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 - Material Physics for Space Observatories
- Adam Bennion - Designing Professional Development Course for Teachers
- Benjamin Boizelle - Active Galactic Nuclei
- Branton Campbell - Symmetry in Materials
- John Colton - Solar Energy Nanomaterials
- Ben Frandsen - Local Structure of Quantum Materials
- Kent Gee - Acoustics
- Gus Hart - Computational Biophysics
- Eric Hintz - Short Period Pulsating Variable Stars and Astronomical Observations
- Jeannette Lawler - Physics and Astronomy Education Research
- Aleksandr Mosenkov - Polar-Ring Galaxies; Edge-On Galaxies
- Richard Sandberg - Computational X-ray Imaging of Materials in Extremes
- Denise Stephens - Brown Dwarf Atmospheres; Transiting Exoplanets
- Jean-Francois Van Huele - Quantum Information
- 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
Designing Professional Development Course for Teachers
For this project we will be finishing the design of a week-long teacher professional development course that will train teachers in the use of relevant technology and engineering skills. We will run the course in the middle of the summer, collect data from the participants, and work on analyzing that data as we prepare to work with the teachers during the following school year. Work in the project will also include qualitative analysis of data collected in past projects, adding to the current literature review, and preparing publications and conference presentations.
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.
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
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.
Solar Energy Nanomaterials
We are studying 2d metal halide perovskite semiconductors for applications in optoelectronics, including solar cells and solid-state lighting. These are hybrid organic-inorganic materials in which 2d layers of inorganic metal and halogen (group VII) atoms are separated from each other by organic molecules. The materials interact extremely strongly with light, and properties such as which wavelengths can be absorbed and emitted and how strongly the electrons and holes bind to each other, can be tailored by changing the metal atom type, the halogen atom type, and the organic molecules. The 2d inorganic layers can even be caused to separate into ribbon-like rather than planar structures, which also impacts their optical and electronic properties.
We partner with synthesis specialists who create the materials for us to study, which we then do in our lab with experiments such as optical absorption, electric field-modulated absorption, circular dichroism (difference in absorption between right- and left-handed circularly polarized light), photoluminescence, nanosecond-scale time-dependent photoluminescence, ultrafast pump-probe spin dynamics, and dielectric spectroscopies. We do these experiments at temperatures ranging from room temperature down to 4 K. These measurements give us insight into the properties of the electrons inside these materials such as what is limiting photovoltaic and photoluminescence efficiencies and why, helping the overall drive towards more renewable and energy-efficient technologies.
Background Needed
- introductory modern physics
- a large interest in materials physics and optical spectroscopy
- some knowledge of computer programming can be helpful in analyzing the data, controlling the experiments with computers, and modeling the materials
- other skills such as optics and 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
- working in a collaborative environment with several other students at BYU, and multiple research collaborators across the country
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
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 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.
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.
Project 1 - Exploring the Structure of Polar-Ring Galaxies Using Observations and Cosmological Hydrodynamical Simulations
This research project focuses on the study of polar-ring galaxies, a unique class of galaxies with extended structures of gas and stars orbiting perpendicularly to the plane of their main galactic disk. These rare systems provide important insights into galaxy formation and evolution, particularly in the context of galaxy interactions, accretion processes, and the role of external gas in shaping galaxies.
The primary goal of this project is to analyze the structure of polar-ring galaxies using both real astronomical observations and data from cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. The student will perform photometric decomposition of galaxies, separating each galaxy into its host and polar-ring components. This decomposition will allow for a detailed analysis of the galaxies' structural properties.
Key tasks include gathering statistical data on a sample of polar-ring galaxies and comparing their scaling relations (e.g., mass, size, and luminosity) to those of normal galaxies. This comparison will help assess how polar-ring galaxies fit into the broader context of galaxy formation and evolution. This project will provide hands-on experience in both data reduction and analysis, contributing to our understanding of how external structures like polar rings influence galaxy evolution.
Background Needed
- Strong interest in galaxy formation and structure
- Familiarity with photometric techniques and astronomical imaging is helpful but not required
- Basic knowledge of Python for data analysis
Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- Photometric decomposition of galaxies into multiple components
- Statistical analysis of galaxy properties
- Comparative study of galaxy scaling relations
- Experience with observational data and cosmological simulations
Project 2 - Classification of Edge-On Galaxies from the EGIPS Catalog
This research project focuses on the classification of edge-on galaxies using data from the EGIPS (Edge-on Galaxies in the Pan-STARRS1 Survey) catalog. Edge-on galaxies, viewed from the side, provide a unique perspective for studying the vertical structure of galactic disks, bulges, and halos. These galaxies are key to understanding the distribution of stars, gas, and dust, as well as the processes that govern galaxy morphology and evolution.
The primary goal of this project is to classify edge-on galaxies from the EGIPS catalog based on their tidal features, such as the presence of stellar streams, tidal tails, arc, shells, and other faint structures produced by galaxy inetractions. The student will analyze optical images of these galaxies, focusing on their morphological characteristics and developing a systematic classification scheme. This classification will provide insights into the diversity of galaxy structures and help refine our understanding of how common tidal features are in the Local Universe and how they correlate with galaxy morphology.
Key tasks include creating a database of classified galaxies, analyzing the trends in morphological features, and comparing these results with existing classifications from the literature. This will contribute to a more comprehensive view of how galaxies evolve under the influence of external factors. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to work with cutting-edge astronomical data and contribute to a better understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.
Background Needed
- Interest in galaxy morphology and classification
- Familiarity with basic astronomical imaging and classification techniques is helpful but not required
- Basic skills in Python for data handling and analysis
Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- Experience with galaxy classification techniques
- Analysis of optical data from large astronomical surveys
- Understanding of the structural components of galaxies
- Database creation and statistical analysis of galaxy properties
Computational X-ray Imaging of Materials in Extremes
We are developing coherent diffraction or lensless imaging to study materials in extremes 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. We are currently imaging fusion energy materials as part of the IFE-STAR RISE Fusion Hub and studying neutron and nuclear detection.
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
Brown Dwarf Atmospheres; Transiting Exoplanets
Students working with Dr. Stephens will be analyzing James Webb Space Telescope data of brown dwarf atmospheres and applying theoretical models to the data to analyze the cloud structure, extent of vertical mixing, and the C to O ratio for a selection of L and T dwarfs. They will also take data with the 3.5 meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory and assist in running retrieval codes to analyze the data. Applicants with experience in python programming and using jupyter notebooks will be given preference in the selection, but all are encouraged to apply.
For students with a less extensive programming background, we also have an ongoing program to observe transiting planets with our campus telescopes. This project involves programing the campus telescopes each night to collect data, reducing the data with our jupyter notebook scripts, and then analyzing the data using astroimageJ. We are refining the periods and durations of known transiting planets that have large uncertainties in their periods. Students working on this project will learn how to combine data from several different observations to refine the period and duration of transit for these systems. No previous astronomy experience is necessary.
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
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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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Quantum Information: Quantum Dynamics, Foundations, Games, and Pedagogy
We study the evolution and properties of quantum systems of interest for quantum information applications. We consider simple models from quantum computation, quantum optics, and quantum thermodynamics, all of which play a role in experimental implementations of quantum information schemes. We start with the physics of coherence, superposition, and entanglement to develop quantum advantage, quantum control, and quantum strategies. We also develop quantum games for K-12 pedagogy.
Background Needed
- An interest in all things quantum
- Exposure to symbolic manipulation programs (such as Mathematica)
- Elementary linear algebra and elementary calculus
- Willingness to calculate, interpret, learn, and program
Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- Analytical and computational skills
- Linear algebra and quantum operator formalism
- Quantum algorithms and quantum circuits
- Algebras, differential equations, tensor products
- Exposure to quantum coherence and decoherence, entanglement
- Physics of open systems, couplings, measurement, and noise
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
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Skills Developed and Knowledge Learned
- materials handling and polishing
- SEM and TEM sample preparation
- SEM and TEM basic operation
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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
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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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