underline {54}(3),1844 (1996)] found ways to get around the No Cloning Theorem, using either a deterministic imperfect cloning method or a probabilistic exact cloning method. In this poster we will discuss optimal cloning procedures, such as using Optimal Symmetric Universal Quantum Cloning Machine and illustrate them with examples. [Preview Abstract] |
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F01.00036: Non-Locality, Quantum Interference, and Entanglement in an Undergraduate Lab Nathan Stone, Thomas Draper This experiment investigates entanglement and non-locality within a quantum system. The experiment is designed to show a violation of Bell's Inequality using only equipment that is available to the undergraduate student. We use a nonlinear crystal to split a photon into two half-energy entangled particles, and then use polarization filters and single photon counters to rule out local hidden variables determining the behavior of the photons. Using an oscilloscope to count the coincidences (which greatly limited the sampling we could do), Bell's inequality was shown to be violated at the 95{\%} confidence level. [Preview Abstract] |
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