Bulletin of the American Physical Society
APS April Meeting 2018
Volume 63, Number 4
Saturday–Tuesday, April 14–17, 2018; Columbus, Ohio
Session F01: Welcome Reception and Poster Session I (17:30-19:30)Poster Session Undergraduate Students
|
Hide Abstracts |
Room: Union Ballroom A |
|
F01.00001: PHYSICS EDUCATION |
|
F01.00002: e-NABLE: Altruism and Engineering in an Undergraduate Physics Department Kristin Ludwicki, Matthew Bellis, Grazino Vernizzi Enabling The Future is an international organization of volunteers who 3D print prosthetic hands and arms for those in need, usually children. For the past few years, the chapter at Siena College, an entirely student-run club, has worked with local and international recipients to provide solutions for their unique situations. The club is mostly based out of the Physics and Astronomy department and has been a source of real-world training for many of our students who go on to engineering degrees or engineering jobs. We present the opportunities and challenges this club provides, both in terms of education and in helping make the world a better place.~ [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00003: Laser Environment Education Device (LEED): A Turbulence Theory Demonstrator Brian Kay, Michael Bishop, Darryl Sanchez, Tyler Hardy, Denis Oesch Education in atmospheric turbulence theory is required to meet the increasing needs of next generation imaging techniques. Sea-, air-, and land-based optical systems are continually plagued by wavefront aberrations caused by ever changing atmospheric conditions. Recognizing the challenges associated with wavefront theory education, and the increasing need to dynamically motivate and inspire future scientists, the Quantum Optics Research Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory is developing the Laser Environment Education Device (LEED). LEED is a portable atmospheric turbulence simulator which uses common parts to demonstrate the negative effects atmospherics have on optical-based systems. A summary of the system design, physical effects demonstrated, and curriculum for this teaching technical approach is presented. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00004: Synthesis of multiple pedagogical modalities Saami Shaibani The interrelationship between concepts in kinematics and their counterparts in calculus is such that a poor grasp of the latter can compromise student understanding of the former, and vice versa. One reason for this difficulty is the overreliance on a single preferred teaching method, coupled with a tendency to underemploy other approaches that are not as comfortable for the instructor. An alternative strategy has been developed in this research from the comprehensive combination of all of the standard individual instructional techniques, which are described separately elsewhere[1]. Optimum integration of these various modalities[2] is achieved in a progression of stages: content is introduced with a verbal method, and then enhanced by graphical and numerical methods, before the traditional emphasis on an analytical method is presented. The successful outcomes experienced here are particularly noteworthy in courses with diverse levels of student ability[3]. [1] for example, courses offered by College Board; [2] manifested in eponymous construct; [3] http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2017.APR.H2.7 [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00005: Learning physics by experiment: III. Lenses Saami Shaibani Typical worksheets for a majority of laboratory experiments contain a standard result or formula that students are expected to prove is correct. This narrow perspective may then be compounded by a learning framework that depends too heavily on one particular approach. One solution to overcome such limitations has two key features: give students the freedom to explore, and combine this with a willingness to teach outside the box. The former is achieved here by following principles developed both historically[1] and more recently[2-4], while the latter is implemented via a spectrum of methods that are illustrated in an eponymous device[5]. Within that spectrum, the class activity reported here begins with numerical techniques as a precursor to establishing an analytical description of the concepts involved. The success of this philosophy is seen by the comprehensive nature of the learning experienced, even when the activity takes place in a non-physics setting and/or when students are non-STEM majors. [1] curricula devised by Nuffield Foundation; [2] Announcer, 34 (2), 164 (2004); [3] http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2014.APR.D1.50; [4] Bull Am Phys Soc, Vol 63 (in press); [5] Bull Am Phys Soc, Vol 63 (in press) [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00006: Stability of truncated cones with fill fraction: III. Laboratory experiments Saami Shaibani Previous research[1,2] has established the properties of various liquid containers, and the results are highly non-trivial. This characteristic lends itself to the design of practical exercises for students to discover these properties, solely on an empirical basis in the absence of any knowledge of the theoretical formulae. The primarily numerical basis for the latter, in conjunction with calculus methods, has been extended here to a produce an exact derivation with an analytical approach that counterintuitively involves lower levels of mathematics. Such a successful combination of techniques is another example of the benefits of instruction with multiple pedagogical modalities that have been described in recent work[3,4]. The format of the laboratory experiments is improved by incorporating this diversity of subject matter and it makes the material more accessible to a broader range of students. [1] Announcer, 34 (2), 164, 2004; [2] Announcer, 34 (4), 79, 2005; [3] http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2017.APR.H2.7; [4] Bull Am Phys Soc, Vol 63 (in press) [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00007: How physics serves to explain an all-too-real real-world event Saami Shaibani "A vehicle is traveling at 27 m/s when it suffers a complete loss of power to all mechanical and electrical systems. This causes a severe reduction in the efficiency of the brakes and steering, which is exacerbated by no illumination of brake lights or turn signals. These factors constrain the overall mean coefficient of friction to be less than 0.2 for safe operation of the vehicle. If the driver is able to steer the vehicle onto an exit ramp [of length 250 meters and downward slope 6 degrees] and then join a minor road with upward slope of 4 degrees, can he reach the (relative) sanctuary of a traffic light that is 80 meters from the end of the exit ramp?" The preceding question reflects an actual scenario experienced by this author, and it provides an excellent opportunity for student learning that goes well beyond the somewhat simplistic exercises typically encountered in standard textbooks. Concepts in this paper expand the library of other examples from the real world[1-3], all of which enhance the value of physics to students as they benefit from meaningful applications beyond the classroom. [1] http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2010.APR.Z11.7; [2] http://www.aapt.org/AbstractSearch/FullAbstract.cfm?KeyID=17763; [3] http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2012.APR.J15.8 [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00008: Using Active Learning Techniques combined with Service Learning to Teach a Physics I Course Joseph Trout During the Fall semesters of 2016 and 2017, one section of a calculus based Physics I course was taught using several active learning techniques. A peer teaching technique used involved the demonstrations presented during the normal course of instruction. Instead of the instructor presenting the demonstrations, the students in the class, in groups of three or four, presented the demonstrations. The individual groups of students were provided a skeleton power point presentation and met with the instructor to learn how do perform the demonstration. After enhancing the presentation and becoming comfortable with the demonstration, they presented it to the rest of the class. As a service learning component of the class, the students organized a ``Day of Science'', which included a period where the students performed the demonstrations for seventh and eighth grade students from local schools. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00009: JupyterPIC: Linking plasma simulation codes with Juptyer notebooks (and JupyterHub) to teach students fundamental plasma physics B. J. Winjum, R. Lee, F. S. Tsung, W. B. Mori Computer simulations offer tremendous opportunities for studying plasmas, and for students approaching this field, illustrative plots or movies of plasma behavior can be very helpful for conceptualizing difficult topics. Nevertheless, there is a significant hurdle to using simulation tools. Users must navigate codes and software libraries, determine how to wrangle output into meaningful plots, and sometimes confront a significant cyberinfrastructure that is intended for research. We have configured a JupyterHub and written educational Jupyter Notebooks for students to run kinetic plasma software and analyze results inside a Web-based environment without needing to learn or manage the underlying software and computing cyberinfrastructure. Inside the notebooks, we have interleaved educational text and equations on a particular topic with simulation sections that students can run as-is or tinker with as they desire. We envision that this work could not only be beneficial to budding plasma physicists but also to students in other classroom environments that would benefit from computationally enabled instruction and data/visualization tools. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00010: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH |
|
F01.00011: Encouraging Women to Pursue Physics Jordan Gregor, Halie Lewis, Corinne Schaeffer The field of physics suffers from a lack of diversity, prompting several studies to be conducted that investigate the reason for the low number of women in the field. Instead of focusing on why there is a lack of women in physics, this research project looks to find what has contributed to the success of the women that are currently in the field of physics with the goal of finding better ways to encourage young women to study physics. This was accomplished by interviewing 51 women that fit the study’s pre-determined criteria. Every woman was asked questions regarding why they like physics and chose the field, as well as how they believe women should be encouraged to pursue physics. Several common themes were identified in the women’s answers that may be applied to STEM initiatives or may be useful to physics educators. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00012: Induced Bias in Recovery of Spinning Neutron Star Binaries with Non-spinning Waveforms Rachael Huxford, Chris Van Den Broeck, Archisman Ghosh The recent detection of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 has conclusively demonstrated the ability of probing with gravitational waves the elusive neutron star equation of state. It is expected that the parameters like tidal deformabilities which depend on the neutron star equation of state will be much better measured with future observations. In this work, we focus on the ability to accurately estimate tidal deformabilities of spinning waveforms using non-spinning waveform models. We compare the match of post-Newtonian waveforms with tidal effects and spins with their non-spinning counterparts. We find that the presence of spin drastically decreases the match between the two waveforms with increasing spin magnitudes. We repeat the study with a range of spin values in simulated waveforms. Tidal deformabilities are incorrectly estimated for higher spin magnitudes. In conclusion, our analysis shows that the use of non-spinning waveform models renders the estimation of tidal deformabilities highly inaccurate. [Preview Abstract] |
(Author Not Attending)
|
F01.00013: Tilted Planar Interlinked Coils as a Means of Generating Rotational Transform -- Modelling and Experiment. Shah Faisal Mazhar, Francesco Volpe, Ruben Diaz-Pacheco, Kenneth Hammond, Ben Israeli, Jessica Li, Justin Mann, Veronica Mulila, Tommy Polanco, Albert Tai, Jacob Austin CIRCUS [1] is a toroidal device for the magnetic confinement of plasmas. It is constructively similar to a tokamak, but has no solenoid, nor other means to generate plasma current. Yet, it is predicted to generate the helical field necessary for confinement by simply tilting its 6 planar coils. In this last regard it is more similar to a torsatron or stellarator, except that its coils are simpler, planar, and, in fact, circular. Experiments are under preparation, in which an electron beam will be used to visualize the magnetic topology and compare it with calculations. This is made possible by an electron gun movable in three dimensions. An ongoing upgrade consists in epoxying the in-vessel coils for better vacuum. We will also present predictions for devices featuring more coils, resulting in more axisymmetric plasmas. [1] A. W. Clark et al., Fusion Eng. Des. 89, 2014. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00014: Simulations of the Neutron Gas in the Inner Crust of Neutron Stars Elizabeth Vandegriff, Charles Horowitz, Matthew Caplan Inside neutron stars, the structures known as ``nuclear pasta'' are found in the crust. This pasta forms near nuclear density as nucleons arrange in spaghetti- or lasagna-like structures to minimize their energy. We run classical molecular dynamics simulations to visualize the geometry of this pasta and study the distribution of nucleons. In the simulations, we observe that the pasta is embedded in a gas of neutrons, which we call the ``sauce.'' In this work, we developed two methods for determining the density of neutrons in the gas, one which is accurate at low temperatures and a second which justifies an extrapolation at high temperatures. Running simulations with no Coulomb interactions, we find that the neutron density increases linearly with temperature for every proton fraction we simulated. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00015: Applications of Machine Learning in Low-latency LIGO searches for Gravitational Waves Kyle Rose LIGO’s search for gravitational wave signals is negatively affected by the presence of transient excitations from non-astrophysical sources, called glitches, in the data. Efficient glitch identification and removal will greatly improve LIGO’s ability to detect astrophysical signals. LIGO is exploring the application of various classifiers, including Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA’s), to this problem because they have the potential to make accurate predictions about the data (glitch or no glitch) in real-time. Machine Learning Algorithms take in a large set of inputs, called a feature vector. The contents of the feature vector can impact the accuracy of MLAs. LIGO uses a handful of characteristics about glitches in its auxiliary channels (seismic activity, thermal, etc.) to build the feature vector. From this information, the MLA is able to make predictions about when there is a corresponding glitch in the gravitational wave channel. This work demonstrates the effect of adding new features to the feature vector. One of these new features is the elapsed time between the interferometer attaining lock and the auxiliary channel glitch. In this work, the performance of the classifiers with and without the added features is evaluated. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00016: Speckle Interferometric Observation of WDS 14564$+$8503 Stephen White, Paige Bensen, Sepehr Ardebilianfard, Gezal Bahmani, Alexander Beltzer-Sweeney, Irena Stojimirovic, Richard Harshaw, Grady Boyce, Pat Boyce Speckle interferometric observations of tertiary star system WDS 14564$+$8503 were made in order to measure the position angle (theta) and separation (rho) of the AB components, and also to attempt to confirm if the components are in a gravitationally bound state. The theta and rho measurements were found to be 291.5\textdegree $+$/- 0.1\textordmasculine and 3.433'' $+$/- 0.01'', respectively. The measurements showed a possible continuation of a linear motion trend, but were inconclusive in confirming whether or not the AB components are gravitationally bound. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00017: Charged Particle Tracking Efficiency in Proton-Proton Collisions at STAR Alek Hutson Distributions of charged particles within jets produced in proton-proton collisions may provide new insight into the process of hadronization, e.g. improved constraints on gluon fragmentation functions. The Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC (STAR) is well equipped to identify charged particles produced within the aforementioned jets. One instrument within STAR, the Time Projection Chamber (TPC), provides a means to track these charged particles by measuring the time of detection and energy of ionized electrons. A crucial component to this analysis is understanding the charged particle tracking efficiency within the TPC. This can be studied with tools such as Monte Carlo simulations embedded into real data, e.g. those collected during the 2011 RHIC run of proton-proton collisions at $\surd $s $=$ 500 GeV. The presentation will include the status of the described analysis. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00018: Effects of Detector Resolution in Measurements of the Multiplicities of Hadrons Within Jets at STAR Suzanne Wheeler, James Drachenberg Hadron yields within jets from proton-proton collisions have been proposed as a way to unearth more information on gluon fragmentation functions. The STAR experiment at RHIC provides capability to measure jets at midrapidity and identify their~constituent particles by combining information from ionization energy loss and time of flight measurements. It is vital to understand the resolution effects of the different detector subsystems and how they affect the measurement of jet and particle kinematics. These effects are studied in Monte Carlo simulations, where the event generator level can be directly compared to output from the detector reconstruction. The status of this analysis will be presented. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00019: Collider Searches for Effective WIMP Dark Matter Anthony Grippo, Jeffrey Hutchinson, Kara Farnsworth We analyze the kinematic distributions of Effective WIMP dark matter and estimate the statistical significance ( \begin{figure}[htbp] \centerline{\includegraphics[width=0.33in,height=0.19in]{120120181.eps}} \label{fig1} \end{figure} $S/\sqrt B )$ of dark matter signals at the LHC and future colliders. These Effective WIMP models contain a singlet dark matter particle and a lepton ``partners'' with renormalizable cubic couplings between dark matter, the lepton partners, and leptons. Within this framework, we consider four models where the dark matter is a real scalar boson, complex scalar boson, Majorana fermion, or Dirac fermion. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00020: Observed Scaling Relationships between the Dark Matter Halo Parameters and Half-Light Radii of Multiple Galaxy Types. Justin Craig, Nawaj KC, Casey Watson We present relationships between the half-light radii and best-fit, Burkert dark matter halo parameters of 12 Milky Way dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs). We then show that similar relationships hold for several galaxy types over many orders of magnitude in galaxy size, mass, and luminosity. We determine power-law fits for these relationships that allow astronomers to estimate the properties of a galaxy's dark matter halo simply by measuring its half-light radius. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00021: Gravitational wave memory from supernova explosions Lita de la Cruz, Marc Favata “Memory” is a non-oscillatory piece of the gravitational-wave signal. In supernova explosions the memory arises from asymmetries in the distribution of ejected matter and neutrinos. We survey the range of memory amplitudes and rise times present in supernova gravitational-waveforms available in the literature. Simple analytic models are fit to these memory components and used to estimate the detectability of supernova memory signals. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00022: Comparing gravitational-wave memory waveforms Kevin Chen, Matthew Karlson, Marc Favata, Kevin Barkett, Mark Scheel The nonlinear or Christodoulou memory is a non-oscillatory contribution to the gravitational-wave signal that arises from the gravitational-wave stress energy tensor. Extracting the nonlinear memory from numerical relativity simulations has proven challenging, except via the use of Cauchy Characteristic Extraction (CCE). We perform a comparison study of memory waveform modes computed via two methods: the CCE technique and a semi-analytic approach that uses oscillatory (non-memory) waveform modes as input. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00023: Application of Modular Forms to Black Holes and String Theory. Jose Pacheco, Ajit Hira, Rey Rodriguez, Emanuel Lucero, Joyce Mondragon In Number Theory, the integer partition function $p(n)$ represents the number of distinct ways of representing $n$ as a sum of natural numbers. First, we worked on computer codes, to generate integer partitions for a given integer $n, $and \quad calculated the \quad values of $p(n)$ all the way up to $n = $400. Incidentally, on a fast machine, it took 4 days, 0 h, 8 min, and 20 s, of computer time to calculate P (210). In this poster, we present our results on integer partitions, and their applications to Black-Hole Physics and to Super String Theory. One important example we discuss is that of a wall-crossing as a discontinuous change across a co-dimension wall in String Theory. Another example that we present is that of topological effects hidden inside ordinary materials, which hide new particles. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00024: Abstract Withdrawn
|
|
F01.00025: Comparing Fourier and Wavelet Methods in Analyzing Stellar Light Curves Miriam Saad, Joseph Trout Fourier analysis is traditionally used in analyzing stellar light curves. Fourier Analysis of a signal can calculate the frequencies and the amplitude of the frequencies which make up the signal, which can provide the general characteristic of the signal. Recently, researchers have begun using Wavelet analysis to analyze stellar light curves. This poster compares the use of Fourier analysis with Wavelet analysis when analyzing light curves. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00026: Modeling the Nab Experiment Electronics in SPICE Alexander Blose, Christopher Crawford, Aaron Sprow The goal of the Nab experiment is to measure the neutron decay coefficients a, the electron-neutrino correlation, as well as b, the Fiery interference term to precisely test the Standard Model, as well as probe for Beyond the Standard Model physics. In this experiment, protons from the beta decay of the neutron are guided through a magnetic field into a Silicon detector. Event reconstruction will be achieved via time-of-flight measurement for the proton and direct measurement of the circuitry needs to preserve fast timing, provide good sample resolution, and be packaged in a high-density format. We have designed a SPICE simulation to model the full electronics chain for the Nab experiment in order to understand the contributions of the components have been determined where available. We will present a comparison of the output from the SPICE model, analytic solution, and empirically determined data. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00027: How to be a Successful Woman in Physics Halie Lewis, Jordan Gregor, Corinne Schaeffer In the field of physics, the lack of diversity is a well-known and documented problem, specifically the lack of women. Instead of focusing on why there is a lack of women in physics, this research project looks to find what has contributed to the success of the women that are currently in the field of physics. This was accomplished by interviewing women that fit the study’s pre-determined criteria. For this study, 51 women were interviewed either in person or by video conference. The women identified coping strategies and resources that benefited them in their journey to success. They also provided advice for young women who look to pursue physics. The common theme of having a supportive environment was identified as a key component to the success of the participants. After the interview was conducted a mindset survey was sent to determine if the woman had a “growth” or “fixed” mindset. All participants displayed similar mindset scores, despite differing backgrounds. Future research may involve a similar study in other fields of STEM to see if the themes recorded are specific to physics or if they transcend fields. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00028: Photon and Neutron Waveform Differentiation Mackenzie Devilbiss In high-energy particle experiments, background control is key to producing quality data. The K0TO Experiment aims to observe the ultra-rare decay of the neutral kaon into a neutral pion, a neutrino, and an antineutrino. The JSNS$^{\mathrm{2}}$ Experiment is searching for sterile neutrino evidence by investigating antineutrino oscillations on short length scales. Both experiments have significant background signals caused by neutrons. Photons and neutrons can be distinguished by comparing the respective waveform shapes. Both waveforms have an asymmetric Gaussian shape, but neutron waveforms appear to have a much longer `tail' decay than photons do. Using this information, we can fit the waveforms and define a standard tail region so that we can compare the area of the tail of the waveform to the total area of the waveform to create a parameter that is different for photons and neutrons. By applying an event cut based on this parameter, photon and neutron signals can be distinguished and background events can be removed from data. After performing waveform separation studies using both liquid scintillator and single CsI crystal setups, it was determined that this parameter is effective in distinguishing photons and neutrons in liquid scintillator, but not using a single CsI crystal. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00029: Spatial Frequency Modulated Imaging of Real-Time Laser-Matter Interaction Clare Lanaghan, Jeff Squier, Nathan Worts Laser modification of materials or biological systems would benefit from imaging systems that are able to quantify interactions in real-time. One important requirement of such an imaging system is to be robust against optical scattering, as interactions may take place deep within a scattering material. We demonstrate a new imaging modality that enables real-time characterization of laser ablation from a 10.6\textmu m CO$_{\mathrm{2}}$ laser. Our system uses confocal spatial frequency modulation imaging with a rotated reticle modulation mask to show real-time changes with two and three dimensional images. Single element detection is used to aid in mitigating scattering effects, and an 800nm excitation wavelength enables detection down to millimeter depths in glass and plastic. The resolution of the system was tested by imaging line-pairs down to 20$\mu $m. The contrast in images taken of a fingerprint on acrylic and microfluidic channels in glass, which are both essentially phase targets, suggests that the system is capable of generating contrast based on phase differences. We are working on new models of the microscope to help explain the apparent phase contrast. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00030: An Investigation Of Elliptical Polarization Arising From The Optical Properties Of Liquid Crystals Kadeem LaFargue This report describes the individual and independent experience of studying elliptically polarized light through holographic gratings filled with dye-doped liquid crystals. On the way facing difficulties I did obtain data to prove the elliptical polarization of the light. While also educating myself on liquid crystals and their endless ensemble of properties that help create that. Even though off topic I spent time looking at them since they were liquid crystals and to use them for building blocks as topics for future potential research. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00031: X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy Study of Implant-Grade Titanium Surfaces and the Charge Transfer at their Interfaces after Various Treatments to Improve the Metal's Coating Brian Schubert, David Bernard, Hannah Senediak, Snjezana Balaz, Kathryn Shields, Holly Martin Various titanium analogs were treated with non-carcinogenic deposition agents, acetone, heptane, and ethanol, as an alternative to the carcinogenic toluene. For use in biological implants, a non-carcinogenic solution such as these would be required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal is to adhere chitosan to the titanium surface using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and glutaraldehyde as precursory agents in the deposition process involving a wash of the mentioned solvents. Surface scans were conducted to determine the binding efficiency and charge transfer of each compound in the acetone, heptane, ethanol, or toluene solution using X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) in an Ultra High Vacuum (UHV). Some contamination between samples was recorded by trace silicon and nitrogen levels, and oxygen and carbon were activated to varying extents between the different samples. Through this investigation, the best solution to safely and effectively adhere chitosan will be determined. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00032: Exploring the Engineering Process Margaret Kaye, Brandon MacWhinnie, Paul Mittan It is becoming more and more important to engage today's youth with enrichment programs to fill the rising need for graduates in STEM-related fields. This project was to design, outline, and model a project for a high school program called Engineering Explorers that would engage students in the engineering process. Margaret Kaye worked as the mechanical lead on this project and created CAD designs for various versions of a rover with a collection mechanism on the front. The team also 3D printed these parts, tested them in various fashions, and constructed a functional vehicle with the help of the Lockheed Martin Owego-based team. The team also created circuit design and software for an iPhone app, which controlled the robot, along with a large amount of documentation and instructions for high school students to repeat the process and make use of these designs. In the end, this prototype was fully functional, and the high school program is set to build a collection of similar robots in the near future to use in a competition. We will present a summary of the project and describe its main goals. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00033: A New Algorithm for Diagonalizing Dynamical Matrices of Harmonic Oscillators. Eric Aspling, Bruce White The Harmonic Oscillator (HO) is used throughout many disciplines within physics. In this project we explore a robust algorithm that is used to diagonalize the Tridiagonal Matrix associated with the force equations of the HO. This matrix is also known as the Dynamical Matrix. This algorithm was designed to algebraically assess HO systems of condensed matter, where assuming plane waves proves to be inconvenient. These cases include having varying masses or potentials and evaluating these systems in higher dimensions. The Algorithm is a means to find the characteristic equation of smaller parts within these complex matrices. Then, through careful algebraic manipulations of the characteristic equations we can form the final characteristic equation describing the entire dynamical matrix of the system. The more traditional methods of diagonalizing the Dynamical Matrices tend to become algebraically exhaustive after a few degrees of complexity. While our algorithm does require some periodicity, the algebra remains manageable regardless of the system. Computational software proves to be detrimental not only for organizing the characteristic equations but also for taking the roots of these equations as they can be of a high order. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00034: Optimization of Electrode Geometry David Mullins Electric fields are often required for low energy neutron experiments, either for sensitivity to the electric dipole moment, or to accelerate low energy protons for detection in neutron decay experiments. In order to attain the highest fields, special care must be taken in the design of the electrodes to prevent arcing that could damage the equipment and halt the experiment. In this project, I use the finite element analysis software COMSOL to optimize the geometry of cylindrical high voltage electrodes providing a uniform electric field in experiments to measure the electric dipole moment of the neutron. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00035: RoLEDS: Rotating LED-based Solar Simulator Nickolas Reed, Parker Stokes, Pratheesh Jakkala This study reports the design and construction of an innovative, efficient, and low-cost arduino based solar simulator. The simulator produces a spectrum of wavelengths for I-V, efficiency measurements of solar cells and other photosensitive devices. Visible solar spectrum can be simulated using rotating LEDs. Sample overheating and uniform distribution of light sources over the sample area is addressed by the rotational aspect of the design. RoLEDS is controlled by Arduino motor drive module. The power output of the light source in the RoLEDS can be adjusted when Arduino sends the information to the computer interface. Wavelength filters are used to measure light generated current and voltages at specific wavelengths. This low cost solar simulator can operate within 300 - 800 nm wavelength range. A comparison has been established with the existing branded solar simulators. Isc, Voc, Power, and Efficiency values of lab made and commercial solar cells measured using this simulator are within reasonable error to the true values. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00036: Electrical and Optical Properties of RF Sputtered Copper Oxide Thin Films and their Suitability for Solar Cell Applications. Elijah Rhoad, Pratheesh Jakkala In this study, we present electrical and optical properties of Copper Oxide thin films grown by RF magnetron sputtering method for solar cell applications. Copper Oxide thin films are deposited on high temperature boro-aluminosilicate glass and Si (111) substrates at varying substrate temperatures and (Ar$+$O$_{\mathrm{2}})$ gas flow ratios. Absorption spectrum is measured from UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Using Tauc plots, average bandgap values are calculated to be between 1.54 and 2.1 eV. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements are obtained to verify the absorption spectrum. Aluminum(Al) metal contacts are deposited at four corners of the films using DC sputtering method to calculate electrical properties. Resistivity, conductivity, and mobility values are calculated using Hall-Effect Measurement system. Average Hall-coefficient of Copper oxide films is measured to be $+$ 6.42 x 10$^{\mathrm{-5}}$ cm$^{\mathrm{3}}$/C indicating deposited films are p-type semiconductors. Suitability of these thin films for solar cell applications is verified from the perspective of electrical and optical properties. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00037: Multi-Wire Proportional Chamber Demonstration Michael Reynolds The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at Kennesaw State University is building a series of Multi-Wire Proportional Chambers as a tool to detect cosmic ray muons, measure muon flux, and do muon tomography. We will stack four chambers perpendicular to each other allowing us to calculate muon trajectory for the purposes of muography, which is our intended final goal. Chamber construction is simple and efficient, consisting of a wire array between two cathode planes. The wire array is under high voltage while the cathodes are grounded to create a potential gap inside the chamber. The array has alternating field-shaping and anode wires serving to further isolate the anode wires from each other for better resolution. In order for the multi-wire chamber to function properly, the anode wires must be at a high DC voltage. Current passes through the amplifier and then the circuit passes the detection of the muon on to the data collection system. The SPS is designing and building these detectors from the ground up using existing literature as reference. The goal is to develop stable hands-free devices and electronics that can detect exactly which wire muons passed through and send the information to a data collection system. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00038: PHYSICS EDUCATION RESEARCH |
|
F01.00039: Assessing the Impact of a Game-Centered, Interactive Approach for Using Programming Exercises in Introductory Physics Demetrius Tuggle, Chris Orban, Richelle Telling-smith, Chris Porter Computer programming is an increasingly desired skill for all STEM fields, not just computer science. We created simple and interactive computer programming activities based on the physics of video games and integrated these into introductory physics classes. Importantly, these activities typically involve less than 75 lines of code. Students completed an online assessment before and after each activity to measure the students' comprehension of physics concepts and to gauge student perceptions about the activity, such as difficulty, level of enjoyment and whether it changes their attitudes about STEM. The target population ranges from high school students to first year college students. Data have been collected from introductory physics courses at two different universities. To aid in this work we have also launched the STEMcoding YouTube channel for instructors and students. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00040: A novel approach for teaching electromagnetism concepts using programming exercises in algabra based physics Nash Brecht, Christopher Orban, Richelle Teeling-Smith, Chris Porter While many web interactives for introductory physics exist, students are rarely shown the computer code that generates the interactives even when the physics and code for these programs are relatively simple and may help students understanding of introductory electromagnetism. continuing off a similar set of exercises for introductory classical mechanics we present an approach that addresses many common concerns around using programming exercises in introductory electromagnetism, and increase conceptual gains. Our approach keeps the programming exercise simple and well commented, and only shows the code that influences the physics of the interactive.We present assessment results using questions similar to the Brief Electricity and Magnetism Assessment and comment on best practices. These exercises are part of the STEMcoding project that can be found at u.osu.edu/stemcoding which aims to reinvigorate introductory STEM courses with computer science in mind. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00041: How the relevance of physics changes when a student transitions to an instructor: A longitudinal study exploring the relevance of physics to a life science student Devin Lake, Abhilash Nair, Vashti Sawtelle Physics courses are often a degree requirement for non-physics majors, and students don’t typically see the relevance of physics to their own interests. This is a challenge for physics instructors who wish to design curricula to target students’ disciplinary interests. We present a case study of a life science student, Zoe, who was a student in an introductory physics for the life sciences and in the next year became an undergraduate learning assistant for that course. Utilizing qualitative research methods, the student was interviewed with a semi-structured protocol, and an iterative process was employed to construct a codebook that defines the different aspects of the course that this student found to be relevant. The first iterations of the codebook involved only data from when Zoe was a student in the course. After iterating multiple times, the codebook was refined and applied to data taken from when Zoe was a learning assistant for the course. The codebook was then altered to fit the expanded notions of relevance for a teacher of physics in addition to that of a student. Using these two codebooks, we explored the different aspects of relevance. We will present the changes to the students’ conceptions of relevance that occurred as they transitioned between these two roles. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00042: Observing computational instruction: comparing beliefs and enacted practice Ashleigh Leary, Paul Irving, Marcos Caballero The interactions that an instructor has with their students is instrumental when integrating computation into the undergraduate physics curriculum. With group-based learning especially, there is often an emphasis put on striking a balance between actual instruction and allowing room for student growth, independent of an instructor. In the $P^3$ classroom at MSU, students are exposed to context rich minimally working programs using the language of VPython, many for the first time, and are guided by instructors who help shape their understanding of physics and the utility of computation in the doing of physics. The ways in which the instructors shape this understanding varies, but each has a preferred method characterized by certain moves and meta messages. This poster cross-examines how a specific instructor in $P^3$ believes they teach physics through computation, and compares those methods to actual classroom interactions with students via video data. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00043: Including the Topics of Inclusion and Social Identity in Introductory Physics David Coffey Modern scientists must be able to work well with people of diverse backgrounds and social identities. Starting in 2017, the physics program at Warren Wilson College incorporated an inclusion in science component into our introductory physics courses. Students worked in groups to research an identity under-represented in STEM and created a poster containing background information and recommendations based on this work. The students presented their posters at an open poster session on campus. The challenges and opportunities of incorporating such a broad and personalized educational component will be discussed. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00044: BuckeyeVR 3D Plot Viewer – A Free Resource for Smartphone-based VR Chris Orban, Chris Porter, Joseph Smith Although there are a number of smartphone apps that can produce interesting stereoscopic visualizations using a cheap VR viewer (often called Google Cardboard), until recently there did not exist a resource to allow STEM educators to use this VR technology to display user-defined functions, curves and vector fields. The BuckeyeVR 3D plot viewer is a free resource that allows educators to both render a user-defined function in a web interface and to quickly view this function in stereoscopic 3D using smartphone-based VR. This is made possible by a freely available smartphone app for Android and iPhones that can take information from the web interface and reproduce the visualization on the smartphone. This resource is available at buckeyevr.osu.edu and we encourage STEM educators to adopt it and to collaborate with Ohio State in examining the pedagogical benefits of this technology. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00045: PRECISION TESTS OF PHYSICS LAWS |
|
F01.00046: Pythagorean comma, Buckingham Pi theorem, dimensional analysis, and harmonic power laws of the frequency equivalents of the electron, Bohr radius, and Rydberg constant Donald Chakeres Purpose: The Pythagorean comma refers to a musical Euclidian mathematical tuning method that defines a ratio power law inter-relating two frequencies and a virtual frequency analogous to a beat. This frequency is derived utilizing the Buckingham $\Pi $ theorem and dimensional analysis. It is physically related to the frequency ratio, and superposition of two waves. The virtual frequency is defined as closest to 1 Hz for the smallest possible physically valid powers. The product ratios of the frequency equivalents of the electron, Bohr radius, and the Rydberg constant are known Standard Model (SM) power laws of 2, $\pi $, and the fine structure constant. The hypothesis is that their Pythagorean power laws represent are a classic harmonic power system, and are equivalent/ isomorphic transformations of the SM. Methods: We analyze the three quanta as Hertzian equivalents utilizing Pythagorean, Buckingham, dimensional analysis methods. We utilize a computer search engine to derive the powers. We analyze if there is a systematic harmonic power law organization, and if it is equivalent/ isomorphic with the SM. Results: The hydrogen Pythagorean power laws demonstrate classic harmonic patterns, and are isomorphic with the SM. Conclusions: The ancient Greeks described a power law system that defines wave interactions. When this method is utilized for quantum constants this is equivalent to viewing quanta from a 2D natural unit power Fourier perspective. The SM is an isomorphic harmonic power system. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00047: Magnetic Field Scanning for the New Muon g-2 Experiment Ran Hong, Joseph Grange, Peter Winter A magnetic field scanning system has been developed for high-precision measurement of the magnetic field of the muon storage ring used in the New Muon g-2 Experiment (E989) at Fermilab. The former trolley system from E821 with 17 NMR probes was refurbished and upgraded with new electronics, probes and a modern motion control system. A new controlling and data acquisition software system was also developed for interfacing with the field-scanning trolley. The precision of the NMR system is better than 1 part-per-billion (ppb) in a highly uniform solenoid magnet. The motion system was successfully tested inside the muon-storage vacuum chamber. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00048: New Einstein Field Equation Explain of Structure of Fluid Dayong Cao In fluid, we need to reconsider the relationship among the center of gravity, the center of buoyancy, the mass center, and the center of structure (center of form). We cannot use Einstein equation to study the gravity structure of the fluid. We must advance Einstein equation, get a negative Einstein field equation and negative gravitational structure, study a fluidic gravitational structure (which is from temperature, heat, humidity, pressure, buoyancy, and fluid resistance), and explain of fluidic gravitational structure which has more density of negative gravitational structure. It also can study vortex and turbulence which have structures of spacetime center. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00049: A New Quantum Eraser Using Hyperentanglement Hyung Choi, Draven Houser, Dustin Swarm We propose a new type of quantum eraser using hyperentangled photon pairs. Whereas a typical quantum eraser makes use of photons that are entangled in a single quantum state, usually in polarization, our new quantum eraser exploits entanglements in both polarization and momentum states. In a typical quantum eraser one gains``which-path" information of one photon by changing the polarization measurement of the other. This results in ``erasing" the interference pattern previously obtained through indistinguishability of paths. In our new quantum eraser we gain information about the momentum state of one photon by changing the polarization of the other photon in one of its momentum states. The knowledge of the momentum state then ``erases" the interference pattern previously obtained in the coincident counts of the photon pairs. This new quantum eraser may readily be implemented using photon pairs produced by Type-I Parametric Down Conversion. To achieve extra entanglement in momentum states, we simply subject them to pass through two distinguishable sets of pinholes and then recombine them before they reach polarization detectors. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00050: Abstract Withdrawn
|
|
F01.00051: Distinguishing Environmental Coupling from Universal Decoherence in Gravitational Wave Detector Noise Nicholas LaRacuente, Marius Junge The quantum description of time evolution via unitary operators describes microscopic phenomena at low temperature with excellent precision. It does not, however, preclude the existence of a universal decoherence mechanism that would be undetectably weak in microscopic quantum experiments, yet significant in macroscopic objects. Gravitational wave detection involves measurement of macroscopic objects with extraordinary precision. Recent studies use observed noise levels in experiments such as LISA Pathfinder and LIGO to upper bound the strength of possible decoherence mechanisms. These bounds could be improved by distinguishing universal from environmental noise sources. We address this problem via information theory, asking when it is possible to distinguish random functions from each other. Furthermore, we consider possible bounds to the speed of decoherence in quantum systems under unavoidable noise. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00052: GENERAL |
|
F01.00053: Abstract Withdrawn
|
|
F01.00054: Low Power Dual Ion Beam Sputtered high endurance resistive switch with memristive behaviour amitesh kumar, Mangal Das, Brajendra S. Sengar, Md. Arif Khan, Abhinav Kranti, Shaibal Mukherjee The memory effects in a memristor can be realized through the switching behavior between two distinct resistance states, low resistance state (LRS) and high resistance state (HRS) driven by low pulse voltages. ZnO-based thin films such as undoped ZnO, Mg-doped ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO have attracted considerable interest as promising resistive switching materials. Gallium doping electrically modulates the behavior of ZnO to suit low power switching behavior. Non-lattice oxygen ions and oxygen vacancies as detected by XPS are found to play important role in imparting forming-free resistive switching behavior. I-V of Al/ZnO/Al (AZA) shows device with varying ramp rate exhibiting decreasing hysteresis with increasing ramp rate. Similarly I-V for Au/Ga-ZnO/Au (AuGZAu) conforms to zero crossing of I-V hysteresis loop and shrinking of loop area with increasing ramp rate. Device sets and resets to lower voltage as compared to AZA device. Ga doping increases conductivity of ZnO film and hence sets and resets at lower voltages. AuGZAu device depicts unipolar memristive behavior as it shows pinched hysteresis with varying frequency, whereas AZA behaves as an ideal bipolar memristor with good endurance and retention. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00055: The APS-SCOAP$^{\mathrm{3}}$ Partnership Matthew Marsteller All high-energy physics articles in \textit{Physical Review C}, \textit{Physical Review D} and \textit{Physical Review Letters} are now published Open Access thanks to an APS-SCOAP$^{\mathrm{3}}$ partnership. Authors incur no costs and no additional burden, and retain copyright to their work. Expenses are met by a network of libraries and research institutions. All APS members can help making this initiative sustainable by engaging within their institutions. This poster will outline how the APS-SCOAP$^{\mathrm{3}}$ partnership works, how the community benefits, and how it can help. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00056: Breaking Into the Nuclear and Nucleosynthesis Codes Eugene Pamfiloff There is a critical absence of physical evidence supporting the stellar nucleosynthesis model, with specific reference to the fusion of hydrogen protons into helium. Much of modern physics theory is either based upon this model or is unavoidably intertwined with it. Thus, in an attempt to prove that helium nuclei and the energy emitted from the Sun are the products of stellar fusion, a study of the reverse of fusion was undertaken. Since the fusion of four plasma protons cannot be observed directly, it was necessary to examine the methods by which the nuclei of 2753 unstable isotopes break apart (fission) or transition (decay) by natural means. However, the isotope research revealed that not a single event of fusion between protons takes place in a star, leaving helium without a basis. And without this nucleus, nucleosynthesis cannot proceed to the next phase, the CNO cycle. The elements, their common isotopes and the emitted stellar energy are in fact produced differently from that described by the contemporary nuclear and stellar models. This report describes the findings of the research that includes the systems by which the elements are formed and stellar energy is produced. This work is important because it is the first of its kind, as a comprehensive study and analysis of nuclear transitions as a whole. The research has shown that stars do not function as we have assumed; the work has also disclosed new physics beyond the Standard Model. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00057: Biophysical and Pharmacological Effects of Theobromine Using Computational and Thermodynamic Analysis Sungjun Bae, Seong Ho Shin, Jinwook Joseph Shin Biophysical and pharmacological effects of theobromine in our bodies have not been studied in detail since it is biologically inert. Theobromine is an isomer of theophylline, which is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant, found in a number of foods including chocolate, leaves of the tea plant and nut. Theobromine is a heart stimulant and vasodilator, and it facilitates diuretic activity, instigating the body to naturally produce fat-burning hormones. Pharmaco-toxicological and clinical studies with Theobromine show that digestion of a substantial amount of the drug induces gene mutations in lower eukaryotes such as human as well as bacteria. In this paper, biophysical and pharmacokinetic modeling on the Theobromine and its derivatives is performed by computational and theoretical methods. This research utilizes computational programs and optimization theory that are capable of determining the physical and chemical properties of the molecules as well as the efficiencies of the fat burning abilities. Theoretical structure of each feasible molecules can be assessed to predict the efficiency of the molecule through analysis of the physical stability and thermodynamic activity. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00058: Abstract Withdrawn
|
|
F01.00059: Outburst Observations of the Black Hole MAXI J1535-571 Joey Neilsen, Ed Cackett, Andy Fabian, Keith Gendreau, Jeroen Homan, Jon Miller, DJ Pasham, Ron Remillard, Jack Steiner, Phil Uttley Accreting or feeding stellar mass black holes are among the most exotic and powerful sources of energy in the universe: as a result of their small sizes and deep gravitational potentials, these systems can vary on timescales as short as milliseconds, even as they launch relativistic jets and ionized winds, outshine stars by orders of magnitude, and provide testbeds for some of General Relativity's most exciting predictions. They are excellent targets for NICER's sensitive X-ray capabilities. In this talk, I will describe our analysis of the recent outburst of a new black hole candidate, MAXI J1535-571, highlighting some results on fast and slow variability as well as new constraints on the accretion disk from a coordinated campaign with the hard X-ray telescope NuSTAR. These results clearly illustrate how much NICER has to contribute to our understanding of black hole astrophysics. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00060: Search for $B_s^0 \to \eta \eta$ Kamal Nath, Bipul Bhuyan We search for the decay $B_s^0 \to \eta \eta$ using 121.4 $fb^{-1}$ of data collected at $\Upsilon(5S)$ resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy $e^+ e^-$ collider located at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Japan. In the Standard Model (SM), this decay is a neutral charmless decay which can occur through a variety of processes such as Cabibbo suppressed b $\to$ u transition with a further color suppression with respect to the charged modes. Contributions can also arise from electroweak penguins. Theoretical calculation based on pQCD predicts the branching ratio (BR) for $B_s^0$ \to \eta \eta$ to be $(14.2+18.0 - 7.5 ) \times 10^{-6}$, which has a large uncertainty. The present experimental upper limit on the BR for $B_s^0$ \to \eta \eta$ is $1.5 \times 10^{-3}$ at 90\% confidence level (CL). This analysis will be the first attempt to search for this decay using the available dataset from the Belle experiment with an expectation of reaching the SM sensitivity. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00061: Bound-Preserving Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Neutrino Transport Ran Chu, Eirik Endeve, Cory Hauck, Anthony Mezzacappa We aim to develop accurate and robust methods for simulation of multi-dimensional neutrino transport in nuclear astrophysics applications. Specifically, methods that work well in scattering and/or absorption dominated regimes, and in the streaming limit. Here we consider a multi-group two-moment model which evolves the spectral particle density $\mathcal{N}$ and flux $\boldsymbol{\mathcal{F}}$ --- angular moments of a phase space distribution function $f$. Since, by the Pauli exclusion principle, the neutrino distribution function is bounded ($f\in[0,1]$), a realizable set of moments ($\mathcal{N},\boldsymbol{\mathcal{F}}$) must also be bounded. Specifically, $\mathcal{N} \in [0,1]$ and $(1-\mathcal{N})\mathcal{N} - |\boldsymbol{\mathcal{F}}| \geq 0$. To achieve high-order accuracy, efficiency (i.e., large time step), and the bound-preserving property, an implicit-explicit (IMEX) discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method has been developed. Here we present details of the mathematical model, the numerical method, and a detailed comparison of several IMEX schemes on relevant test problems. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00062: Gravitational Waves: Propagation Speed is Coordinate Dependent Stephen Crothers The speed of propagation of Einstein's gravitational waves pertains to the derivation of a wave equation from the linearized field equations of General Relativity. It is routinely claimed that the resulting wave equation predicts propagation speed at that of light. However, the speed is in fact coordinate dependent -- change the coordinates then the speed of propagation is entirely different from that of light. Coordinate changes can be arbitrarily made ad infinitum. Consequently there is no unique propagation speed. The coordinates used by Einstein were purposely introduced to satisfy his assumptions that the waves exist and travel at the speed of light. His argument assumes as premise that which is to be demonstrated and is therefore invalid (petitio principii). Moreover, the objective cannot be achieved because General Relativity cannot localize its gravitational energy - it violates the usual conservation laws for a closed system and is thereby in conflict with a vast array of experiments. To try to satisfy the usual conservation laws Einstein constructed his pseudotensor, which is a meaningless collection of mathematical symbols because it violates the rules of pure mathematics. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00063: Simulation of Temperature-Gradient Mode in the presence of Radio-Frequency Waves in Ionosphere S Sen In our earlier work (REDS Plasma Science and Technology,171, 52 (2016)) the ion temperature driven modes was studied in the presence of radio frequency waves by the use of Gyro-Kinetic simulation Code. It was shown that the radio frequency waves through the ponderomotive force can stabilize the ion temperature gradient instabilities and contrary to the usual belief no radio frequency wave induced flow generation hypothesis was required. This might be a major way to explain many unknowns in the space plasma and can also help to create a transport barrier in the fusion energy generation. In this work we extend our earlier work to investigate the consequent transport and report the effect on the ion turbulent diffusivity. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00064: Recent Progress Towards Leakage-Free SuperCDMS High-Voltage Detector Contacts Fedja Kadribasic Further improvement in detector technology is necessary for the long-term goals of the SuperCDMS Collaboration. In order to reach the sensitivity limit set by the background from solar neutrinos scattering coherently off atomic nuclei when searching for 0.1-6 GeV dark matter and to search for 1-100 MeV dark matter with electron recoils, we are pursuing development of advanced detectors with lower leakage current. In particular, the high-voltage contacts may play an important role in leakage-current performance. We report on recent progress toward understanding how contact design leads to leakage current. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00065: Life cycle environmental impact of humidity-swing direct air carbon capture using desalinated seawater Christoph Meinrenken, Coen van der Giesen, Jara Schulz, Rene Kleijn IPCC's last report re-emphasized interest in carbon mitigating or even carbon negative energy technologies. CO2 capture such as post-combustion capture (PCC) or direct air capture (DAC) are of interest, however their added energy and material requirements raise questions not only for costs: While these technologies decrease GHG emissions, they invariably add other environmental impacts ("problem shift"). In a previous study, we have shown that, for humidity-swing air capture (HDAC) and avoiding the same net CO2, this problem shift is \textasciitilde 30{\%} higher than for PCC, but \textasciitilde 60{\%} lower when HDAC is powered by photovoltaics in a distributed approach, away from CO2 point sources (average shift in 9 environmental impacts). While this is promising, HDAC's high consumption of fresh water (10-20m3 per net avoided metric ton CO2) may be prohibitive vis-\`{a}-vis water scarcity. Here, we extend the previous study by investigating the impacts of adding reverse osmosis to the envisioned HDAC installation (adding a further 2-5kWh electricity per m3 water and required infrastructure to the life cycle assessment). We find that the problem shift is still \textasciitilde 55{\%} lower than in the PCC case (HDAC and desalination powered by photovoltaics). This shows that the incremental energy and infrastructure requirements for desalination are moderate compared to the capture technology itself, offering a route for HDAC without undue competition for fresh water resources. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00066: Kirchhoff's Law: Blackbody and Cavity Radiation Reconsidered. Pierre-Marie Robitaille Kirchhoff's law of thermal emission was formulated without any experimental proof in 1859. The arguments were strictly theoretical. Yet, to this day, no theoretical proof of Kirchhoff law has survived scientific scrutiny. The law also remains without experimental verification, despite the fact that all physical laws must be confirmed by observation. According to Kirchhoff, cavity radiation must always be black, or normal, depending strictly on temperature and frequency of observation while being independent of the nature of the cavity walls. Using cylindrical cavities made by drilling a small hole into blocks of graphite, steel, copper, aluminum, and brass it becomes readily apparent that not all cavities contain blackbody radiation, unless such radiation is already present in the surroundings. Real blackbodies, represented by the graphite cavity in the infrared, can convert any incident radiation or heat energy present in their walls, to blackbody radiation characteristic of their own temperature. They do so by doing work. However, rigid perfectly reflecting cavities are unable to do work. They are unable to emit photons from their walls and thereby cannot govern the radiation which they contain. As such, perfectly reflecting cavities always become filled with the radiation incident upon them from their surroundings. The point can be echoed by examining resonant cavities used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microwave communications, and laser technology. In this way, it can be demonstrated that Kirchhoff's law of thermal emission has never been valid. Cavity radiation is strictly dependent on the nature of the walls. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00067: Using Convolutional Neural Networks for Particle ID in Spherical Detectors Thomas Klosterman Particle ID in high-energy particle detectors involves complicated heuristics redesigned for every new experiment. Neural networks are suited to this problem, because they can be passed arrays of PMT hit information from simulated events. Convolutional models for image categorization can be trained to distinguish between event types. An unexplored avenue is how to apply these techniques to experiments not using flat images, such as data in a spherical detector. I present a custom network that performs convolutions on data in their native spherical geometry, taking inspiration from a previously proposed geodesic convolution model, by Masci, et al. in 2015. An initial test distinguishes electrons of two different energies, a situation involved in separating high-energy neutrinos from background. When trained with 2000 sample events, the model could achieve 80{\%} accuracy on a test set, which could be improved on by fine-tuning hyper-parameters. This is not significantly better than can be achieved with current energy fitting heuristics. But, this custom model still offers a new way of taking advantage of modern, high-powered image recognition tools and could be generalized to any non-flat detector shape. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00068: A Study on the Nanoscale Metal-Organic Frameworks(NMOFs) for the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Ji Yoon Koh, Richard Kyung Due to increased surface area, porosity, and functionality, Metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) have potential to be effective in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This project examines new effective targeted nanoparticle molecules for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy (PCT). Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), also called coordination polymers or coordination networks, are hybrid materials formed by metals ions and bridging ligands, typically under mild conditions. Due to limitless combinations of metals and ligands, physicochemical properties of MOFs can be tuned for specific applications. NMOFs can be used as delivery vehicles for imaging agents and drug molecules, possessing potential advantages over existing nanocarriers. When linked to appropriate cell-targeting molecules, the NMOFs can be selectively and efficiently delivered to tumors to allow for early diagnosis and effective treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this paper, open-source molecular editing program with an auto-optimization feature that determines the theoretical values of the structure’s atomic properties is used to model the NMOFs. It allows users to build virtually any molecule with the optimized geometry according to the various force field options. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00069: Using Multipath Radio Signals in an Ultra-high-energy Neutrino Detector S. McCarthy, M. Beheler-Amass, A. Karle, J. Kelley, R. Khandelwal, M.-Y. Lu Ultra-high energy (UHE) neutrinos, such as those from cosmic-ray interactions with the cosmic microwave background, can reveal information about UHE processes in the Universe. The Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) is a neutrino detector currently under construction at the South Pole searching for such UHE neutrinos. ARA uses antennas in the ice to search for radio signals resulting from neutrino interactions. Because of the variable index of refraction in the ice, these radio pulses can reflect or refract off of the surface. We present simulations of how the inclusion of this additional pulse may improve the event reconstruction and discuss the implications for future detector designs. [Preview Abstract] |
|
F01.00070: J(J-1) and J(J+3) spectra with a Q.Q interaction -Elliott Rotations. Arun Kingan, Xiaofei Yu, LARRY Zamick To get Elliott's SU3 results with a Q.Q interaction without the momentum terms in a shell model calculation one must introduce a single particle splitting in which the highest L state lies highest e.g. D higher than S in the SD shell.When this is done one gets the multi-degenerate states predicted by Elliott. We have here taken a hard look at the spectra of 20Ne. We obtain the well studied ground state band with the spectrum of a K=0 rotational band J(J+1) with J=0,2,4,6, 8. But out main point concerns 2 excited bands, A and B. Band A has a J(J+1) spectrum J=1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Band B covers the same energy levels but with J values J=2,3,4,5,6,7,8. Our main result is that the spectrum of Band B is J(J-1).By calculating magnetic moments we find that Band A is of the form [LS]J=[L1]L and band B [L1](L+1) starting with L=1. Because the interaction is spin independent we can stretch out the spin in Band A to form Band B at no cost in energy. There is also a third band C starting with [1 1]0 J=0,1,2..6 with E(J)-E(0)= 0.149 J(J+3 ). All bands have the same moments of inertia. Elliott noted that the static quadrupole moments of the ground state band agree with those of the rotational model , not the B(E2)'s. For excited bands B(E2)'s have many branchings. [Preview Abstract] |
Follow Us |
Engage
Become an APS Member |
My APS
Renew Membership |
Information for |
About APSThe American Physical Society (APS) is a non-profit membership organization working to advance the knowledge of physics. |
© 2025 American Physical Society
| All rights reserved | Terms of Use
| Contact Us
Headquarters
1 Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3844
(301) 209-3200
Editorial Office
100 Motor Pkwy, Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 591-4000
Office of Public Affairs
529 14th St NW, Suite 1050, Washington, D.C. 20045-2001
(202) 662-8700