Faculty/Projects
For more details on any of the faculty members and their research, see the faculty pages listed on our department directory, https://physics.byu.edu/department/directory
- David Allred - Extreme Ultraviolet Optics
- Adam Bennion - 3D Printing in Science Teaching
- Branton Campbell - Symmetry in Materials
- Karine Chesnel - Nanomagnetism
- John Colton - Solar Energy Nanomaterials
- Kent Gee - Acoustics
- Gus Hart - Computational Biophysics
- Eric Hintz - Short Period Pulsating Variable Stars
- Michael Joner - Astronomical Observations
- Jeannette Lawler - Physics and Astronomy Education Research
- Aleksandr Mosenkov - The Low Surface Brightness Universe
- Richard Sandberg - Coherent Lensless Imaging and Optics
- Micah Shepherd - Vibration and Sound Radiation of Plates
- Denise Stephens - Brown Dwarf and Exoplanet Atmospheres
- Jean-Francois Van Huele - Quantum Dynamics for Quantum Information Systems
- Richard Vanfleet - Electron Microscopy
- Chris Verhaaren - Particle Physics
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Short Period Pulsating Variable Stars
Pulsating variable stars are ones which have a layer at just the right temperature and density to allow energy flowing outward in the star to be trapped. This causes the start to expand. As the star expands the conditions change and now the energy can escape, at which point gravity wins and the star contracts. In some stars this repeating pattern has been seen for more than 100 years. Of particular interest to me are the short period pulsators that only take 30 minutes to a few hours to pulsate, these are called delta Scuti variables. They can be used to study stellar evolution and the interior structure of the stars. Students working on these projects will use the campus robotic telescopes to take time series observations of a range of targets appropriate to each size telescope. They will then analyze the changes seen from data that could be just the length of the REU program, or data taken over many years.
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", 16", and 24".
- Exposure to spectroscopic variable star data from 1.2-m and 1.8-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.
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
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.
Investigating the low surface brightness Universe using deep observations of galaxies
The last decade has brought about a profound transformation in deep imaging of galaxies which now serves as an important source of information about the low surface brightness structure and evolutionary status of galaxies. Already existing deep sky surveys, such as the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys and HSC SSP, provide a valuable material for studying extremely faint structural features around galaxies. Next-generation telescopes, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, will present a treasure trove of low surface brightness data to an even deeper brightness level for mapping the low surface brightness Universe. In our group, we explore the structure of galaxies using publicly available deep observations, as well as our own photometric and spectroscopic observations obtained on the ARC 3.5m telescope at APO. In particular, we study a rare class of galaxies with polar structures, structural features of edge-on galaxies (disk warps, disk flaring, the vertical structure of the disk, the bulge, and the bar, etc.), and the faint spiral structure of galaxies in different spatial environments. Students will carry out photometric analysis for a selected sample of galaxies and study the properties of faint tidal structures, in comparison with cosmological simulations.
Background Needed
- Introductory astronomy courses
- Experience with data reduction and analysis of photometric data are helpful
- Python skills
Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- Surface photometry of galaxies (data reduction and photometric analysis)
- Modeling of data
- Understanding of galaxy structure and galaxy properties
- Data analysis and visualization in Python
Coherent Lensless Imaging and Optics
We are developing coherent diffraction or lensless imaging to study materials dynamics at the nanometer scale. We use coherent light sources (optical, XUV, and x-ray), Fourier optics and computer algorithms to produce high resolution images of materials.
Background Needed
- desire to learn and try new things
- some exposure to optics is helpful but not necessary – some exposure to computer programming helpful but not necessary
- we have sub-teams working in optics labs and on programming algorithms, but the two teams work closely together
Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- basic understanding of diffraction and light scattering
- understanding of iterative computer algorithms and modeling of light propagation – understanding how light interacts with materials – understanding how materials behave at the nanometer scale
Examination of vibration and sound radiation of rectangular and circular plates
The acoustic radiation of a rectangular plate can be determined by integrating its mode shapes. The acoustic radiation of circular plates will be examined using a similar approach. First, the mode shapes will be rederived for simply supported boundary conditions. Numerical integration will be used to derive the radiation of each mode as a function of frequency. Methods for experimental validation will be explored.
Background Needed
- Partial differential equations, basic coding
Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- Orthogonal functions, numerical integration, sound radiation
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
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
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
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.