Submitted Abstracts
Spring Meeting of the
Illinois
Section of AAPT
April 7-8, 2006, Illinois Central College, East Peoria, Illinois
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* Indicates participation in the Student Research
Symposium. Last update:
March 31, 2006.
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Papers
to be Presented on Friday Afternoon
Regular, Friday afternoon
Science Museum at Principia College.
David Cornell,
Principia College,
Elsah,
IL
62028.
When the science departments moved from an old to a new building, space was preserved for a science museum. But there was no individual designated to design the space, nor was time released for the project. Retirement provided the stimulus and time to do the work. This talk tells the story of how one physics retiree engaged the science faculty in the process of setting up displays that culminated in a grand opening in April 2005.
Active Learning, Friday afternoon
Are Student-Designed Labs Effective in Teaching Physics Content?
Zak Knott,
Riverside-Brookfield H.S.,
Riverside,
IL
60546.
Over the past 20 years the concept of a student-designed lab has moved from relative obscurity to common practice in many classrooms. It is generally accepted that they are "good" for students, but there is very little research about their actual effectiveness in helping students understand content. I will present some findings from research conducted in my own classroom.
Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Using Raman Spectroscopy to Examine Carbon Nanotube Binding to Organic Molecule Monolayers.
Chad M. Gilpin, Daniel K. Pratt, Saleem G. Rao, and Mark S. Boley,
Western Illinois University,
Macomb,
IL
61455.
In our study single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were placed on a series of surfaces
of bare SiO2, and on bare Au over the SiO2, and on thin films (monolayers) of polar organic
molecules including 2MI, cysteamine, and MHA that were molecular stamped over the Au
surfaces. We then made use of the technique of Raman spectroscopy to excite the
vibrational modes of the SWCNT and thereby determine the nature of their surface
attachment. Raman peaks investigated and compared for energy shifts resulted from the
radial breathing mode (RBM-mode) vibrations, the longitudinal mode (G-mode) vibrations,
as well as other more complex disorder mode (D-mode) vibrations. Comparison of the
energy shifts (softening or hardening) of these modes, primarily the G-modes, leads us to
believe that the SWCNT follow the patterning of the molecular stamping and that their ends
are most strongly attracted to the polar organic molecules.Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Effect of Tungsten Content on a Steel Magnetic Torque Transducer's Performance.
Dennis T. Norton, Jason T. Orris, and Mark S. Boley,
Western Illinois University,
Macomb,
IL
61455.
We have studied comparatively the magnetoelastic properties of four high speed tool steels
known as A-2, M-2, M-4, and T-15, respectively. The T-15 sample possesses a tungsten
content of around 13%, the M-2 sample around 6%, the M-4 sample around 5%, and the A-
2 sample none. Hollow steel shafts of around 2 cm outer diameter and 1.5 cm inner
diameter, with lengths of around 7 cm, were fabricated from each sample, and subjected to
axial and circumferential magnetic hysteresis measurements. The torque load sensitivity
tests were performed both prior and subsequent to standard heat treatments for the steels
consisting of oil quenching from high temperature and a slow annealing. The measured
post-heat torque load sensitivity responses were around 200 uG/psi for T-15, 130 uG/psi for
M-2, 108 uG/psi for M-4, and 60 uG/psi for A-2, which we believe is due to the variation in
their tungsten content. Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Torque Transducer Response as a Function of Ambient Temperature.
Patrick R. Szczypinski, Jason T. Orris, and Mark S. Boley,
Western Illinois University,
Macomb,
IL
61455.
We have attempted to define the change in magnetoelastic response with ambient
temperature for three commonly applied steel torque transducers, comprised of L-6,
Kapstar (4% Nickel), and ESR-420 steel (14% Chromium), respectively, since applications
of these transducers in real industrial or automotive settings are often in an immersed fluid
environment where ambient temperature fluctuates between 0°C and 100°C on an irregular
basis. Our studies over the easily attainable ambient temperature ranges in our laboratory
from 20°C to 56°C clearly show that in two of these samples there is little or no gain or loss
to magnetoelastic response to applied torque, but rather that the magnetic background
signal has a very definite positive slope. This leads us to conclude that by appropriately
programming the transducer's sensory electronics to include this slope, we can ensure the
applicability of the transducers over the required temperature range within given tolerances.
Regular, Friday afternoon
Ordering Investigations of Carbon Nanotubes over Organic Molecule Monolayers by Atomic and Magnetic Force Microscopy.
Daniel K. Pratt, James Matthew Kerr, Saleem G. Rao, and Mark S. Boley,
Western Illinois University,
Macomb,
IL
61455.
Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were placed on surfaces of bare SiO2, on bare
Au over the SiO2, and on thin films (monolayers) of polar organic molecules including 2MI,
cysteamine, and MHA that were molecular stamped over the Au surfaces. The organic
monolayers were prepared such that there were periodic strips of four micron width
(molecular stamping) of a hydrophobic molecule known as ODT, and the 2MI, cysteamine,
or MHA (polar organic molecules) were in adjacent strips of 2 microns. Atomic Force
Microscopy (AFM) pictures revealed that the SWCNT align themselves mostly in the polar
organic molecular regions. Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) pictures revealed that the
stamped samples exhibited periodic regions of vastly different magnetization levels, leading
us to believe that ferromagnetic ordering is taking place amongst the polar organic
molecules and the SWCNT that also seem to assemble and order themselves in their
vicinity. Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Designing a Two-Disk Ion Trap.
Keith Pelletier and James Rabchuk,
Western Illinois University,
Macomb,
IL
61455.
Ion traps are able to suspend individual ions in free space for an indefinite period of time. As such, they are ideal tools for studying properties of individual ions, for mass spectrometry and perhaps, in the future, for use in quantum computers. Ion traps work by producing a radio-frequency electromagnetic field which creates a ponderomotive trapping potential at the point where the field amplitude is weakest. In this presentation, several variations of a particularly interesting trap design, the two disk trap, and their effects on the pseudopotential will be presented. The role of a nearby grounded surface will be investigated, as well as the effect of other variations in the trap design. The accuracy of the numerical solutions of the fields and trapping potential will be explored. Simulations of ion behavior in these traps will also be presented. Plans for future investigations will be discussed.
Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Ensemble vs. Frequency Averages for a Random Scattering Medium*.
Matthew Narter, S. Menon, Q. Su and R. Grobe,
Intense Laser Physics Theory Unit,
Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4560.
For system of randomly arranged plane-parallel dielectric layers with randomly varying index of refraction and width, we compare the reflection coefficient derived from the Maxwell equations with that of the Boltzmann theory [1-3]. For a strictly monochromatic field this coefficient is an oscillatory function of the laser frequency. We show how suitable frequency or ensemble averaging permits a comparison of the two theories [4]. The calculation of the usual Boltzmann scattering coefficient from microscopic parameters can be improved to permit a better agreement with the exact Maxwell data [5]. The frequency averaging in practice is much simpler to perform often times than the ensemble averaging. We would like to use this new result on the generator level to see if it is possible to get an improved theoretical equation of the Boltzmann
equation. *Supported by grants of the NSF, Research Corporation.Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Experiments of Light Scattering in Milk*.
Sawyer Campbell, G. Rutherford, B.K. Clark, Q. Su and R. Grobe,
Intense Laser Physics Theory Unit at Illinois State University, Normal, IL
61790-4560.
We have explored experimentally the propagation of a light pulse in a heterogeneous medium, such as milk. Using a (LabView)
computer controlled translation stage we are able to collect scattered light
from the input diode laser beam over 6 orders of magnitudes in intensity. We
will also describe our first experiments to determine the scattering and
absorption coefficients as well as the anisotropy of milk for various
concentrations by measuring the scattered or absorbed light intensity as a
function of the source-detector spacing. This apparatus will be used in the near
future to study other proposed light scattering experiments and possible
bio-optical imaging algorithms. *Supported by grants of the NSF, Research
Corporation.
Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Monte-Carlo Simulations for Light Scattering in Milk*.
Alison O'Connell, S. Menon, Q. Su and R. Grobe, Intense Laser
Physics Theory Unit, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4560.
We inject an angularly collimated laser beam into a scattering medium of a non-dairy creamer-water solution and examine the distribution of the scattered light along the optical axis as a function of the source-detector spacing. The experimental and simulated data obtained from a Monte Carlo simulation suggest four regimes characterizing the transition from un-scattered to diffusive light. We compare the data also with theoretical predictions based on a first-order scattering theory for regions close to the source, and with diffusion-like theories for larger source-detector spacings.
We demonstrate the impact of the measurement process and the unavoidable
absorption of photons by the detection fiber on the light distribution inside
the medium. We show that the range of validity of these theories can depend on
the experimental parameters such as the diameter and acceptance angle of the
detection fiber. *Supported by grants of the NSF, Research Corporation, Illinois
State Honors Program.Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Classical Model to Understand the Pair Creation Process*.
Nic Chott, Q. Su and R. Grobe, Intense Laser Physics Theory
Unit, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4560.
Using a simplified model systems we examine the production of an electron-positron pair in a spatially localized force-field [1-4]. Using numerical solutions to computational quantum field theory we compute the kinetic energy spectra of the created particles. A comparison with classical mechanical calculations based on simple trajectories suggests that despite the fully relativistic and quantum mechanical nature of the matter creation process, some aspects can be understood very well in terms of classical mechanics. This approach also permits us to distinguish between the energies that the particles are born with and those energies they gain by accelerating out of the force field.
*Supported by grants of the NSF, Research Corporation, Illinois State URG and
Honors Program. Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Reconstruct Embedded Images Using Transmitted Light*.
Tim Garvin, Q. Su and R. Grobe, Intense Laser Physics Theory
Unit, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4560. We show that in
the regime where the traditional diffusion theory breaks down for a highly
modulated source, with modulation frequencies (>> GHz) only the ballistic and
quasi-ballistic photons survive. This regime becomes accessible for imaging
applications. We develop an iterative quasi-analytical scheme to compute the
radiance transmitted from a thin plane parallel layer of turbid media
illuminated by high frequency intensity modulated light. We compare the spatial
distribution of the transmitted signal obtained from iterative calculations with
that obtained from numerical random walk simulation. *Supported by grants of the
NSF, Research Corporation. Student Research Symposium, Friday afternoon
Automated Calculation of Fractal Dimension of Congressional Districts.
Nicholas Jurasek, B.K. Clark, Daniel Holland,
Illinois State University,
Normal,
IL
61761.
The goal of this research is to create a computer program to automatically calculate the fractal dimension of congressional districts. It is obvious by simply looking at a map of Chicago that Gerrymandering occurs, however it is rather difficult to prove. This project aims to put a quantifiable dimension on a Gerrymandered district. In the presentation I will describe the steps taken to create the program to do this as well as some interesting preliminary results. I will also outline future goals of the project.
Papers
to be Presented on Saturday Morning
Regular, Saturday morning
Replacing Textbook Examples With Activities.
Bill Hogan,
Joliet Junior College,
Joliet,
IL
60431.
One change I have made to my first semester calc-based physics course recently is to replace some of the textbook example problems I have lectured on in the past with hands-on activities. The activities require students to do numerical calculations similar to what was done in the example problems in past years. I will discuss some of the activities involving circular motion, energy conservation, and momentum conservation that I believe students have enjoyed and learned from.
Student Research Symposium, Saturday morning
The Relation of Gender and Age to the Dominant Frequency Ratio of the Human Voice.
Harrison Bralower, Hans Muehsler,
Naperville Central High School,
Naperville,
IL
60540.
Voice samples from six age groups and both genders were collected using a sound sampling and
analysis program. The resulting data was analyzed in an effort to determine what the ratio of
female to male dominant voice frequencies is. A further analysis was conducted to learn if this ratio
was constant across age groups. The results of this study and possible future applications will be
presented.
Student Research Symposium, Saturday morning
Investigating Conformal Stability of the HIV Envelope Protein gp120 with Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
Christopher Glosser, Joe Beuckman,
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville,
Edwardsville,
IL
62026.
We run molecular dynamics simulations in order to characterize conformational changes in the HIV
envelope glycoprotein gp120, the molecule that the AIDS virus uses to infiltrate human T-Cells.
Presently, we discuss our hardware configuration issues, and the data manipulation necessary in
order to locate flexible strands of the protein. Once these are identified, future calculations will use
steered molecular dynamics (SMD) to examine the flexibility of the molecule. In this work, we
present preliminary results, including animated visualizations of our simulations.
Either Day Will be Fine
Regular, Either day
Physics of Finance Course.
Benjamin L. Brown,
Principia College,
Elsah,
IL
62028.
Our Physics of Finance course concentrates on financial derivatives which are securities that derive their value from an underlying security such as a stock, foreign currency, or market index. The course is designed for the non-science majors. The students open practice on-line trading accounts and learn standard technical analysis before proceeding to equity options (derivatives). Calls, puts, spreads, straddles, strangles, and butterflies are examples of derivatives, and derivative combinations, that are studied. Harvard educated Fisher Black, who had degrees in physics and math, is the father of modern derivatives markets. A geometric Brownian motion model of stock prices leads to the famous Black-Scholes pricing model. The Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to in 1997 for this pioneering Black-Scholes model.
Student Research Symposium, Either day
Examining the Interrelationships of Size, Sensitivity, and Domain Wall Profiles in ESR-420 Steel Torque Transducers .
Matthew W. Beckner, Daniel K. Pratt, Jason T. Orris, and Mark S. Boley,
Western Illinois University,
Macomb,
IL
61455.
Solid and hollow sensory shafts were fabricated from ESR 420 steel for application as
torque transducers with diameters ranging from 18 mm down to 5 mm. Next, the
measurement of torque load sensitivity was conducted for the transducer by the
circumferentially polarized magnetization of two small regions near the center of the shaft in
opposing directions and collecting the magnetic signal emanating from the separating
domain wall as torque was applied and then removed. The observed sensitivities were
found to first improve, but then later significantly degrade, as we continued to decrease the
shaft diameter. The technique of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) was then used to
examine the profiles of the center domain wall in the torque sensor section of each shaft,
and by fitting the sequential MFM scans we were able to directly measure the domain wall
width and height for each sample.
Student Research Symposium, Either day
The Effects of the Una Corda Pedal on Harmonic Structure.
Danielle Castens, M. L. Horner and Rebecca Lindell,
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville,
Edwardsville,
IL
62026-165.
Pianists use the una corda pedal on the grand piano not only to
decrease the volume but also to produce a more subdued tone, which is a change
in sound quality. There are two possible elements that may be affected:
loudness and harmonic structure. This study seeks to determine whether sound
quality is altered with the use of the una corda pedal by comparing the
harmonic structures of pitches played with and without the una corda pedal.
Results of this study will be presented.
Regular, Either day
Experimental Positron Physics: Undergraduate Teaching Tool.
D.B. Cassidy, S.H.M Deng, R.G. Greaves, T. Maruo, N. Nishiyama, J.B. Snyder, H.K.M. Tanaka, and A.P. Mills, Jr.,
Principia College,
Elsah,
IL
62028.
At Principia College the development of a low energy positron beam has proven to be an outstanding teaching tool for experimental physics. During undergraduate study, students learn a lot of classroom theory in E/M, quantum, nuclear, classical, solid state and statistical physics. Experimental positron physics provides students the opportunity to get into the lab and apply that theory. In the positron lab, students learn about vacuum systems, trapping charged particles, and electronic control/detection systems. This foundation allowed me to immediately contribute with the positron physics group at UC Riverside over the summer. This work resulted in a PRL publication "Experiments with a High-Density Positronium Gas." Work continues on Principia positron beam where I am a graduate research intern. This presentation will focus on the value that applied studies have had for my undergraduate education.
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