Session E1: Welcome Reception and Poster Session I: APS Posters I (5:45 pm - 7:30 pm)

MEST-The universe has not the time arrowhead and space expanding

The space-time is the orbit of motion. So the displacement and period of the motion are the space-time. In the microcosm, the wave is the orbit of the motion. Because the wave has the probability, so the probability of the displacement and period of wave are the quantum space-time. (1)$S=P(r)=P(\lambda)={f^2}$ According to the Benford's law, (2)$T=P(t)=ln(1+\frac{1}{t})={\nu}$. Among it, S: the quantum space, f: the amplitude, r: the displacement, T: the quantum time, t: the period, $\lambda$: the wavelength, $\nu$: the frequence, P(x): the probability function. When the wave trip in the universe, its quantum space-time change to universal space-time, it would lost its space-time and has a constant of the rate. (3)$V\approx{H_0}D$. (4)$\frac{\Delta\lambda}{\lambda_0}\approx\frac{V}{c}$. (5)$H_0\approx(\frac{\lambda}{D})\Delta\nu$. Among it, V: the velocity of the star, $H_0$: Hubble constant, $\nu$: the frequence, $\lambda$: the wavelength, D: the displacement, $\frac{\lambda}{D}$: the rate of the translation between two system. Everything has its own space-time of its motion. If there is a relationship between two motions, there is a relationship between their space-time; If there is not a relationship between two motions, there is not a relationship between their space-time.   

Time may affect the visibility of dark matter and its corresponding space

Background: Matter with homogenous time to us is observable. Contrarily, matter with inhomogeneous time to us is not observable. Dark matter is not visible to us. Materials and methods: Evidence of dark matter and application of Einstein's theories were used to infer our hypothesis. Results: According to Einstein's time dilation theory, the speed of light is related to time as a constant. It indicates objects in our space exist in the same time that they are visible to us by the light with same constant. However, the light in our space can not reach dark matter, which evinces that time in our space is different from the time for dark matter that may be associated with different light speed constant than our space. Discussion: According to NASA, dark matter is five times more abundant than ordinary matter. Dark matter is different from black holes because black holes are observable which indicate it exists in the same time with us. However, We are unable to see dark matter and its corresponding space for the light in our space cannot reach dark matter. It indicates that dark matter may exist in a separate space with different time. Present evidence also shows that we will not feel the dark material passing through us, which also evinces an inhomogeneous time of dark matter to us.   

Observations of Radio-Loud Narrow Line Seyfert 1

Much work has been done recently on a small but interesting subclass of AGN, the radio loud NLS1s (R $>$ 10). Several of these objects have been observed to posses properties similar to blazars, including blazar-like SEDs and the emission of gamma-rays, as detected by the FERMI/LAT instrument. As part of our ongoing monitoring program, we present here our observations for a sample of RL NLS1s. We have obtained polarimetric observations of several targets in order to determine if they exhibit significant or variable optical polarization, which is characteristic of blazars. Additionally, we utilize the public data available from the FERMI/LAT instrument to determine if any of these objects are radio-loud and variable. The results of these observations will be compared to those properties that are typical of blazars.   

Thin-Disk Galactic Rotation Described with Newtonian Dynamics withOUT Mysterious Dark Matter

We analyze [1-3] galactic rotation data by solving equations based solely on Newtonian dynamics balancing gravitational and centrifugal forces on every point in a rotating axisymmetric thin disk of finite size. For any measured rotation curve, our linear algebra matrix equation resulting from a boundary-element discretization procedure can be used to determine the mass distribution in the disk from the galactic center to the disk edge where the rotation curve ends. There is no need for a speculated rotation curve beyond the ``cut-off'' radius. For a disk galaxy with a typical flat rotation curve, our computed results show that the surface mass density monotonically decreases from the galactic center toward the periphery, but with a larger decaying scale length than the measured brightness distribution. This fact suggests an increasing mass-to-light ratio with the radial distance, instead of having a constant mass-to-light ratio. In addition to successful reproduction of the rotation velocity curve, our calculated total galactic mass of the Milky Way is in good agreement with the star-count data.\\[4pt] [1] Feng \& Gallo, Res Astron Astrophys 11 (2011) 1429-1448.\\[0pt] [2] Gallo \& Feng, Astro Soc Pacif Conf Proc, vol 413, p 289-303, Dec 2009.\\[0pt] [3] Gallo \& Feng, J Cosmo, Vol 6, 1373-1380, Apr 2010   

High $\mathbf{B}$-field Limit of Magnetic Oscillations in Magnetars

Magnetars are neutron stars with the highest known magnetic fields. Magnetars periodically undergo violent resurfacing events, which would be expected to alter the crystalline structure of the crust and the Fermi surface as a consequence. One could find the structure of the Fermi surface using de Haas-van Alphen-type oscillations, which exist at magnetic fields characteristic of magnetars. To a first approximation we can treat the crust of a magnetar as a Fermi gas of free electrons inside a periodic lattice of iron atoms, which allows us to use the results of condensed matter theory (such as Bloch's theorem). We calculate the upper $\mathbf{B}$-field limit of magnetic oscillations of free electrons at the crust. Above a critical $\mathbf{B}$-field value all electrons collapse into a single Landau level and therefore de Haas-van Alphen-type oscillations cease.   

Supernova Remnant Evolution with Cosmic Ray Feedback

Supernova remnants (SNR) are believed to be the predominant source of galactic cosmic rays (CR). The acceleration of particles in supernova shocks depends on the dynamic evolution of the ejecta and its interaction with the circumstellar environment. The SNR dynamics, in turn, is affected by energy losses due to CR production. We discuss self-consistent treatment of SNR/CR evolution with 3D MHD simulations. We also investigate PIC simulation of the Weibel instability as well as the observational consequences of CR production in the high energy regime.   

Lower limits on ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray and jet powers of TeV blazars

Lower limits on the power emitted in ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray (UHECR) protons are derived for TeV blazars with the assumption that the observed TeV gamma rays are generated due to interactions of these protons with cosmic microwave photons. ~This mechanism may be at work in four blazars, namely 1ES 0229+200; 1ES 1101-232; 1ES 0347-121 and 1ES 1426+428, which are at sufficiently high redshift ($>$0.1) that allow efficient cascade development to make TeV emission and which are non-varying or very weakly varying at $>$TeV energies. The lower limits on the UHECR power are lower than the respective synchrotron luminosities in case of all blazars except for 1ES 1426+428. The proposed Auger North Observatory can detect 40 EeV cosmic rays from this extraordinary source and test the UHECR-generated TeV emission model, which requires the intergalactic magnetic field strength to be below 10$^{-16}$ G. The lower limits on the jet power for all four TeV blazars exceed the Eddington luminosity of a 10$^9$ solar mass black hole in case the injected UHECR spectrum is softer than -2.2.   

Affects of curtains on the scaler system in HAWC

HAWC is a high-energy gamma-ray observatory currently under construction in Mexico. It consists of 300 large water tanks instrumented with photomultiplier tubes. HAWC has two DAQs. The main DAQ reconstructs the direction and energy of individual air showers, the scaler DAQ monitors the rate of each PMT. A gamma ray transient can be searched for as a statistical excess over the noise of all PMTs in the scaler system. We investigate a modification of HAWC's design that adds opaque curtains to the tanks to optically isolate each PMT. In particular we studied whether the scaler system would have better sensitivity to gamma-ray transients with this alternative design. We find modest gain in sensitivity using the additional curtains.   

CMS Pixel Upgrade: Robustness Studies of the CMS Tracker Inner Barrel

An upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) pixel detector is proposed to maintain the excellent tracking and physics performance of the detector when running at the highest luminosities expected towards the end of the Phase 1 run of the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The ability of the pixel upgrade to ameliorate inefficiencies in the CMS Tracker Inner Barrel (TIB) detector is presented in this study. The TIB could degrade during its lifetime through a number of possible effects such as radiation damage, or failure of the detector components. In the first scenario we present a degradation study of the TIB by simulating a homogeneous inefficiency of the strip detector due to data loss in the first two layers of the TIB. In the second scenario we simulate specific dead modules which may be caused by a failure of some cooling loops in the TIB, or by radiation damage. This generates zones where particles are not detected in the TIB. The impact of these degradations on tracking efficiency and fake rate are studied with the current and with the proposed upgrade pixel detector. These studies were done for luminosities of up to 2$\times 10^{34}$~cm$^{-2}$s$^{-1}$.   

Elementary processes in the Self-Interacting Flavor-Mixed Dark Matter

Some Cold Dark Matter candidates are flavor-mixed particles. Recently, it has been shown that a collision (scattering) of two non-relativistic flavor-mixed particles, as in a self-interacting dark matter model, can cause both particles to experience mass eigenstate conversions, which in turn can ultimately lead to their escape from a trapping gravitational potential of a dark matter halo. Such a process has an important effect on large scale structure formation and seems to provide an elegant solution to several outstanding cosmological problems. In the early universe, however, the mass eigenstate conversions are suppressed because of rapid broadening of the particles' wave-packets. Here we study elementary processes involving flavor-mixed particles -- elastic scatterings and conversions -- and calculate cross-sections of these processes under various conditions. Our results are of great importance for accurate numerical modeling of the cosmological structure formations with N-body parallel codes.   

Solar Flare Impulse Broadening from Gamma Ground Survey Network

Inexpensive gamma detectors with GPS and wireless communications have been developed and installed to provide a ground survey network for detection of unintended gamma radiation along transport routes. Signals from pedestrian borne and vehicle borne radiation sources have pulse widths that range three orders of magnitude in time from millseconds to seconds. Information collected during the 24/7 operation of this network generated unexpected signals lasting over an hour. These longer time responses have been traced to solar flare events. This paper will discuss the time and intensity correlations with known satellite sensor data. These terrestrial gamma ray flashes will be analysed further as real-time data continues to be collected.   

The Dark Energy Survey Camera

The Dark Energy Survey Collaboration has built the Dark Energy Camera (DECam), a 3 square degree, 520 Megapixel CCD camera which is being mounted on the Blanco 4-meter telescope at CTIO. DECam will be used to carry out the 5000 sq. deg. Dark Energy Survey, using 30\% of the telescope time over a 5 year period. During the remainder of the time, and after the survey, DECam will be available as a community instrument. Construction of DECam is complete. The final components were shipped to Chile in Dec. 2011 and post-shipping checkout is in progress in Dec-Jan. Installation and commissioning on the telescope are taking place in 2012. A summary of lessons learned and an update of the performance of DECam and the status of the DECam installation and commissioning will be presented.   

Design for a New Observatory for the Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

For decades scientists have searched the skies for signals from extraterrestrial civilizations using large radio telescopes. However, researchers have recently considered the possibility that signals sent at optical wavelengths may be a more promising means of interstellar communications. Such signals may be sent in the form of very rapid (ns) light pulses generated by large lasers. In principle, optical telescopes equipped with high-speed light sensors can be used to detect such signals. Already, several groups have initiated preliminary search efforts. Here we describe the design for a new observatory to search for optical signals from extraterrestrial sources. Our design is relatively inexpensive to build, and observations can be conducted remotely by students. We use a set of four individual telescopes to scan the sky as it moves overhead. Each telescope includes a large area Fresnel lens and an array of photo-multiplier tubes. The four telescopes will be operated in coincidence so as to minimize the chance of recording false signals due to background light fluctuations. Preliminary performance estimates suggest that this design will allow for the most sensitive optical searches done to date. Deployment and initial observations are scheduled to begin Summer 2012.   

Impacts by Compact Ultra Dense Objects

We propose to search for nuclear density or greater compact ultra dense objects (CUDOs), which could constitute a significant fraction of the dark matter [1]. Considering their high density, the gravitational tidal forces are significant and atomic-density matter cannot stop an impacting CUDO, which punctures the surface of the target body, pulverizing, heating and entraining material near its trajectory through the target [2]. Because impact features endure over geologic timescales, the Earth, Moon, Mars, Mercury and large asteroids are well-suited to act as time-integrating CUDO detectors. There are several potential candidates for CUDO structure such as strangelet fragments or more generally dark matter if mechanisms exist for it to form compact objects. \\[4pt] [1] B. J. Carr, K. Kohri, Y. Sendouda, \& J.'i. Yokoyama, Phys. Rev. D81, 104019 (2010). \\[0pt] [2] L. Labun, J. Birrell, J. Rafelski, Solar System Signatures of Impacts by Compact Ultra Dense Objects, arXiv:1104.4572.   

Antiproton-impact ionization of H$_{2}$

Antiproton-impact ionization cross sections are calculated for H$_{2}$. Both one active and two active electron time-dependent close-coupling methods are used to calculate cross sections for H$_{2}$ at various molecular orientations for incident energies ranging from 1 to 100 keV. Differences between the calculations for the single ionization of H$_{2}$ are attributed to strong electron correlation effects in the few-body system. The results are compared with experiments [1,2]. \\[4pt] [1] P Hvelplund et al. J. Phys. B 27, 925 (1994)\\[0pt] [2] H Knudsen et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 213201 (2010)   

Considerations Concerning the Overall Unification

The direction of the century old search, based on non-probabilistic gravity, for the unification of forces blockades the search for consciousness at the fundamental level. Probabilistic gravity deriving strong coupling from a quantum mechanically modified inverse square law of gravity, and derivation of the fine structure constants' 137 by a computional route throw light on the quantum source of consciousness as explained in the book ``Quantum Consciousness - The Road to Reality'' by this author in more details. Uniformity of microwave background, spooky action, quantum tunnelling and other issues are natural consequences of nonlocal gravity. I will show how this constitutes a play on the shoulders of the giants and also on the imaginary dimensions of the string theory.   

Special Relativistic effects may impact the conditions necessary for an event horizon

The predictions of General Relativity (GR) have been well tested, yet the precision needed to differentiate GR from other potential theories lies well beyond the level of precision available through current (and even proposed) experimentation. As such, any effort to differentiate theories must go beyond observation and be based on exact mathematical relationships. This paper explores the derivation of the Schwarzschild metric with a particular focus on the value of the metric in weak gravity where GR reduces to Newtonian gravity. Specifically, this paper explores the ramifications of including Special Relativistic (SR) effects into the weak field approximation used to derive the value of the parameter 1/S in the Schwarzschild metric. It can be shown that when SR effects are fully taken into account, including when v $<<$ c, that the conditions necessary to support the formation of the event horizon change. This paper explores whether these changes are significant enough to call into question the predictions of GR or whether they may be legitimately ignored as has been the past practice.   

Gravitational Wave and Neutrino Signals from Rotating General-Relativistic Stellar Collapse

We perform 3+1 general relativistic simulations of rotating iron core collapse in massive presupernova stars, employing a finite-temperature nuclear equation of state and a multi-species neutrino leakage scheme, that allows us to capture the effects of deleptonization, neutrino cooling and heating in the postbounce phase. Studying a wide range of progenitor rotation rates and two different presupernova models, we explore the effect of neutrino leakage on the postbounce dynamics and gravitational wave emission. We also study postbounce oscillation modes of protoneutron stars and investigate their imprint on neutrino and gravitational wave signal.   

Reduced basis for spinning, non precessing binaries

We extend our Reduced Basis results of Phys.Rev.Lett. 106, 221102 (2011) to the case in which spin in the absence of precession is included. We find that the number of bases needed to represent the full spectrum of such waveforms is marginally larger than the one needed for the non-spinning case. The method, in particular, gives a set of nearly optimal points in parameter space, in a precise mathematical sense, for purposes such as calibration of phenomenological or EOB models. On a broader perspective, these results suggest that Reduced Basis with further enhancements can beat the curse of dimensionality in the two body problem in GR.   

Application of the Maximum Entropy method to data from the LIGO gravitational wave detectors

We apply the Maximum Entropy method, a coherent data analysis method for retrieving a common signal measured by a network of detectors, to data taken by the LIGO detectors during Science Run 5. The method is applied to data from hardware injection times when the detector mirrors were physically moved to simulate a gravitational wave detection. Comparison between the injection signal waveform and that recovered by Maximum Entropy provides a test of the method.   

Analyses of Tsunami Events using Simple Propagation Models

Tsunamis exhibit the characteristics of ``canal waves'' or ``gravity waves'' which belong to the class of ``long ocean waves on shallow water.'' The memorable tsunami events including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Pacific Ocean tsunami off the coast of Japan are analyzed by constructing simple tsunami propagation models including the following: (1) One-dimensional propagation model; (2) Two-dimensional propagation model on flat surface; (3) Two-dimensional propagation model on spherical surface; and (4) A finite line-source model on two-dimensional surface. It is shown that Model 1 explains the basic features of the tsunami including the propagation speed, depth of the ocean, dispersion-less propagation and bending of tsunamis around obstacles. Models 2 and 3 explain the observed amplitude variations for long-distance tsunami propagation across the Pacific Ocean, including the effect of the equatorial ocean current on the arrival times. Model 3 further explains the enhancement effect on the amplitude due to the curvature of the Earth past the equatorial distance. Finally, Model 4 explains the devastating effect of superposition of tsunamis from two subduction event, which struck the Phuket region during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.   

Nuclear Quantum Gravitation, LIGO, Gravity B Probe. CDMS

LIGO systems have failed to detect gravity waves of any kind, even after years of trying. This is because there is no space fabric to transmit gravity waves. Space fabric is a fallacy concept of general relativity. There are no gravity waves. Space fabric does not push anything down. General relativity does not explain an object falling to Earth. The Gravity B Probe did not detect real frame dragging in the raw data, only program manipulation that showed a small amount of questionable data. This does not prove material frame dragging. The CDMS has not proven any Dark Matter. A Galaxy is not like a Solar System but rotates as a conglomerate; plainly Newtonian Mechanics; no dark matter needed. Other facts also disprove general relativity. The Sun's corona and Newtonian refraction bend light, not general relativity. The Perihelion of Mercury is a perfectly explainable Newtonian Mechanic, not general relativity. Time does not change, clocks change. No space fabric, no spacetime. There is no general relativity. Nuclear Quantum Gravitation with 30 proofs and indications clearly, logically explains Gravity and Gravitation. It is plainly harmonious with Newtonian Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics. This should clearly be realized and accepted, not general relativity.   

On the Principles and Directions of Modern Physics

We review the foremost theories of quantum gravity within research theoretical physics; string theory and LQG. Several fundamental concepts in these proposals are reconciled and proposed at the structural core of a fundamental new theory of quantum gravity; based fundamentally off of a formal mathematical interpretation of the concept of asymptotic safety. The basis of the theory of quantum mechanics is rigorously reviewed from the framework of our new theory of quantum gravity; which in many respects is a unification of basic ideas within string theory and LQG. We propose a deviation from the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle which is negligible in nearly all observable phenomena, and demonstrate its' benefits to our theoretical formulations, specifically those made recently within string theory.   

Schwarzschild Solution of the Generally Covariant Quaternionic Field Equations of Sachs

Sachs has derived quaternion field equations that fully exploit the underlying symmetry of the principle of general relativity, one in which the fundamental 10 component metric field is replaced by a 16 component four-vector quaternion. Instead of the 10 field equations of Einstein's tensor formulation, these equations are 16 in number corresponding to the 16 analytic parametric functions $\partial x^{\mu'}/\partial x^{\nu}$ of the Einstein Lie Group. The difference from the Einstein equations is that these equations are not covariant with respect to reflections in space-time, as a consequence of their underlying quaternionic structure. These equations can be combined into a part that is even and a part that is odd with respect to spatial or temporal reflections. This paper constructs a four-vector quaternion solution of the quaternionic field equation of Sachs that corresponds to a spherically symmetric static metric. We show that the equations for this four-vector quaternion corresponding to a vacuum solution lead to differential equations that are identical to the corresponding Schwarzschild equations for the metric tensor components.   

Isolating Non-Linear Signatures of Two Colliding Black Holes

The early and late stages of the binary-black-hole collision can be approximated by perturbations to a background, solutions to linearization of the Einstein's equations. However, once the two black holes are within several radii of each other, and ultimately collide, the solution is intrinsically non-linear. The main objective is to intuitively understand the non-linear portion of the solution to the Einstein equation by performing simulations of such mergers. I will identify the non-linear regime through a process of elimination. The early stages of the coalescence are well known by post-Newtonian theory. The end state is approximated very well by perturbation theory, the waveforms decay as a damped sinusoidal with a frequency and decay time uniquely determined by the mass and spin of the final black hole in theory. I will isolate the non-linear portion of the waveform by fitting the early stages to the post-Newtonian solution and the late stages to the perturbative solution. What remains is the non-linear region. Once isolated, we will search through the physics parameter space of the binary black holes for bulk features. These features can then be used to fine-tune the search algorithms hunting for these collisions with LIGO.   

Mass-energy and Momentum Extraction by Gravitational Wave Emission in the Merger of Two Colliding Black Holes: The Non-head-on Case

We examine numerically the post-merger regime of two nonspining holes in non-head-on collisions in the realm of nonaxisymmetric Robinson-Trautman (RT) spacetimes. Characteristic initial data for the system are constructed and evolved via the RT equation. The numerical integration is performed using a Galerkin spectral method which is sufficiently stable to reach the final configuration of the remnant black hole, when the gravitational wave emission ceases. The initial data contains three independent parameters, the ratio mass $\alpha$ of the individual colliding black holes, their initial pre-merger infalling velocity $\gamma$ and the incidence angle of collision $\rho_{0}$. In the same way, the remnant black hole is characterized by its final boost parameter, rest mass and scattering angle. Our analysis which is based on the Bondi-Sachs four-momentum conservation laws shows that the process of mass-energy extraction is less efficient compared to the head-on case. We also show distinct regimes of gravitational wave emission which are characterized by the analysis of the time behavior of the gravitational wave power as a function of $\alpha$. Finally, we show numerically that the relation between the incidence and scattering angles closely approximates a Newtonian relation.   

The merger of binary white dwarf--neutron stars: Simulations in full general relativity

Using the pseudo-white dwarf (pWD) approximation we perform hydrodynamic simulations of binary white dwarf--neutron star (WDNS) late inspiral and merger in full GR. The initial binary is in circular orbit at the Roche limit. The goal is to determine the ultimate fate of such systems. We focus on binaries whose total mass exceeds the maximum mass ($M_{\rm max}$) a cold, degenerate equation of state can support against gravitational collapse. Our simulations of a pWDNS system with a 0.98$M_\odot$ WD and a 1.4$M_\odot$ NS show that the merger remnant is a spinning Thorne-Zytkow-like Object (TZlO) surrounded by a massive disk. The final total rest mass exceeds $M_{\rm max}$, but the remnant does not collapse promptly. To assess whether the object will ultimately collapse after cooling, we introduce radiative thermal cooling. When we cool the spinning TZlO, the remnant does not collapse, demonstrating that differential rotational support is sufficient to prevent collapse. Given that the final total mass exceeds $M_{\rm max}$, magnetic fields and/or viscosity may redistribute angular momentum and ultimately lead to delayed collapse to a BH. We infer that the merger of realistic massive WDNS binaries likely will lead to the formation of spinning TZlOs that undergo delayed collapse.   

Spectral Methods in General Relativistic MHD Simulations

In this talk I discuss the use of spectral methods in improving the accuracy of a General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) computer code. I introduce SpecCosmo, a GRMHD code developed as a Cactus arrangement at UHCL, and show simulation results using both Fourier spectral methods and finite differencing. This work demonstrates the use of spectral methods with the FFTW 3.3 Fast Fourier Transform package integrated with the Cactus Framework to perform spectral differencing using MPI.   

OpenCL-Accelerated Primitive Variable Recovery for General Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamics

In conservative numerical schemes for general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD), a procedure is required to convert between the ``conserved" variables and the ``primitive" variables (density, velocity, internal energy) at each time integration step. However, there is no explicit form for the recovery of the primitive variables from the conserved variables, and a system of non-linear equations must therefore be solved numerically with an iterative approach. Primitive variable recovery lies at the heart of GRMHD schemes, and its cost is of great concern to large-scale simulations. We investigate the use of the OpenCL framework to accelerate primitive variable recovery. We describe our parallelization approach, and present our performance results on both the CPU and GPU.   

Non-Linear Cosmological Redshift According to General Relativity

A new method of calculation of the frequency of a photon is applied. It means solving the scalar geodesic equation (equation of energy) of the photon. In the space of Schwarzschild's mass-point metric, the well-known gravitational redshift has been obtained. No frequency shift has been found in the space of G\"{o}del's metric, and in the space of Einstein's metric (a~homogeneous distribution of ideal liquid and physical vacuum). The other obtained solutions manifest a cosmological effect: its magnitude increases with distance travelled by the photon. This is the parabolic cosmological blueshift found in the space of Schwarzschild's metric of a sphere of incompressible liquid, and in the space of a sphere filled with physical vacuum (de~Sitter's metric). The exponential cosmological redshift has been found in the expanding space of Friedmann's metric (empty or filled with ideal liquid and physical vacuum). The redshift is non-linear when approaching the event horizon, where it reaches the ultimate hugh value $z = e^{\pi} \,{-}\, 1 = 22.14$. This explains the observed accelerate expansion of the Universe. These results were obtained in the purely geometric way, without the use of the Doppler effect. The paper has been submitted to The Abraham Zelmanov Journal.   

MicroLENS Construction and Filling

The LENS collaboration's goal is the construction of a low energy neutrino spectrometer (LENS) that will measure the entire solar neutrino spectrum above 114keV. In an effort to reach this goal, we have developed a two phase prototype program. The first of these is microLENS, a small prototype to study the light transmission in the as built LENS scintillation lattice---a novel detector method of high segmentation in a large liquid scintillator detector. The microLENS prototype, the main topic of this discussion, is currently deployed at the Kimballton Underground Research Facility (KURF) near Virginia Tech. We will present the detector construction and the methods and schemes of the program during the first phases of running with minimal channels instrumented ($\sim $41 compared to full coverage 216). After analysis of the scintillation lattice implemented in the microLENS detector, we will finalize designs for the miniLENS prototype and have it operating shortly thereafter.   

The Low Energy Neutrino Spectrometry (LENS) Experiment and LENS prototype, $\mu $LENS, initial results

LENS is a low energy solar neutrino detector that will measure the solar neutrino spectrum above 115 keV, $>$95{\%} of the solar neutrino flux, in real time. The fundamental neutrino reaction in LENS is charged-current based capture on 115-In detected in a liquid scintillator medium. The reaction yields the prompt emission of an electron and the delayed emission of 2 gamma rays that serve as a time {\&} space coincidence tag. Sufficient spatial resolution is used to exploit this signature and suppress background, particularly due to 115-In beta decay. A novel design of optical segmentation (Scintillation Lattice or SL) channels the signal light along the three primary axes. The channeling is achieved via total internal reflection by suitable low index gaps in the segmentation. The spatial resolution of a nuclear event is obtained digitally, much more precisely than possible by common time of flight methods. Advanced Geant4 analysis methods have been developed to suppress adequately the severe background due to 115-In beta decay, achieving at the same time high detection efficiency. LENS physics and detection methods along with initial results characterizing light transport in the as built $\mu $LENS prototype will be presented.   

The Explanation of the Photon's Electric and Magnetic Fields; and its Particle and Wave Characteristics

Using the principles of the Vortex Theory, the creation of the photon's electric and magnetic components are explained: the condensed region of space is responsible for creating the photon's electric component and its particle effect; its expansion and contraction is responsible for its frequency; its motion through three dimensional space creates a wave in the surrounding space. This wave is responsible for the photon's magnetic component and wave characteristics. The simultaneous expansion and contraction of both the dense region of space that is the photon and the surrounding space it passes through explains why the electric and magnetic effects are at right angles to each other. Also the photon's particle and wave characteristics are explained.   

Glauber Theory Nuclear Cross Section Calculation Sensitivity to Parameters of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Random Number Generation

In order to extract nuclear size information from the framework of Glauber theory, calculated interaction and reaction cross sections are compared to experimental data. Monte Carlo integration is frequently used to facilitate these calculations. This Monte Carlo integration utilizes nucleon coordinates distributed according to Gaussian and Woods-Saxon density distributions for several light isotopes. These coordinates are generated from the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. The random number sequence is evaluated by finding the minimum of the lag-1 autocorrelation time. Metropolis-Hastings proposal distributions utilizing non-optimal step sizes are shown to increase the uncertainty in the cross section calculations. Comparison of the minimizations of the lag-1 autocorrelation time and the maximization of the power law turnover point in the discreet power spectrum of the random number sequence for use as sequence diagnostics is also discussed.   

Checker Board Model

The Checker Board Model (CBM) is a 2D model of the nucleus that proposes that the synchronization of the 2 outer orbiting quarks in the proton and neutron accounts for magnetic moment of the nucleons and that the magnetic flux from the nucleons couples (weaves) in the third dimension to form a flat 2D nucleus. The 2D symmetry of the He nucleus helps explain why this structure is so stable. This model explain the mass of the proton and neutron, along with their magnetic moments and their absolute and relative sizes in terms of the above structure and predict the masses of two newly proposed quarks\footnote{T.M. Lach, Checkerboard Structure of the Nucleus, Infinite Energy, Vol. 5, issue 30, (2000).}: the ``up'' and the ``dn'' quarks. Since the masses of the ``up'' and ``dn'' quark determined by the CBM (237.31 MeV and 42.392 MeV respectively). These masses do not fit within the standard model as candidates for u and d quarks, so a new model (New Physics) had to be invented. This new particle physics model\footnote{T.M. Lach, Masses of the Sub-Nuclear Particles, nucl-th/0008026, @http://xxx.lanl.gov/} predicts that nature has 5 generations not 3. One independent check of this model is that the wavelength of the up quark orbiting inside the proton turns out to be exactly one DeBroglie wavelength. Details of this model can be found on the web at: http://checkerboard.dnsalias.net/   

CMS Pixel Tracker Upgrade: Results from Test Beam

The CMS Pixel detector is the closest tracking device to the interaction point. With current sensor technology, maintaining reliable performance of the tracker at much higher luminosities expected in the High Luminosity LHC environment would be extremely challenging. A promising research and development plan is being pursued to evaluate novel detectors, with improved radiation hardness of sensors, allowing for less frequent replacement of the inner layers of the pixel detector. A series of tests with beam have been conducted at Fermilab to study various types of sensors: (a) n-in-n magnetic Czochralski (MCZ), (b) 3D silicon, and (c) diamond. Preliminary results from the test beam will be discussed.   

Neutron generator yield measurements using a phoswich detector with the digital pulse shape analysis

The phoswich detector designed as a combination of two scintillators with dissimilar pulse shape characteristics that are optically coupled to each other and to a common photomultiplier is used for the simultaneous detection of fast and thermal neutrons. The digital signal processing of detector signals is used. The pulse shape analysis distinguishes the scintillation signals produced by photons, fast neutrons, and thermal neutrons. The phoswich was tested using the photon and neutron sources. We discuss neutron yield measurements for a pulse DT neutron generator. The spatial distribution of fast neutron flux and thermal neutron flux was evaluated for the generator in presence of neutron moderating materials.   

High Speed Data Acquisition in APEX Dark Matter Experiment

The A' Experiment (APEX) to be conducted in Hall A of Jefferson Lab is a high sensitivity search for a proposed gauge boson, A', that mediates interactions of dark matter. Collection of very large statistics is important to a high sensitivity search. In the upcoming experiment, data acquisition based on 1877S TDCs is planned to allow dramatic reduction of the event size. We will present details planned for the DAQ as well as initial results from the TDCs.   

Superluminal Physics {\&} Instantaneous Physics - as new trends in research

First, we extend physical laws and formulas to superluminal traveling and to instantaneous traveling. Afterwards, we should extend existing classical physical theories from subluminal to superluminal and instantaneous traveling. And lately we need to found a general theory that unites all theories at: law speeds, relativistic speeds, superluminal speeds, and instantaneous speeds -- as in the S-Multispace Theory. In a similar way as passing from Euclidean Geometry to Non-Euclidean Geometry, we can pass from Subluminal Physics to Supraluminal Physics, and further to Instantaneous Physics (instantaneous traveling). In the lights of two consecutive successful CERN experiments with superluminal particles in the Fall of 2011, we believe these two new fields of research should begin developing.   

Relationship between 1 to $n+1$ and 2 to $n$ Parke-Taylor amplitudes in light front perturbation theory

Parke-Taylor amplitudes give the exact tree level amplitudes for an arbitrary number of external on-shell gluons. In time ordered perturbation theory it is almost trivial to see that a relationship exists between the 1 to $n+1$ amplitude ($M_{1\to n+1}$) and the 2 to $n$ amplitude ($M_{2\to n}$). In light front perturbation theory it is not obvious as energy denominators change when taking an external leg from the final state into the initial state. We have found that when the helicities for $M_{2\to n}$ are $M_{+-\to+\ldots+}$, $M_{2\to n}$ can be found from $M_{1\to n+1}$ by performing an analytical continuation and taking an external leg from each of its graphs from the final state into the initial state. The relationship found was $M_{2\to n} = - M_{1\to n+1}$, which for the helicities specified is equal to zero.   

New Measurements of Upsilon Spin Alignment at CDF

We report the first measurement that fully specifies in three dimensions the angular distributions of muons from \(\Upsilon(1S,2S,3S)\) resonances produced in \(1.96\,\mathrm{TeV}\) \(p\bar{p}\) collisions and reconstructed by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. These measurements have been performed using multiple coordinate frames, allowing tests of self-consistency to be performed, and provide the first measurements of the \(\Upsilon(3S)\) spin alignment. The results, which use \(7\,\mathrm{fb}^{-1}\) of data, offer detailed information to shed light on the puzzling picture of previous experimental measurements and theory predictions.   

How NBWF cosmology is consistent with causal QC/ED particle CFT and its AdS dual preserves information

The no-boundary wave function includes a prescription for restoring causality to particle theory via instantons. To leading order in $h$, the instanton wave function terms $I_{R}$ and $S$ correspond to area and curvature of a finite representation. For QG theories in which the gravitational quantum has an area, such as Ambjorn dynamical triangulation, the imaginary $S$ term represents particle energy. This establishes the form of the action as required to pass the Seiberg, Susskind {\&} Toumbas (IASSNS 2000) Causality criterion. By following Harari's approach to preon algebra and the eight-fold way, a non-commutative algebra is setup with 1-1 correspondence to band theory. A band is defined as a closed string with intrinsic curvature/tension/energy. Thus a finitary, causal CFT is established which has an AdS-2 dual space in the deep-deep throat of an information-preserving black hole. The geometry of the `extra' scalar field of such an I-PBH is shown to be astrophysically vast and smooth - and thus is a candidate explanation for the observational signature of dark matter.   

Alignment of the CMS Muon System with muons from pp collisions at the LHC

In the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Experiment, muon detection accomplished by Muon system which is comprised of 250 Drift Tube (DT) and 468 Cathode Strip (CSC) Chambers. These detectors identify muons, provide a fast muon trigger, and give a measurement of the muon trajectory improving momentum resolution from the central CMS silicon tracker. Performance of the Muon system depends on precise knowledge of the positions of the tracking elements relative to one another and relative to the silicon tracker. We present techniques to align the Muon system elements with high precision using tracks from pp collisions at the LHC and measure the precision of the alignment procedure with the existing data recorded during 2011 year.   

On Logical Error Underlying Classical Mechanics

The logical analysis of the general accepted description of mechanical motion of material point $M$ in classical mechanics is proposed. The key idea of the analysis is as follows. Let point $M$ be moved in the positive direction of the axis $O{\kern 1pt}x$. Motion is characterized by a change of coordinate $x\,\left( t \right)$ -- continuous function of time $t$(because motion is a change in general). If $\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\Delta \,t\to \;0} \;\Delta \,t\;=\;0$, then $\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\Delta \,t\;\to \;0} \Delta \,x\;=\;0$, i.e., according to practice and formal logic, value of coordinate does not change and, hence, motion does not exist. But, contrary to practice and formal logic, differential calculus and classical mechanics contain the assertion that velocity $\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\Delta \,t\;\to \;0} \;\frac{\Delta \,x}{\Delta \,t}\;$exists without motion. Then velocity $\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\Delta \,t\;\to \;0} \;\frac{\Delta \,x}{\Delta \,t}\;$is not real (i.e. not physical) quantity, but fictitious quantity. Therefore, use of non-physical (unreal) quantity (i.e. the first and second derivatives of function) in classical mechanics is a logic error.   

Lorentz and CPT violating corrections to hydrogen energy levels at order $\alpha^2$

The standard model extension (SME) is an effective field theory for physics beyond the SM that contains non-SM effects such as Lorentz and CPT violation. The SME effective Lagrangian contains a number of coefficients that describe new interactions. These as-yet-unobserved coefficients must be small. One approach for the detection of the SME coefficients is to calculate their effect on observable physical quantities, particularly those measureable to high precision. We have calculated the effect of the SME interactions on the energy levels of hydrogen. Starting from the field theory effective Lagrangian we have obtained the Hamiltonian of an SME-extended Dirac equation and have applied a Foldy-Wouthuysen expansion to obtain a non-relativistic effective Hamiltonian correct through terms quadratic in the momentum 3-vector. This Hamiltonian, at the order of interest, has the form $H'=(A_{i j}+B_{i j k} \sigma_k)p^i p^j$ where $A_{i j}$ and $B_{i j k}$ are linear combinations of the SME parameters. We have evaluated the energy level corrections due to $H'$, which are of order $\alpha^2$ times the SME coefficients. Constraints on the combinations of SME coefficients found in $A_{i j}$ and $B_{i j k}$ can be obtained by comparison with experimental results.   

The harmonic neutron hypothesis: alpha and the annihilation frequency equivalent of the neutron are sufficient to derive the effective fine structure constant at Z

The inverse of the effective fine structure constant at Z, $\alpha ^{-1}(m_{Z}^{2})$, is 128.957 $\pm $ .0020. This is derived from $\alpha $ and the annihilation frequency equivalent of the neutron, $v_{n}$. The harmonic neutron hypothesis is a non Standard Model, but quite robust. The hypothesis states that the annihilation frequency of the neutron, $v_{n}$, 2.2718589 x 10$^{23}$ Hz, is fundamentally linked to other constants as frequency equivalents. $v_{n}$ raised to simple integer quantum fractions are the degenerate values. $v_{n}s^{(1/11)}$ equals 132.83343 and is the degenerate $\alpha ^{-1}$value. The hypothesis is based on symmetric inverse pairs where the degenerate values are multiplied and divided by the identical value can both be associated with actual physical constants. In this case ($\alpha ^{-1})$/$v_{n}s^{(1/11)}$ equals 1.0316379. The hypothesis logically predicts that $v_{n}s^{(1/11)}$/ 1.0316379 should nearly equal $\alpha ^{-1}(m_{Z}^{2})$, in this case128.760. This elegant and simple prediction supports the most basic aspects of the harmonic neutron hypothesis. It is possible to derive a more exact value using a more complicated graphical method.   

Speed of Light: same everywhere?

Analyzing the conceptual-physics consequences and interpretation of Einstein's GR, the spatial dependence of the light velocity, c, is considered - in particular the known disagreement between the ``locally measured'' $c = c_o$ and the slower average speed predicted and observed in Shapiro's experiments. The usual GR formula for Shapiro's delay time, T, (e.g. (9.91) in James B. Haertle, Gravity, Addison Wesley, 2003, page 214), is essentially identical with a straight-line earth-reflector-and-back integral, using a variable local $c = c_o (1-2M/r)$. And, a small change of the earth radius, $r_E$ will change the total T equivalent to that velocity at $r=r_E$. The locally measured c at the minimum radius, $r_1$, is given by putting the ``earth's'' and ``reflector's'' positions symmetrically around $r_1$, at a distance $dx = r_1 d \varphi$. In this case, a dx-expansion of formula (9.90) in Haertle leads to a non-Newton delay time, $dT = (2.5 M/ r_1)dx/c_o$ - possibly indicating a small anisotropy of c. Thus, the interpretation of $c_o$ as a constant locally-measured speed, $c_o$, clearly seems inconsistent with accepted GR calculations of the Shapiro-type measurements. Further results will be reported.   

Anharmonic Waves in Quantum Electrodynamics

This work starts from the premise that a nonlinear interaction term in classical and quantum field theory generates harmonics, analogous to harmonic generation in nonlinear optical media. This calls for a generalization of the standard plane wave basis set to anharmonic waves. Three simple requirements are found that make anharmonic waves compatible with relativistic field theory and quantum physics [1]. The most general class of anharmonic waves allows for a zero frequency term in the Fourier series, which corresponds to a quantum field with a non-zero vacuum expectation value. Compatibility with standard quantum electrodynamics is demonstrated by generalizing the Feynman rules to anharmonic waves [2]. But anharmonic waves should be most useful for tackling intrinsically non-perturbative phenomena.\\[4pt] [1] F. J. Himpsel, arXiv:1108.1736v1 [hep-th] (2011).\\[0pt] [2] F. J. Himpsel, arXiv:1112.6216v1 [hep-th] (2011).   

OPERA and MINOS Experimental Result Prove Big Bang Theory Invalid

The greatest error in the history of science is the misinterpretation of the Michelson-Morley Experiment. The speed of light was \textit{measured} to travel at the \underline {same speed} in all three directions ($x, y, z $axis) in ones own inertial reference system; however, $c$ will always be measured as having an absolute \textit{different} speed in all other inertial frames at different energy levels. Time slows down due to motion or a gravity field. Time is the rate of physical process. Speed = Distance/Time. If the time changes the distance must change. Therefore, \textbf{BOTH }mirrors must move towards the center of the interferometer and space must contract in all-three-directions; C-Space. Gravity is a C-Space condition, and is the cause of redshift in our universe-not motion. \textit{The universe is not expanding}. OPERA results are directly indicated; at the surface of earth, the strength of the gravity field is at maximum-below the earth's surface, time and space is less distorted, C-Space; therefore, $c$ is faster. Newtonian mechanics dictate that a spherical shell of matter at greater radii, with uniform density, produces no net force on an observer located centrally. An observer located on the sphere's surface, like our Earth's or a large sphere, like one located in a remote galaxy, will construct a picture centered on himself to be identical to the one centered inside the spherical shell of mass. Both observers will view the incoming radiation, emitted by the other observer, as redshifted, because they lay on each others radial line. The Universe is static and very old.   

Monte Carlo Simulation of Cosmogenic Processes for the SURF Experiments

Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) at Homestake Mine will host several experiments in searching for dark matter, neutrinoless double-beta decay, and neutrino oscillation with a long baseline neutrino beam. The muon-induced cosmogenic processes are background matter to the planned experiments and those cosmogenic processes will directly impact the design of the experimental shielding to achieve the target sensitivity. Therefore understanding the muon-induced processes is important. We conduct a full Monte Carlo simulation to characterize the muon-induced background level for SURF. Detailed mountain profile and averaged rock composition are considered for muon attenuation from the surface to the 4850-ft level. We report the simulation results for the muon-induced neutron flux, energy spectrum, and angular distribution at the 4850-ft level.   

Signature of Spontaneous Particle Production in Converging Laser Pulses

Spontaneous production of electron-positron pairs by a strong electromagnetic field may soon be observed using high intensity lasers. For two noncollinear laser pulses, we demonstrate how to determine and manipulate the energy of produced pairs. When the laser pulses converge at a small angle, pairs are emitted in high energy bunches in a direction separate from both laser pulses. This result provides an unmistakable signature of the non-perturbative production process and suggests a new avenue for development of high energy electron and/or positron beams.   

Digitally Controlled Four Harmonic Buncher for FSU LINAC

Florida State University's John D. Fox Superconducting Accelerator Laboratory is operating a Tandem-Linac system for heavy ion beams at energies of 5-10 MeV/u. Recently, the accelerator has been used as the driver for the radioactive beam facility RESOLUT, which poses new demands on its high-intensity performance and time-resolution. These demands motivated us to optimize the RF bunching system and to switch the bunch frequency from 48.5 to 12.125 MHz. We installed a four-harmonic resonant transformer to create 3-4 kV potential oscillations across a pair of wire-mesh grids. This setup is modulating the energy of the beam injected into the tandem accelerator, with the aim to create short bunches of beam particles. Asawtooth-like wave-form is created using the Fourier series method, by combining the basis sinusoidal wave of 12.125MHz and its 3 higher order harmonics, in a manner similar to the systems used at ATLAS [1] and other RF-accelerators. A new aspect of our setup is the use of a digital 1GHz function generator, which allows us to optimize and stabilize the synthesized waveform. The control system was realized using labview and integrated into the recently updated controls of the accelerator. We characterize the bunching quality achievedand discuss the optimization of the bunching wave-form. The bunching system has been successfully used in a number of Linac-experiments performed during 2011.\\[4pt][1] S. Sharamentov, J. Bogaty, B.E. Clifft, R. Pardo, UPGRADE OF THE ATLAS POSITIVE ION INJECTOR BUNCHING SYSTEM, Proceedings of 2005 Particle Accelerator Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee   

Design Challenges of a Rapid Cycling Synchrotron for Carbon/Proton Therapy

The growing interest in radiation therapy with protons and light ions has driven demand for new methods of ion acceleration and the delivery of ion beams. One exciting new platform for ion beam acceleration and delivery is the rapid cycling synchrotron. Operating at 15Hz, rapid cycling achieves faster treatment times by making beam extraction possible at any energy during the cycle. Moreover, risk to the patient is reduced by requiring fewer particles in the beam line at a given time, thus eliminating the need for passive filtering and reducing the consequences of a malfunction. Lastly, the ability to switch between carbon ion and proton beam therapy provides the machine with an unmatched flexibility. However, these features do stipulate challenges in accelerator design. Maintaining a compact lattice requires careful tuning of lattice functions, tight focusing combined function magnets, and fast injection and extraction systems. Providing the necessary acceleration over a short cycle time also necessitates a five-fold frequency swing for carbon ions, further burdening the design requirements of ferrite-driven radiofrequency cavities. We will consider these challenges as well as some solutions selected for our current design.   

Amorphous Solid Water (ASW): Macroscale Environmentally-Neutral Application for Remediation of Hazardous Pollutants using Condensed-Phase Cryogenic Fluids

We report macroscale environmentally-neutral use of cryogenic fluids to induce phase transitions from crystalline water-ices to amorphous solid water (ASW). New IP and uses in remediation of oil-spills and hazardous immiscibles from aquatic environments. We display high-resolution images of the transitions from hexagonal to cubic crystalline water-ice, then to hydrophobic ASW. Accretion and encapsulation of viscous pollutants within crystalline water-ice, and sequestration of condensed volatiles (PAH, methane) and low viscosity fluids within the interstitial cavities of ASW are shown and differentiated for: crude oils, diesel (heating) and blended oils, petroleum byproducts, vegetable and mineral oils, lipids, and light immiscible fluids. The effects of PdV work and thermal energy transfers during phase changes are shown, along with the sequestration efficiencies for hexagonal and cubic ice lattices vs. non-crystalline ASW, for a range of pollutant substances. The viability of ASW as a medium for study of quantum criticality phases is also proposed. The process is environmentally-neutral in that only substantially condensed-phase air liquefaction products, e.g. nitrogen in $>$90{\%} liquid phase are employed as an active agent. The applications are also presented in terms of the scale-up of experiments performed at the nanoscale.   

Classical Physics as an Introduction to Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, and Gravity

This poster will present classical interpretations of various phenomena associated with modern physics. Since Lorentz invariance is a property of wave equations, special relativity is derived from the assumption that matter consists of waves. Since waves propagating in opposite directions form independent states separated by 180-degree rotation, they are naturally described by spin-1/2 wave functions (Dirac bispinors). Analysis of rotational waves in an elastic solid yields all of the dynamical operators of quantum mechanics, including a simple interpretation of spin angular momentum. A spherical soliton wave model is proposed to explain violations of Bell's inequality. In general relativity, the gravitational potential is equivalent to a variation in the speed of light. Hence with a wave theory of matter, gravity may be interpreted simply as wave refraction. These classical interpretations may help students to bridge conceptual gaps between classical and modern physics.   

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) Maps of the Permanently Shaded Regions (PSR) at the Lunar Poles

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is currently in orbit around the moon. The Lyman Alpha Mapping project (LAMP) instrument on-board LRO is a UV spectrograph covering the spectral range of 57-196 nm. LAMP produces exquisite 240m/pixel far-UV maps. The instrument sensitivity is optimized for faint measurements. We present Lyman-alpha and far-UV albedo maps of the north and south poles with comparisons to topographic and other LRO datasets.   

Toyota Prius Hybrid Plug-in Conversation and Battery Monitoring system

The objective of the project was to analyze the performance of a Toyota Hybrid. We started off with a stock Toyota Prius and taking data by driving it in city and on the highway in a mixed pre-determined route. The batteries can be charged using standard 120V AC outlets. First phase of the project was to increase the performance of the car by installing 20 Lead (Pb) batteries in a plug-in kit. To improve the performance of the kit, a centralized battery monitoring system was installed. The battery monitoring system has two components, a custom data modules and a National Instruments CompactRIO. Each Pb battery has its own data module and all the data module are connected to the CompactRIO. The CompactRIO records differential voltage, current and temperature from all the 20 batteries. The LabVIEW software is dynamic and can be reconfigured to any number of batteries and real time data from the batteries can be monitored on a LabVIEW enabled machine.   

Development and Characterization of NMR Measurements for Polymer Gel Dosimetry

Polymer gel dosimeters are systems of water, gelatin, and monomers which form polymers upon irradiation. The gelatin matrix retains dose distribution in 3D form, facilitating truly integrated measurements of complex dose plans for radiation therapy. Polymer gels have two proton pools coupled by exchange: free solvent protons and bound polymerized macromolecular protons. Measuring magnetization transfer (MT) and relaxation affords useful insights into particle rigidity and chemical exchange effects on relaxation in polymer gels. Polymer gel dose response has been previously quantified with several techniques, most often in terms of MRI parameters, usually at field strengths of 1.5 T and below. The research described here investigates the dose response of a revised MAGIC gel dosimeter via both high-field imaging and simpler nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This includes both transverse and longitudinal relaxation rates (R2 and R1) and quantitative MT parameters. We investigated estimating polymer molecular weight for a given applied dose using the Rouse model and R2 data from the imaging study. Finally, we began development of NMR methods for studying dose response, requiring adaption of NMR experiments to accommodate for radiation damping.   

Infrared Optical Properties of Saline Solutions Present on Planetary Surfaces Determined from Laboratory Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Measurements

Saline solutions are present on earth in the form of seawater found in oceans, estuaries and inland seas, and droplets in the earth's atmosphere. We compare the infrared optical constants of seawater samples and NaCl/H2O solutions of varying salinity and discuss the procedures used to obtain these optical properties from our ATR intensity measurements using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer.   

Non-linear Imaging of Nanoscale Surface Defects on Alphabet Letter Shaped Colloids in a Uniformly Aligned Nematic Liquid Crystal

The formation of defect structures on the surfaces of colloids immersed in uniformly aligned nematic liquid crystals is a phenomenon which, if better understood, could lead to advances in micro and nanoscale colloidal self assembly techniques. In this study, three photon fluorescence microscopy (3PFM) was used in conjunction with holographic optical tweezers (HOT) in order to stabilize and image surface defects on English alphabet letter shaped colloids suspended in a uniformly aligned nematic liquid crystal. This data made it possible to characterize the location and strength of these defects for a robust variety of shapes. A relationship between particle shape and angle of orientation vs the host nematic was also observed.   

Differential Production Rates in Neutrino Induced Electron-Positron Pair Creation

Calculation of the total rate of production for neutrino-induced electron-positron pair creation in a magnetic field requires the sum over a large number of final states. Therefore, a method of simplification or estimation is vital. I will show how the behavior of the differential production rates depends upon the conditions of the environment and the initial neutrino. From these results, the significance or insignificance of each variable can be ascertained.   

Using the Wii Board to Find Measurements of Falling Objects

The purpose of this study was to test a program that showed the force, at different time intervals, of a chain being dropped onto a Wii board. The study was carried out by dropping a 15 foot chain from various heights onto the center of the Wii board. The task of letting the chain free fall with no outside force was repeated several times. Data taken from the force of the impacts were collected by the program, which was synced via blue tooth to the board. By calculating manually of what the peak force should have been compared to the programs, both forces came out to be relatively close to one another. The outcome proved that the program can be used to determine the force and length of the chain when they are unknown.   

Study of the Sensitivity of Plastic Scintillator to Fast Neutrons

The Mu2e experiment at Fermilab plans to use a two-out-of-three coincident requirement in a plastic scintillator based detector to veto cosmic ray events. This veto system must operate efficiently in a high-radiation environment. In this investigation, three plastic scintillator bars containing wavelength-shifting fibers represent the veto system. These bars were placed in series in front of a deuterium-deuterium neutron generator, which produced fast neutrons of approximately 2.8MeV. Multi-anode photomultiplier tubes read out the light from the fibers. The collected data was analyzed to determine the rate of interaction, approximate amount of energy deposited, and numerous other aspects of the neutrons' interactions. The rate of coincidental and correlated hits in multiple scintillator bars was the primary investigation, in order to further understand the sensitivity of the plastic scintillator to fast neutrons.   

Voxel-Based Morphometry ALE meta-analysis of Bipolar Disorder

A meta-analysis was performed independently to view the changes in gray matter (GM) on patients with Bipolar disorder (BP). The meta-analysis was conducted on a Talairach Space using GingerALE to determine the voxels and their permutation. In order to achieve the data acquisition, published experiments and similar research studies were uploaded onto the online Voxel-Based Morphometry database (VBM). By doing so, coordinates of activation locations were extracted from Bipolar disorder related journals utilizing Sleuth. Once the coordinates of given experiments were selected and imported to GingerALE, a Gaussian was performed on all foci points to create the concentration points of GM on BP patients. The results included volume reductions and variations of GM between Normal Healthy controls and Patients with Bipolar disorder. A significant amount of GM clusters were obtained in Normal Healthy controls over BP patients on the right precentral gyrus, right anterior cingulate, and the left inferior frontal gyrus. In future research, more published journals could be uploaded onto the database and another VBM meta-analysis could be performed including more activation coordinates or a variation of age groups.   

Characterization of the Effect of thermal Cycling on the Signal Integrity of Interconnect Structures used in 3D Integrated Circuits

The performance and reliability of the microelectronic devices are significantly influenced by the condition of interconnects in Integrated Circuits (IC). These interconnects serve primarily as signal transmission pathways in IC. Good interconnects enable free flow of electrical signals with low impedance. However, microelectronic devices are continuously subjected to fluctuating temperature conditions during their lifetime, which affect the signal integrity of interconnects. Therefore, this project takes a look at the effect of repeated temperature cycling on the reliability and performance of interconnects. Two types of interconnects: Back-End-of-Line (BEOL) and Through-Si-Via (TSV) were studied. We simulate the real world conditions by applying repeated temperature cycling, and use an RF network analyzer to extract the reflection and transmission signal characteristics of the interconnects. The mean-time-to-failure is determined upon their breakdown which is followed by the failure analysis to determine the root cause of failure.   

Galaxy Image Processing and Morphological Classification Using Machine Learning

This work uses data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and the Galaxy Zoo Project for classification of galaxy morphologies via machine learning. SDSS imaging data together with reliable human classifications from Galaxy Zoo provide the training set and test set for the machine learning architectures. Classification is performed with hand-picked, pre-computed features from SDSS as well as with the raw imaging data from SDSS that was available to humans in the Galaxy Zoo project. With the hand-picked features and a logistic regression classifier, 95.21{\%} classification accuracy and an area under the ROC curve of 0.986 are attained. In the case of the raw imaging data, the images are first processed to remove background noise, image artifacts, and celestial objects other than the galaxy of interest. They are then rotated onto their principle axis of variance to guarantee rotational invariance. The processed images are used to compute color information, up to 4$^{th}$ order central normalized moments, and radial intensity profiles. These features are used to train a support vector machine with a 3$^{rd}$ degree polynomial kernel, which achieves a classification accuracy of 95.89{\%} with an ROC area of 0.943.   

Heat Transfer Processes in the Selective Microwave Heating of Heterogeneous Catalysts

Experimental evidence has shown an unexplained increase in reaction rates during catalytic processes when heated by microwave irradiation relative to traditional thermal processes. We believe this is due to a difference in temperature between the bulk solvent and catalytic sites. In a reaction system that has a small amount of catalyst with a high absorption cross section relative to a large amount of weakly absorbing solvent, traditional measurement techniques, which take an average, will greatly underestimate the temperature on the catalytic sites. In order to correct this, we have solved a system of differential equations which describes the rate of heat transfer between each constituent in the system. Along with these solutions, data from heating experiments lets us estimate the various heat transfer constants inherent to the system as well as absorption cross sections of all components. These solutions predict a higher temperature on the catalytic sites than reported by the thermometer in the microwave system, as well as a very low heat transfer coefficient, which implies the formation of an insulating vapor barrier around the catalyst. In addition, thermal imaging data support the notion that the temperature of the catalytic sites are much higher than that of the solvent.   

Hodoscope for spectrometer optics calibration in APEX dark matter search

The A' Experiment (APEX) to be conducted in Hall A of Jefferson Lab (JLab) is a high sensitivity search for a proposed dark matter A' boson. To improve sensitivity APEX will make use of a new High Resolution Spectrometer (HRS) calibration method using a scintillating fiber (SciFi) hodoscope. A prototype SciFi hodoscope is developed to evaluate and improve the characteristics of the hodoscope design. The use of an active detector to calibrate the HRS is expected to allow for direct spectrometer calibration at any momentum setting without the use of special beam energies and improve scattering angle resolution by approximately 30\%.   

Efficiency and Linewidth Improvements in a Grazing Incidence Dye Laser

The poster to be presented will describe an undergraduate senior research project involving a dye laser. The dye laser is a grazing incidence design that is pumped by a Continuum Surelite I Nd:YAG laser. The project will examine the principal factors which affect the efficiency and linewidth of a grazing incidence dye laser and will explore methods for improving these parameters. The presentation will include all relevant data and results, as well as a discussion of the challenges that were encountered and future research that is planned.   

Temperature Dependent Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements in a Phosphor

This poster will describe an undergraduate senior research project involving fluorescence lifetime measurements in a LaSO$_{4}$:Eu phosphor compound.~ Specifically, this project seeks to determine the temperature dependence of the lifetime. The temperature of the phosphor will be varied using a heater block with temperature control. The phosphor will be excited with the 337 nm output of a Nitrogen Laser. An Oriel Monochromator will be used to disperse the fluorescence, and the lifetime for a particular wavelength will be determined from a photomultiplier tube signal. At the time of the presentation, this project will be nearing completion; and I will discuss my progress, successes, and challenges.   

Development of Pressure sensing Particles through SERS and Upconversion

With the increasing distance of space travel, there is a critical need for non-invasive point-of-care diagnostic techniques. According to the NASA Human Research Roadmap, the ``lack of non-invasive diagnostic imaging capability and techniques to diagnose identified Exploration Medical Conditions involving internal body parts,'' is a critical capability gap for long distance space travel. To address this gap, we developed a novel technique for non-invasive monitoring of strain on implanted devices. We constructed a prototype tension-indicating washer with an upconversion spectrum that depended upon strain. The washer was made of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixture with upconversion particles embedded in it. This mixture was cured onto a lenticular lens. Methylene blue dye solution was sealed between the lenticular lens and PDMS so that pressure on the washer displaced the dye and uncovered the upconversion particles. We also began work on a tension-indicating screw based upon surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Future work for this project is to quantitatively correlate the spectral intensity with pressure, further develop SERS washers, and construct SERS and/or upconversion screws or bolts. Non-invasive tension-indicating devices and techniques such as these can be applied to orthopedics, used as a general technique for measuring micro-strain, verifying proper assembly of equipment, and observing/studying bolt loosening.   

Gold coated Nano-Particles on Silicon substrate

The study of Gold Nanoparticles is very captivating because of their significance and applications as catalysts in restructuring technologies that are used for manufacturing, medicine, energy production, transportation, computation, communication, and environmental changes. In this experiment, we have analyzed the morphology of Gold Nanoparticles using different techniques. A sputter coating technique was used to deposit gold on silicon substrate. During the process, depositions were performed using varying plasma coatings times and voltages. The Gold Nanoparticles were then analyzed using the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The AFM and SEM data revealed that the coating surface morphology was dependent upon deposition conditions.   

Spectroscopic Analysis of Today's Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

In today's consumer market, there are many different light bulbs that claim to produce `natural' light. In my research, I both quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed this claim. First, utilizing a spectroscope, I compared the spectra emitted by different brands and types of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to the spectra emitted by the Sun. Once the bulbs were quantitatively analyzed, I proceeded to qualitatively analyze them by exposing subjects to the different bulbs. The subjects were asked to rate the quality of color in different pictures illuminated by each type of CFL. From these tests, I was able to determine the ``best'' CFL bulbs, and conclude whether the health risks associated with CFL bulbs outweigh the cost savings, longevity of the bulbs, and/or quality of light benefits.   

Measuring the Force in Beams of Truss Bridges

The purpose of this experiment was to predict the forces present in beams of bridges under load and then compare those predictions to experimental results. The equipment used was a PASCO model bridge building kit and four force sensors. Because the bridge was in equilibrium, I was able to calculate the forces on some of the beams of a Howe Truss style bridge. The calculated values and experimental values did not match up and the answer to the problem was not solved until it was too late. I discovered that the system was extremely sensitive to the way the beams were attached, and further research requires careful attention to this property of the system.   

Constraining Sterile Neutrino Warm Dark Matter with Chandra Observations of the Andromeda Galaxy

We use the Chandra unresolved X-ray emission spectrum from a 12'-28' (2.8-6.4 kpc) annular region of the Andromeda galaxy to constrain the radiative decay of sterile neutrino warm dark matter. By excising the most baryon-dominated, central 2.8 kpc of the galaxy, we reduce the uncertainties in our estimate of the dark matter mass within the field of view and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of prospective sterile neutrino decay signatures relative to hot gas and unresolved stellar emission. Our findings impose the most stringent limit on the sterile neutrino mass to date in the context of the Dodelson-Widrow model, m{\_}s $<$ 2.2 keV (95{\%} C.L.). Our results also constrain alternative sterile neutrino production scenarios at very small active-sterile neutrino mixing angles.   

Tunable band gap in biased rhombohedral-stacked trilayer graphene

We have employed dispersion-corrected density-functional calculations to investigate the electronic characteristics of Bernal-stacked trilayer (ABA) and rhombohedral-stacked (ABC) trilayer graphene. In contrast to semimetallic behavior for Bernal-stacked trilayer, rhombohedral-stacked trilayer leads to a band gap opening with the applications of a perpendicular electric bias. The induced gap is shown to be attributed to the avoiding of level crossing among even and odd parity states that depends on the stacking pattern. The tunable band gap suggests a sensitive and effective way to tailor properties of trilayer graphene for future applications in nanoscale devices.   

Multipartite Quantum Entanglement Evolution in Photosynthetic Complexes

We investigate the presence of quantum entanglement in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson complex (FMO), a protein complex in the photosynthetic pathway of green sulfur bacteria which is involved in exciton transport at nearly 100{\%} efficiency. We present a novel optimization algorithm for calculating entanglement in open systems, and apply it to 5-site entanglement calculations in FMO simulations. We find that significant entanglement exists if exactly one exciton is assumed to reside in the FMO at all times, and that this entanglement can be described almost exclusively using bipartite entanglement monogamy, without resort to multipartite entanglement measures. Our results support the hypothesis that entanglement occurs primarily along the transport pathways in the FMO. However, we also find that the entanglement quickly goes to zero if one includes non-zero amplitudes in the two-exciton subspace, indicating that further work is required to understand the mechanism by which excitons enter the FMO.   

Implementation and testing of algorithms for data fitting

This poster will describe an undergraduate senior research project involving the creation and testing of a java class to implement the Nelder-Mead algorithm, which can be used for data fitting. The performance between the Nelder-Mead algorithm and the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm will be compared using a variety of different data. The new class will be made available at http://www.compadre.org/osp/items/detail.cfm?ID=11593. At the time of the presentation, this project will be nearing completion; and I will discuss my progress, successes, and challenges.   

Augmenting Computational Research Tools in Observational Cosmology

We present progress toward creating functional programs for data analysis to be used by cosmology researchers. Using Easy Java Simulations (EJS) to rewrite older code used in cosmology research, such as studying light intensity plots of supernovae (J. Moldenhauer \& L. Engelhardt (2011)), should prove most beneficial since many computational research tools pertinent to the field are written in FORTRAN, which while useful in terms of computational speed can be limiting in terms of functionality and simplicity to the user.   

Graded Barrier for Photovoltaic Operation of p-type GaAs/AlGaAs Heterostructure

In developing of Infrared detection devices, the photovoltaic devices have significant advantages over photoconductive detectors since they operate at zero bias. These also have lower operating powers as well as reduced low frequency noise. We have tested undoped AlGaAs (constant barrier) /p-type GaAs (emitter) / undoped AlGaAs (graded barrier) structures as photovoltaic detectors in the infrared region. A photovoltaic responsivity of 450 mV/W was obtained with a specific detectivity (D*) of 1.5 $\times $ 10$^{6}$ Jones at a peak wavelength 1.8 $\mu $m at 300 K. The photovoltaic response originates due to the charge accumulation at the contact region, resulted by the unidirectional net carrier flow forced by the graded barrier. The response region can be altered or broadened by sandwiching different materials or multiple materials between the two barriers. In addition to IR detectors, this technique can also be implemented on developing an efficient solar cell.   

Optimization of TiO2/SiO2 Nanorod Multilayers for High Angle of Incidence Anti-Reflection Coatings for Solar Cells

Conventional single-layer antireflection (AR) coatings work only at a single wavelength and at normal incidence. However, use of graded-index coatings having multi-layers yield omnidirectional, broadband antireflection characteristics. This will eliminate the need for sun tracking while maintaining high quantum efficiencies. Recent developments in growth of TiO$_{2}$ and SiO$_{2}$ nanostructures deposited by oblique angle deposition have shown very low refractive indices close to air. Fabry-Perot (FP) interference from the multilayer AR coating structure plays a major role in light transmitted at particular wavelengths. Depending on the thickness and refractive index of the layers, the overall reflection and transmission will get increased or reduced at certain wavelengths due to constructive and destructive interference from multiple reflections. It is possible to fine tune the thickness of each layer and the number of layers to minimize the overall reflection by enhancing destructive interference in the multilayer structure. This work demonstrates the FP oscillator behavior over a broad visible to infrared spectral range with incident angles up to 60 degrees in order to minimize the variations in the reflection and maximize the transmission up to 98.5 {\%}.   

Visible to near infra red absorption in natural dye (Mondo Grass Berry) for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

The development of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) is an exciting field in the low cost renewable energy production. Two major draw backs in the DSSCs are the narrow spectral response and the short term stability. Research on development of artificial dyes for broadening the response is important in finding a solution. Work presented here shows a broad spectral response with a natural dye extracted from a Mondo Grass berry (Ophiopogonjaponicus).The dye is extracted by crushing the berries and filtering to remove the pulp. A DSSC sensitized with Mondo Grass dye, and with TiO2 film screen printed on a Florien doped Tin Oxide (FTO) glass and baked for 30 minutes at 450 \r{ }C as the working electrode and Iodine/triiodide red-ox electrolyte as the hole collector was tested for its performance. An open circuit photovoltage of 495 mV and a short circuit photocurrent of 0.6 mA/cm2 were observed under a simulated lamp equivalent to 1 sun illumination. The broad spectral response from 400 nm to 750 nm was also observed for the Mondo Grass dye compared to other natural dyes consists of anthocyanins or tannins.   

Applications of Two-Body Dirac Equations to the Meson Spectrum with Three Versus Two Covariant Interactions, SU(3) Mixing

In a previous work Crater and Van Alstine applied the Two Body Dirac equations of constraint dynamics to quark-antiquark bound states using a relativistic extention of the Adler-Piran potential in which the transformation properties of the quark-antiquark potentials were limited to a scalar and an electromagnetic-like four vector, with the former accounting for the confining aspects of the overall potential, and the latter the short range portion. The static Adler-Piran potential was first given an invariant form and then apportioned between those two different types of potentials. Here we make a change in this apportionment that leads to a substantial improvement in the resultant spectroscopy by including a time-like confining vector potential over and above the scalar confining one and the electromagnetic-like vector potential. Our fit includes 19 more mesons than the earlier results and we modify the scalar portion of the potential in such a way that allows this formalism to account for the isoscalar mesons $\eta$ and $\eta'$ not included in the previous work.   

Baryon Spectrum Analysis using Covariant Constraint Dynamics

The energy spectrum of the baryons is determined by treating each of them as a three-body system with the interacting forces coming from a set of two-body potentials that depend on both the distance between the quarks and the spin and orbital angular momentum coupling terms. The Two Body Dirac equations of constraint dynamics derived by Crater and Van Alstine, matched with the quasipotential formalism of Todorov as the underlying two-body formalism are used, as well as the three-body constraint formalism of Sazdjian to integrate the three two-body equations into a single relativistically covariant three body equation for the bound state energies. The results are analyzed and compared to experiment using a best fit method and several different algorithms, including a gradient approach, and Monte Carlo method. Results for all well-known baryons are presented and compared to experiment, with good accuracy.