Projects

Faculty/Projects

For more details on any of the faculty members and their research, see the faculty pages listed in our department directory: https://physics.byu.edu/department/directory.

David Allred

Extreme Ultraviolet Optics for Next Decade’s Broadband-Space Observatory

One or two REU students will work with Professor Allred and Professor Turley to do the basic material and optical science behind determining what the mirror coating for the next very large NASA flagship space telescope will be and how that coating will be applied and protected. The LUVOIR (large UV-optical-IR) space telescope is in the formulation stage with scientists and engineers around the country contributing their insights. It may be as large as 16 meters in diameter and will be designed to meet both the needs of astrophysicists probing the beginnings and endings of stars, planetary systems and galaxies, etc., and the needs of exoplanetary scientists seeking to characterize some of the tens of thousands of planets around other stars that we will discover in the 10 years the space observatory will be used. Professors Allred and Turley’s research will look at protecting aluminum in a way that allows its VUV and EUV optical properties to remain intact. We will also look at designing, fabricating, and testing multilayer mirror coatings under the aluminum which will further extend the mirrors’ reflectance into the EUV.

Background Needed

  • Introductory mechanics and electromagnetic theory. Modern physics and computer programming experience may be helpful.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Computational electromagnetics (FORTRAN and/or Julia)
  • Computer control of instrumentation (C#)
  • Data fitting (python and/or Mathematica)
  • High vacuum and ultra-high vacuum systems
  • Thin-film deposition: especially, evaporation and sputtering
  • Thin-film and materials characterization:
    • X-ray diffraction measurements
    • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements
    • Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
    • Atomic force microscopy
  • VUV Spectroscopy
    • optical engineering at BYU and 
    • measurements at the Advanced Light Source

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Adam Bennion

3D Printing, Engineering Practices, and Teacher Education

For this project we have collected data from two semesters of a secondary physical science teaching methods course. Our data is in the form of class assignments, interviews, surveys, and videorecords of teaching enactments. We will apply qualitative research methods (open coding, case study design, etc.) to analyze the data to answer research questions such as: How do preservice physical science teachers plan to use innovative technologies (like 3D printing) to incorporate the engineering practices into their future science teaching? Work in the project will include constructing a literature review, analyzing data, interrater reliability, writing proposals for future conferences, and planning lesson material around using 3D printing and Engineering practice to teach physics concepts.

Background Needed

  • Participants should have an interest in science education and what methods and skills undergraduates would need to prepare to become resourceful and effective teachers.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • The participants will gain skills in qualitative research: grounded theory, case construction, interview analysis, interrater reliability coding, etc.

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Benjamin Boizelle

Probing Active Galactic Nuclei with Archival ALMA Imaging

This research aims to study the continuum and molecular gas spectral features of bright active galactic nuclei seen at mm/sub-mm wavelength. Currently, these are the projects we are working on:

1. We will use archival data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to consistently measure continuum spectral slopes, model atmospheric transmission, and identify molecular absorption/emission features. We will also study the continuum spatial distribution of the active nuclei and any extended radio jets.

2. ALMA imaging of the carbon monoxide (CO) tracer reveals the masses, morphologies, and kinematics of molecular gas reservoirs at the centers of luminous galaxies. We are working to determine whether gas properties correlate with any of those of their host galaxies, such as nuclear continuum emission.

Background Needed

  • Strong interest in a research program to study active galactic nuclei 
  • Exposure to mm/sub-mm interferometry and CASA helpful, but not required 
  • Enough familiarity with Python (or another major language) to read and modify programs

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Making use of archival data
  • Self-calibration and imaging with CASA
  • Spectral fitting and analysis techniques

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Branton Campbell

Symmetry in Materials

Students in our group apply advanced computer algorithms and mathematical methods to determine and interpret the atomic structures of crystalline materials, especially those involving defects and symmetry loss, and then seek to symmetry loss to a material’s interesting or useful physical properties.  Material classes of interest include high-temperature superconductors, modulated magnets, organic and hybrid organic-inorganic ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics and piezomagnetics, magnetocalorics, organic ferroelectrics, negative thermal-expansion materials, and a variety of complex oxides.  See //physics.byu.edu/faculty/campbell/ for more information.

Background Needed (Helpful Preparations)

  • introductory physics and/or chemistry courses
  • interest in mathematics and computation
  • introductory computer programming course
  • introductory abstract algebra helpful but not required

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Become proficient in Python and/or Mathematica programming languages.
  • Analyze x-ray/neutron diffraction data.
  • Become acquainted with symmetry groups and atomic structure.
  • Learn basic concepts of group representation theory, graph theory, and topology.
  • Become familiar with physical-property tensors.

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Karine Chesnel

Nanomagnetism

Our group studies magnetic properties of nanosystems such as nanoparticles and magnetic ultra-thin films. These materials exhibit magnetic structures at the nanometer scale. We use various tools to investigate the properties of these magnetic structures, including magnetic imaging (MFM), magnetometry (VSM), and synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques. By combining these different experiments we learn about how magnetic domains form, propagate and disappear as we apply an external magnetic field to the material. In the case of magnetic thin films, we also study the ability for the magnetic domain pattern to remember its configuration throughout field cycling. In case of magnetic nanoparticles, we also study magnetic ordering between nanoparticles and dynamics of magnetic fluctuations. This research is mostly experimental. A REU student would typically be involved in collecting magnetic images or magnetometry data on these magnetic structures after proper training on instrumentation, and in analyzing the data.

Background Needed

  • Interest in material sciences
  • Basic Electricity and Magnetism
  • Introductory Modern Physics
  • Interest in learning experimental techniques

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Expertise in Magnetic Force Imaging (MFM)
  • Expertise in Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM)
  • Expertise in X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
  • Advanced knowledge in nanomagnetism
  • Analytical skills in interpreting magnetometry data and analyzing magnetic images
  • Computational skills in processing X-ray scattering images

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John Colton

Solar Energy Nanomaterials

This research involves studying semiconductor nanomaterials that can be used for solar energy applications. "2D hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites" are a recently discovered class of semiconductors being studied in the hopes of developing highly efficient, low-cost, stable solar cells. Metal and halogen (group VII) atoms bind together in 2D layers, which are then stacked together via organic linker molecules. We are studying these interesting and important materials through optical absorption, electric field-modulated absorption, photoluminescence (fluorescence), time-dependent photoluminescence on nanosecond time scales, and dielectric spectroscopies. This allows us to determine important properties of the electrons inside these materials, to make better photovoltaic materials.

Background Needed

  • introductory modern physics class would be helpful
  • other skills such as optics, chemical synthesis, computer programming, and/or basic electronics can also be helpful although much can be learned on the job

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • experience with lasers and optical spectroscopy techniques
  • materials synthesis and characterization
  • fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics and semiconductor physics

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Ben Frandsen

Local Structure of Quantum Materials

“Quantum materials” possess fascinating properties such as superconductivity, unconventional magnetism, topological phases, and more. These properties cannot be explained by classical physics, but instead originate from the principles of quantum mechanics playing out in a system with a large number of interacting particles—in this case, the electrons in a solid. In addition to revealing the fundamental workings of quantum mechanics in solids, many of these materials may also have potential for technological application. We use advanced experimental techniques using beams of x-rays, neutrons, and muons to study the atomic and magnetic structure of quantum materials and gain insight into their exotic properties. Students will perform sophisticated data analysis and visualization in the Python programming language and may also help synthesize these materials in the laboratory.

Background Needed

  • Introductory physics courses
  • Interest in superconductivity, magnetism, and other topics in condensed matter physics
  • Some experience with computer programming is helpful; a willingness to learn is necessary.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Understanding of atomic structure and symmetry
  • Understanding of exotic and useful material properties
  • Knowledge of x-ray/neutron diffraction and muon spin relaxation techniques
  • Data analysis and visualization in Python

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Kent Gee

Acoustics

There is an opportunity for collaborative research with faculty and current graduate students in the area of acoustics. Projects may involve making a variety of acoustical measurements in different types of sound fields. Examples include pressure, intensity, or other energy-based measurements in our anechoic or reverberation chambers, in ducts, or outdoors. Some research may include working with theoretical or numerical models for comparison with experimental data. Other research could involve measurement automation using LabVIEW or another package. Applications of current research involve jet and rocket noise simulation, and active noise control.

Background Needed

  • strong interest in acoustics, audio, or noise control
  • aptitude for working with instrumentation (oscilloscopes, analyzers, microphones, etc)
  • familiarity with a numerical mathematics program such as MATLAB or Mathcad
  • an ability to both work with a team and independently
  • knowledge of passive electrical circuits would be helpful
  • a working knowledge of LabVIEW would be helpful

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • hands-on familiarity with acoustical measurement hardware
  • ability to comprehend relevant technical literature
  • acoustic data analysis and graphical representation
  • data interpretation
  • physical experiment design
  • programming experience in MATLAB, Mathcad, LabVIEW, or another language

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Gus Hart

Computational Biophysics

Computational modeling of bacterial DNA - Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of DNA in bacteria. How do bacteria pack DNA? Bacterial DNA is 1000 times longer than the cell and is packed into a tight nucleoid structure. Yet, it still is accessible for replication and protein synthesis. And two tangled copies of the entire genome are somehow separated and moved to opposite ends of the bacterium. What processes facilitate this function?

Developing image AI for 3D bacterial tomograms - We have access to tens of thousands of three-dimensional electron microscope tomograms of bacteria, imaged in suspended animation. We are working to develop image AI algorithms to identify cellular components automatically. Bacteria harbor the greatest diversity in the animal kingdom, exhibiting amazing specialized functions (poison darts, DNA sharing without reproduction, leveraging unique free energy reserves, etc). We want to identify new functions by isolating undiscovered cellular components automatically, scanning over large databases of tomograms.

Background Needed

  • No specialized skill is required but prior computing skills are helpful.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • High-performance computing
  • Programming in a high-level language like Julia or Python
  • Basics of molecular dynamics algorithms
  • Cellular biophysics
  • Basic statistical mechanics as applied to biology
  • Machine learning, especially as applied to images

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Eric Hintz

Short Period Pulsating Variable Stars and Astronomical Observations

Pulsating variable stars are an amazing tool for the study of the Universe. Their period of pulsation is related to their intrinsic brightness. Therefore, they are distance indicators. They have been used as the second wrung of the distance ladder to scale the entire Universe. However, there is now a concern about small characteristics that might lead to mistakes in the overall scale. This is related to the Hubble Tension. If we work from nearby to the whole Universe, we get one value of the Hubble Constant. If we work outside in, we get a different value. We are using telescopes from 6" to 3.5-m to examine short period pulsating stars to look for new understand about the nature of their pulsations that can impact the Period-Luminosity relation. Students working on these projects will use the campus robotic telescopes to take time-series observations of a range of targets appropriate to each telescope. This will be a fully hands-on experience. They will also be able to participate in remote Infrared spectroscopic observations using the 3.5-m telescope.

Background Needed

  • a little astronomical background helps, but isn't entirely necessary

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • CCD/CMOS astronomical observing techniques
  • Programming robotic sequences on telescopes of 6", 8", 12", and 16".
  • Live observing skills with a 24" telescope
  • Exposure to spectroscopic variable star data from 1.2-m, 1.8-m, and 3.5-m telescopes
  • Hands-on telescope operations
  • Data reductions with a variety of astronomical software
  • Modelling of data using a variety of methods
  • Preparation of data for publication and presentation at astronomical meetings.

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Eric Hirschmann

Numerical Relativity

Students will work on research problems associated with strong field gravity including black holes and neutron stars, both singly and in binaries. Questions addressed may cover general relativity with various matter fields as well as alternative theories of gravity.

Background Needed

  • exceptional mathematical ability
  • strong computational skills
  • high degree of self-motivation

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • general relativity and differential geometry
  • computational methods for partial differential equations

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Michael Joner

Securing and Analyzing Astronomical Observations

My research is focused on the study of time series observations of a wide variety of different astrophysical sources. These objects include solar system minor bodies such as asteroids and Kuiper belt objects, the detection of planetary sized objects transiting distant stars, the study of both pulsating and eclipsing variable stars, and studies of extragalactic objects such as blazars and active galactic nuclei. Current studies look for variability on timescales of a few minutes all the way up to several years. These data can be used to detect extrasolar planets, determine fundamental stellar properties, and define the fundamental properties of supermassive black holes in distant galaxies. REU students will work on a project in one of these fields by making observations at our West Mountain Observatory or by analyzing archival data from previous observing runs. One interesting bonus gained by doing work at the observatory is that there are often opportunities to help with observations on a wide variety of objects being studied as part of several different ongoing investigations.

Background Needed

  • some background in introductory astronomy
  • a desire to learn something new

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • astronomical observing techniques
  • CCD observing methods
  • telescope and observatory operations
  • data reduction methods using different astronomical software (IRAF, AstroImageJ, VPhot)
  • a knowledge of time series photometry

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Jeannette Lawler

Physics and Astronomy Education Research

Our education research group is working to improve teaching by better understanding the experience of both the teachers and learners. We used mixed methods research, collecting and coding qualitative data from observations and interviews and using quantitative measurements from assessments like exams and surveys. Our group has several active projects that touch on different aspects of teaching and learning.

Astronomy Education Research - Effective use of a planetarium: Currently we are working to describe current practice using the planetarium to teach introductory astronomy, and we are measuring the impact of current methods on student learning and engagement. A student participating in this project would conduct student interviews and analyze data relating to the impact of current use of the planetarium.

Physics Education Research - Developing hands-on/laboratory activities to target students scientific modeling ability. Currently we are working to develop curricula in our introductory physics laboratory courses that improves students' modeling and reasoning skills. A student participating in this project would observe student and TA behaviors in classroom settings, collect, code, and analyze data dealing with both practice and outcomes.

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David Neilsen

Numerical Relativity

Students will study aspects of compact object systems such as neutron stars and black holes in astrophysical environments. Problems considered include the modeling the physics of neutron stars such as their interior and exterior magnetic field configurations and the effects of rotation, magnetic helicity and equations of state. Dynamical binary systems may also be studied.

Background Needed

  • strong mathematical skills
  • experience with numerical methods, particularly as applied to solving differential equations

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • differential geometry
  • an introduction to general relativity
  • computational physics
  • skills related to solving PDEs

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Traci Neilsen

Underwater Acoustics

Large arrays of hydrophones in the ocean can be used to locate acoustic sources. The reliability of these localization algorithms depends on the degree to which the ocean environment is correctly parameterized in the models. Machine learning is needed to correctly tackle this problem in real-time.

Background Needed

  • Desire to learn about machine learning
  • Python programming experience

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Practical experience with complex machine and deep learning algorithms
  • Improved scientific computing skills
  • Understanding of ocean acoustics
  • Practice reading technical literature
  • Written/oral communication experience

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Darin Ragozzine

Orbits of Exoplanets and Solar System Small Bodies

Despite our powerful telescopes, most objects we discover are so far away that they only appear as a point of light. This includes objects in the far reaches of our own solar system beyond Neptune, known as Kuiper Belt Objects (or KBOs or sometimes Trans-Neptunian Objects or TNOs). Much further away are planets orbiting around other stars – exoplanets – which are usually discovered without detecting the light from the planet at all, but only the effect that the planets have on their parent stars. For both exoplanets and KBOs, the majority of the limited information we have is their orbital properties, such as time to complete an orbit or tilt of the orbit relative to some reference plane. As a result, orbital dynamics can be used to investigate both populations. An REU student could choose among multiple projects related to the orbits of KBOs or exoplanets. The goal of the project would be to develop transferable skills, to gain a letter of recommendation, and to contribute to the publication and/or conference proceeding. Dr. Ragozzine has a talent for identifying summer undergraduate projects; he has assisted 5+ undergraduate students in their eventual publication of a first-author journal article, helping to launch them into good graduate schools.

Background Needed

  • Scientific computing (even at a minimal level)
  • Basic knowledge of math, physics, astronomy, and/or planetary science is helpful.

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Better undergraduate research practices
  • Stronger scientific computing
  • Improved insight into KBOs or exoplanets
  • State-of-the-art statistical analysis
  • Written/oral communication

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Micah Shepherd

Acoustics and Vibration

Vibrating objects interact with the surrounding media to creat acoustic radiation. Experimental or numerical techiques will be used to study this phenomenon and it's dependence on geometry and frequency.  Applications may include musical instruments or noise source characterization.

Background Needed

  • Interest in sound, vibration or other wave physics
  • Calculus and differential equations
  • Basic coding (matlab or python)

Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

  • Basic mathematical description of sound radiation
  • Experience with acoustic data collection
  • Data intrepretation

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Denise Stephens

Brown Dwarf and Exoplanet Atmospheres

Students will work with Dr. Stephens to analyze near-infrared spectroscopy of brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets. Students will work with data that is available from the James Webb Space Telescope and will observe with the ARC 3.5 meter telescope and reduce data taken with the Triplespec and NICFPS instruments. The spectra will be analyzed by fitting theoretical forward atmosphere models to the data and using online software like Picaso. Codes written in Python will be used for the fitting.

Background Needed

  • Introductory astronomy class useful, but not required
  • Basic programming skills in Python or C++
  • Some experience using Jupyter Notebooks useful, but not required
  • A fascination for IR spectra and Atmospheres

  • Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

    • Observing and reducing infrared data
    • Basic programming and coding
    • Working with archival JWST data
    • Understanding of how to analyze data with theoretical models

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    Jean-Francois Van Huele

    Quantum Dynamics for Quantum Information Systems

    We study the time evolution of quantum systems with time-dependent parameters for which no exact analytic solutions are known. These involve anharmonic and coupled oscillators, quantum optical and condensed matter systems exhibiting nonlinear effects, all of which play a role in experimental implementations of quantum information schemes involving entanglement, interference, and state characterization. We aim for quantum control and watch for the onset of decoherence and dissipation through the study of open systems and different coupling mechanisms.

    Background Needed

    • Exposure to symbolic manipulation and programming (Mathematica and MATLAB will be used)
    • Linear algebra for elementary knowledge of quantum operator formalism
    • Willingness to learn, program, calculate, and interpret

  • Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

    • Analytical and computational skills
    • Lie algebras, differential equations, operator techniques
    • Interpretation of approximate solutions in quantum optical and condensed matter systems
    • Exposure to concepts from quantum information and thermodynamics

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    Richard Vanfleet

    Electron Microscopy

    These projects involve the characterization of materials from the micron level down to atomic dimensions. The primary tools are electron microscopes (SEM and TEM). These unique instruments will not only allow students to image nanostructures and new materials but will allow them to probe structure, composition, and chemistry with high resolution.

    Background Needed

    • introductory physics
    • some computer experience

  • Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

    • materials handling and polishing
    • SEM and TEM sample preparation
    • SEM and TEM basic operation

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    Chris Verhaaren

    Theory and Phenomenology of extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics

    The standard model (SM) of particle physics encapsulates neary all we understand about Nature's fundamental structure on the smallest scales. However, there are many aspects of the SM that are not well understood, like why the mass of the Higgs boson is not much larger than it is. Also, there are experimental observations that the SM cannot account for, like the nature of dark matter or why there is more matter than antimatter. Students will determine the physical consequences of possible extensions of the SM using analytical and numerical methods with the intent of discovering or excluding these extensions at existing and future experiments.

    Background Needed

    • Strong mathematical background including linear algebra and differential equations.
    • Willingness to put in sustained effort on difficult problems.
    • Basic computational skills (use of Mathematica typical).
    • Some familiarity with field theories would be useful

  • Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned

    • Familiarity with particles and interactions that make up the standard model.
    • Exposure to classical and quantum field theories.
    • Practice in synthesizing analytical and numerical efforts to understand complex systems.

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