School of Physics and Astronomy
Year 3 Project Catalogue
Academic Year 2017-2018
See the accompanying document "Year 3 Project Selection" for
details about choosing projects and important deadlines.
If you need any advice about projects, contact the Project
Coordinator, Dr David Westwood ([email protected]).
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3701
How do stellar clusters grow?
Supervisor:
Dr P Clark
Project Description:
It is thought that over half of all stars form in stellar clusters — gravitationally bound
swarms of stars in which violent dynamical interactions can occur. However, we still do
not know how long it takes for these clusters to be assembled, or even how the properties
of the gas and stars vary as the cluster grows in mass. This has caused many, heated
arguments in the star formation community, mainly because the observational data is
difficult to interpret. However, we can look to numerical simulations as a guide. The
student will look at data from recent, state-of-the-art, computer simulation of cluster
formation, to explore a) how rapidly the cluster is assembled, and b) how this would ‘look’
to an observer. We will then see if the discrepancies in the observed timescales for
cluster assembly, and the properties of the clusters, are just due how the observational
data is being interpreted. The student’s work will be roughly split (approx): 30% literature
review; 40% data mining; 30% analysing data and writing up the report. This project is
suited to students that like to dig into large data sets.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3702
Galaxy evolution with Herschel and the Hubble Space Telescope
Supervisor:
Prof S A Eales
Project Description:
Our deep Herschel surveys allow us to see dust-enshrouded galaxies back to very early
times. However, the poor resolution of Herschel means that the galaxies just look like
blobs on the images. Fortunately, the Hubble Space Telescope has been carrying out
public surveys of many of the deep Herschel fields (the Cosmic Assembly Deep
Extragalactic Legacy Survey). The students will use a combination of the Herschel and
Hubble data to investigate the evolution of galaxies, in particular how disk galaxies evolve
into elliptical galaxies. The project will require the student to use a number of standard
astronomy analysis packages and do some programming.
No. of Students:
1 to 4
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3703
M87 and its jet
Supervisor:
Prof W Gear
Project Description:
M87 is the dominant galaxy in the centre of the nearby Virgo cluster. It also has one of
the first-discovered and most prominent "jets" emerging form its centre. A student on this
project will review the properties of M87 and of jets and then use recently obtained data
far-infrared and submillimetre from Herschel and JCMT to try to isolate the emission
from the jet from that of the remainder of the galaxy and determine its spectrum and
origin of the emission.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3704
Origins of the Solar System
Supervisor:
Dr J S Greaves
Project Description:
The Sun's planets were born out of a disc of orbiting rocky particles and gas. Using
blackbody emission at radio wavelengths, we can image zones containing 'pebble' sized
particles in similar discs around very young stars. In this project, the student will work with
radio data from the Very Large Array (VLA), and analyse images at 1 cm wavelength of
circumstellar discs in the Taurus and Ophiuchus star-forming regions. From
measurements of the radio flux, radial profiles of surface density will be constructed. By
comparing these to models of the Minimum Mass Solar Nebula, the student will assess
whether conditions under which the Sun's planets formed are common, rare, or
anomalous.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3705
Star formation studies with the Herschel Space Observatory
Supervisor:
Dr P Hargrave
Project Description:
The project aims to use the large amount of publicly available Herschel far-infrared data
to study regions of star formation in our Galaxy.
Objectives:
i) To learn about Herschel and its data
ii) To extract data from the Herschel data archive
iii) To reduce and analyse those data
iv) To compare the data with current theoretical predictions
v) To place the data in context with previous observations
vi) To confirm or disprove theoretical ideas of star formation
The student(s) will spend their time working with state-of-the-art data from a telescope
that is still orbiting, and the work may lead to the student(s) being involved in a research
publication.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3706
Identification of strong gravitationally lensed galaxies
Supervisor:
Dr M Negrello and Prof S Eales
Project Description:
Gravitational lensing is a powerful astrophysical and cosmological tool that can be used
to detect very faint galaxies in the distant Universe, to study their morphological
properties downs to scale difficult (if not impossible) to probe with the largest telescopes
at present and to constrain cosmological parameters. Gravitational lensing occurs when
the light from a distant galaxy is deflected by a foreground mass – commonly a massive
elliptical galaxy or a galaxy group/cluster. Since this phenomenon relies on a chance
alignment between the background galaxy, the foreground lens and the observer, it is
quite rare. Therefore the discovery of lensing systems involves the sifting of large data
sets. The student will investigate the different methods developed over the last years to
discover gravitationally lensed galaxies in optical/sub-millimeter/millimeter/radio surveys
and will compare them to understand the (dis)advantages of one method over the others.
Depending on performance, the student will have a chance to search for lensed galaxies
in the wide-area extragalactic surveys conducted with the Herschel space observatory at
sub-millimeter wavelengths.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3792
Do converging networks of interstellar filaments point towards massive starforming cores?
Supervisor:
Dr N Peretto
Project Description:
Recent Herschel observations reveal that filaments represent a key intermediate stage in
the accumulation of matter from diffuse interstellar clouds to star progenitors (i.e., cores).
In nearby and low-mass star-forming regions, cores are usually embedded in the densest
filaments, forming, we believe, as the result of gravitational instabilities running along
them. In some cases, cores are found at the converging point of networks of filaments,
also called hubs. In fact, the most massive core ever observed in the Galaxy has been
observed at the centre of a collapsing hub, filaments feeding the central core in cold and
pristine gas. Therefore, one can wonder is the presence of a hub is an indirect indication
of the collapse of the parent cloud, gravity pulling filaments towards the centre of the
potential well. If, as suggested in some theories of massive star formation, cloud global
collapse is a necessary step towards the formation of a massive star, then hub-filament
systems could indicate the exact location of massive star in formation.
In this project, the student will use 8micron extinction images of the Galactic plane to
systematically identify interstellar filaments towards dense star-forming clouds. A filament
algorithm and method to quantitatively measure filament convergence will have to be
developed. Then, the student will correlate such a "hub map" with sub-millimetre dust
continuum observations to check if high convergence correlates with high mass
concentration. The student will also test this method on ALMA surveys of some of the
most massive cores in the Galaxy.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3707
Molecules in dark clouds
Supervisor:
Dr S Ragan
Project Description:
Stars form in giant clouds of (predominantly) molecular hydrogen (H2), but at the low
characteristic temperatures in these clouds, we can not observe H2 directly. The next
most abundant molecule in these clouds that we can observe is carbon monoxide (CO).
Using maps of two different "types" (called isotopologues) of CO which emit differently
depending on the density and temperature, it is possible to study how the physical
conditions in molecular clouds change with their environment. In this project, the
student(s) will learn to analyse spectral line data taken at the IRAM 30-meter telescope,
by fitting simple models to the emission profile in order to infer physical properties. They
will also need to undertake a literature study to relate the findings from the CO analysis to
what is already known about the clouds we are studying.
The work involved will be roughly split between literature review (20%), analysing spectral
line data (50%) and writing up the results (30%). This project involves doing Python
programming.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO
3708
Observational astronomy with the Faulkes Telescope Project
Supervisor:
Dr P Roche and Dr F Lewis
Project Description:
A range of observational projects are possible using the 2m, 1m and 0.4m LCO robotic
telescope network, covering the following topics:
Massive stars and open clusters
e.g. identification of emission-line stars from colour-magnitude and colour-colour
diagrams; production of lightcurves for variable stars
Variable stars
e.g. studying the variability of a variety of different types of variable stars or X-ray binary
(neutron star and black hole) systems, looking for correlations , periodicities, outbursts etc.
Exoplanet occultations
e.g. observing transits of known exoplanets and deriving system parameters from
analysis of the lightcurves
Students will initially carry out analysis of archival data (taken since 2004), then will
schedule and obtain new observations using the LCO network. These data will be
analysed and (depending on the actual topic chosen) information on the astronomical
objects extracted. Observations will mainly consist of optical photometry, but in some
cases spectroscopic observations may also be possible.
No. of Students:
1 to 3
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3709
Lithopanspermia
Supervisor:
Dr A Cartwright
Project Description:
You will perform n-body simulations to investigate the probability of life being transported
within the solar system, particularly between Earth, Mars, Venus and the potentially
habitable moons of Jupiter.
Good programming skills required.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3710
How fast do molecular clouds grow?
Supervisor:
Dr P Clark
Project Description:
Stars form in large clouds of molecular gas, often referred to as Giant Molecular Clouds
(GMCs). Observations show that these clouds come in a bewildering variety of shapes
and sizes and masses, however there is much that we still do not understand. For
example, we have very little idea as to how quickly these clouds can form and grow in
mass, and whether this plays an important role in their ability to form stars. In this project,
the student will examine several models for how clouds can accrete gas from the
interstellar medium. This will involve designing a short computer program - in
IDL/Fortran/C(++)/Python - to model the growth of ensembles of clouds. During the
project the student will learn how to model complex, time-varying systems. This will also
be a good introduction to physical processes that control the dynamics of the gas in the
interstellar medium. The student’s work will be roughly split (approx): 20% literature
review; 40% designing code; 20% running simulations; 20% analysing data and writing up
the report. This project is best suited to students that enjoy writing computer codes.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3711
N-body modelling of young protostellar systems
Supervisor:
Dr P Clark
Project Description:
Observations suggest that stars are born in small groups of around 2-4, which
gravitationally interact with one another while the stars grow in mass. We will model this
phase of the young stars life, by performing N-body simulations of small groups of stars,
to see how quickly they can be ejected from their natal ‘protostellar core’ — the dense
core of gas in which they formed. We will also model how these stars accrete mass
during these interactions. The student will write their own N-Body simulation code, and
also the scripts to look at the properties of the stars as the N-body system evolves. The
student’s work will be roughly split (approx): 20% literature review; 30% designing code;
20% running simulations; 30% analysing data and writing up the report. This project is
best suited to students that enjoy writing computer codes.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3712
Cold gas and dust in the ALMA Fornax Cluster Survey (AlFoCS)
Supervisor:
Dr T A Davis
Project Description:
Much of our current understanding of the way galaxies form and evolve is based on
observations of galaxies in cluster environments. Cluster galaxies differ significantly from
their field counterparts, and these differences can provide crucial clues as to the primary
external influences on galaxy evolution. Nearby clusters have played a key role in
shaping our understanding, as they can be studied in a level of detail that is not possible
for more distant systems.In this project, students will use data from the ALMA Fornax
Cluster Survey (AlFoCS; PI T. Davis) and HeFoCS (the Herschel Fornax Cluster Survey;
PI J. Davies) to study the evolution of gas and dust in galaxies that lie within the Fornax
Cluster. A variety of issues can be addressed, including the relative extent of the gas
component, the relationship between gas and dust in the cluster, and the dynamics of the
gas. This project requires primarily observational/analysis skills, and will involve
students working with ALMA data in standard software tools, and undertaking some
simple programming.
No. of Students:
1 to 3
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3713
Shocked molecular hydrogen and star-formation in IC1024
Supervisor:
Dr T A Davis
Project Description:
Early-type galaxies (ETGs) have been traditionally seen as `red-and-dead', with little or no
cold gas, and no ongoing star-formation. Evidence has mounted in recent years however
some of these objects do have cold gas reservoirs. Interestingly this gas may be less
efficiently converted into stars than that found in spiral and starburst objects. Whether this
is caused by the deep potential well, harsher irradiation from old stellar populations, or
greater prevalence of shocks and AGN has yet to be determined.
Students taking on this project would attempt to learn more, using data from the Very
Large Telescope of ETG IC1024. Using H2 excitation diagrams and theoretical models
of photon dominated regions the students will derive the physical conditions within the hot
molecular ISM of these galaxies, and determine if it has been directly affected by harsh
irradiation, hot gas, or shocks. The conditions within this material will shed light on the
importance of these mechanisms in the suppression of star-formation in ETGs. This
project will require the student(s) to use standard software, and write simple scripts to
analyze and plot astronomical data.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3714
Where does the gas and dust in early-type galaxies come from?
Supervisor:
Dr T A Davis
Project Description:
The most massive galaxies in our universe (so called “early-type galaxies”) have relatively
uniform optical properties, red colours, and low rates of ongoing star-formation. Because
of these, they have often been thought to be gas and dust free. This is not the case,
however, as recent work has shown up to half of early-types have some form of coldinterstellar medium and/or dust. The origin of this material remains uncertain: does it cool
from stellar mass loss, or is it accreted in mergers with smaller galaxies? The aim of
this project is to use data from the Gemini telescopes and/or the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
to estimate the gas metallicity in early-type galaxies that have a cold interstellar medium.
Comparing this metallicity to that of the stars can help us distinguish the origin of the gas
in these enigmatic objects. This project will require the student(s) to use a number of
standard astronomy analysis packages to reduce optical spectra, and fit emission lines.
The students will also be required to do some basic programming.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3715
Designing large arrays of Kinetic Inductance Detectors
Supervisor:
Dr S Doyle
Project Description:
Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) are rapidly becoming the technology of choice for
mm – sub-mm instrumentations (90GHZ – 1.0 THZ). KIDs are naturally broadband
detectors that can be multiplexed into large format arrays with exquisite sensitivity.
Multiplexing KIDS into large arrays requires a number of design considerations to i)
ensure that all detectors can be read out within a certain bandwidth of readout
electronics, ii) cross-talk between pixels is minimised, iii) focal plane area is used as
efficiently as possible and iv) the array performance is maximized for a certain set of
observing conditions. This project will involve studying the design aspects of making large
arrays of KIDs to develop design rules and models for their performance. Models will be
tested against real data acquired from existing large KID arrays. Specifically the student
will:
Learn the basic principles of superconductivity relevant to KIDs.
Learn the concepts of microwave theory related to the readout of KIDs.
Use a combination superconductivity theory and python code to assess the performance
of KID arrays at sub-Kelvin temperatures under typical observing conditions.
This project has the potential for some experimental testing to acquire data from existing
designs but due to the complexity of the equipment used, this work involves working
alongside and assisting research staff.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3716
Optimizing Kinetic Inductance Detector towards improved optical efficiency
Supervisor:
Dr S Doyle
Project Description:
Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) are rapidly becoming the technology of choice for
mm - sub-mm instrumentations (90GHZ - 1.0 THZ). KIDs are naturally broadband
detectors that can be multiplexed into large format arrays with exquisite sensitivity. The
Cardiff invented Lumped Element Kinetic Inductance Detector (LEKID) has already been
demonstrated across a range of application. The absorption of light by a LEKID requires
careful design of the overall pixel architecture. In this project the student will study the
design and of a LEKID device optimized for absorption over a given optical bandwidth
tailored to either an industrial of astronomical application. The student will be required to:
Learn the principles of transmission line theory used to model optical absorption of KIDs.
Use a combination of python code and commercial software to model and optimize
LEKID optical performance.
Use python code to analyze experimental data to characterize the optical absorption
properties of a real device.
This project has the potential for some experimental testing of designs but due to the
complexity of the equipment used, this work involve working alongside and assisting
research staff.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3717
The origin and evolution of stardust in nearby galaxies
Supervisor:
Prof H L Gomez
Project Description:
The Herschel ATLAS project is the largest Open Time survey carried out with the
Herschel Space Observatory. Herschel is the largest, most powerful infrared telescope
and is the first space observatory to observe from the far-infrared to the submillimetre
waveband, unveiling the hidden dusty Universe to us for the first time. Our work with the
Herschel ATLAS data (Dunne, Gomez et al. 2011; Rowlands, Gomez et al. 2014) has
shown that the dust content of the Universe has changed much more rapidly than we
expected in the last few billion years and this is a big mystery.
In this project, you will build on an existing model written in python and publicly available
on github. The existing model is able to describe a galaxy fairly well, predicting the build
up of dust and metals as gas is consumed into star formation. It matches some
observational properties of galaxies in the early universe and spiral galaxies closer to us.
However, it currently includes a very simple way to account for the fact that outflows and
inflows of gas occur in galaxies.
To realistically compare this model with observations of galaxies requires a review of
more sophisticated (and tried-and-tested) approaches to include gas inflows and
outflows. Ultimately, you will compare the model with either nearby samples of dusty
galaxies, or hundreds of thousands of galaxies in the Herschel ATLAS fields from the last
5 billon years.
This is mostly a theoretical project and will suit anyone with a physics or astrophysics
background who enjoys working with analytic (back-of-the-envelope) calculations and/or
those with some confidence in python (or other programming language). Physics
students who like to apply their theoretical know-how to the Universe are particularly
welcomed to apply.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3718
Orbits of planetary debris
Supervisor:
Dr J Greaves
Project Description:
Collisions between comets orbiting stars produce belts of rocky debris. These particles
emit blackbody radiation that can be studied with infrared and millimere telescopes. In the
survey 'SCUBA-2 Observations of Nearby Stars', we have found a number of puzzling
systems where the cometary debris appears much brighter to one side of the star than
the other. The competing explanations are that a dwarf planet has broken up in the belt,
or that an unseen massive planet has forced the comet orbits in one direction (like the
hypothetical Planet X in the solar system). The aim of this project is to write a code to
track the orbits of test particles (e.g. wih the velocity Vernet algorithm) , and see if their
distribution resembles the observed data. This project would suit students who enjoy
coding and the opportunity to test a model against real and unexplained astronomical
data. A basic understanding of the physics of orbits will be needed; some background in
examining astronomical images would be useful but is not essential.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3719
Spinning nano-diamonds in space
Supervisor:
Dr J Greaves
Project Description:
Radio emission peaking at around 30 GHz in frequency occurs from gas clouds around
stars, between stars, and in other galaxies. This 'anomalous microwave emission' is
thought to come from rapidly spinning nano-particles that act as electric dipoles. We have
recently identified nano-diamonds as a possible carrier particle. The aim of the project is
to write a code to see how the shape of the radio spectrum changes with the type of
diamond and its shape, size and electric charge. This project would suit students who
enjoy coding and testing model results against data. The physics of the radiation is
described in standard papers, and a basic understanding of astronomical methods would
be an advantage but is not essential.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3720
The far infrared emission of asteroids
Supervisor:
Prof M J Griffin
Project Description:
The thermal emission from an asteroid depends on its temperature distribution and on the
nature of its surface as well as its distance to the Sun and how it is seen from the Earth.
Measurements of the thermal emission of asteroids can be used to infer important
properties including size, temperature and surface characteristics. Because asteroids are
moderately bright point-like sources, they are also useful as standard calibration sources
at far infrared and submillimetre wavelengths (50
emission is well understood.
Two models of asteroid emission are commonly used – the so-called Standard Thermal
Model (STM) and a more elaborate thermo-physical model. The project will involve (i)
reviewing and understanding the asteroid models based on the published literature; (ii)
coding the STM to produce a predicted spectral energy distribution (SED) for a given
asteroid and a given observation date; (iii) comparing the predicted SEDs with published
results of the thermo-physical model; (iv) comparing the results of both models with
observational results on selected asteroids from the Herschel Space Observatory.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3721
Bringing astronomy to a wider audience
Supervisor:
Dr C North and Ms W Sadler
Project Description:
How can we engage non-specialist audiences in the contemporary physics and
astronomy research happening at Cardiff University? Whether they are using the
Herschel Space Observatory, simulating the formation of stars, or detecting gravitational
waves, astronomers should consider how they communicate their work to school
students, teachers and the general public - but it isn’t always easy. Some of you may
have been inspired to study science by a particularly inspirational teacher or even a
science presenter on TV. Some of you may be thinking of becoming that inspiration to the
next generation, and training to become a school teacher or science communicator. In
this project you have the opportunity to get a taste of what school teaching and
communication of science is about. In conjunction with your supervisor you will choose an
area of Cardiff astronomy research and develop resources to help teachers, students or
the general public understand and engage with it. You will have to consider how the topic
links into the school curriculum or how you can use cultural hooks or events to connect
the research with a wider audience if speaking to an adult audience without astronomy
knowledge. Over the course of a year you will develop a pack of material to support the
teaching or communicating of the topic. The pack may include lesson plans, suggested
experiments and demonstrations, additional background reading material for students
and teachers, homework/activity sheets as well as appropriate clips and images. You will
then be expected to test out the material at a local school or a public event to evaluate
the success of your material.
As part of your project, you will obtain a background into the different school exam
curricula (and what is required of both teachers and students), will learn about different
teaching and learning styles, and will develop your skills of explaining physical and
astronomical concepts using real-life analogies and simplified mathematical explanations.
This project is well-suited to either astronomy or physics students who have an interest in
going into teaching or science communication and who would like to find out more about
what is really involved. Each student will work on individual projects, with a weekly group
seminar discussion on aspects of the projects that are common to all.
Would suit a minimum of 2 to maximum of 4 students
No. of Students:
2 to 4
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3799
Performance Characterization for the ARIEL space telescope
Supervisor:
Dr A Papageorgiou
Project Description:
ARIEL is a European Space Agency candidate mission, planed for launch in 2025.
During its four-year mission ARIEL will observe hundreds of exoplanets (500-1000) in the
visible and the infrared with its meter-class telescope. The analysis of ARIEL spectra and
photometric data will allow to extract the chemical fingerprints of gases and condensates
in the planets’ atmospheres, including the elemental composition for the most favorable
targets.
In the current phase of the mission, all of the missions aspects need to be modelled and
characterised; one of these aspects is the likelihood of background stars, bright in
ARIEL's observing wavelength, to be within ARIEL's field of view.
For this project, the student will have to write software to access information from public
star catalogues, select stars that are within close proximity to the ARIEL target list,
estimate the brightness of these stars in ARIEL's observing band and finally quantify the
likelihood that a background star will be interfering with the observation of a target.
This project has a heavy emphasis on Programming (Python), Data Analysis/Reduction
and Model Fitting (fit black body to catalogue star magnitudes in order to estimate their
brightness in ARIEL's waveband)
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3793
Characterising the size and mass distribution of molecular clouds in the Whirlpool
galaxy using Hubble extinction maps
Supervisor:
Dr N Peretto and Dr Ana Duarte Cabral
Project Description:
Stars form in large clouds of cold interstellar dust and gas. The physical properties of
these structures will determine the star formation rate, i.e. the rate at which gas mass is
converted into stellar mass. Star formation rate is arguably the single most important
quantity in galaxy evolution, dictating the pace at which galaxies evolve across cosmic
times. As a consequence, understanding what are the physical properties of molecular
clouds, these stellar nurseries, is of prime importance. In 2010, a very peculiar cloud has
been discovered in our own Galaxy, called since then Nessie. What is remarkable with
Nessie is that it is 100pc long, but only 1pc wide, and has a nearly uniform velocity. In a
very turbulent interstellar medium such as in the Milky Way, the formation of such velocity
coherent structure is really unclear. Since the discovery of Nessie, a number of other
studies have looked for similar Milky Way clouds, and a number of potential candidates
have been identified. However, the problem with Galactic observations is confusion:
because we are in the Milky Way, a large number of unrelated structures are overlapping
on every line-of-sight which makes difficult the identification of individual structures. In
that respect, identifying individual clouds in external galaxies is easier.
In this project, the student will use Hubble data of the iconic Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). The
goal of the project will be to identify the population of molecular clouds that are seen in
extinction in Hubble images at very high angular resolution. By characterising the
distribution of lengths, widths, and masses as a function of their location in the galaxy
(spiral arms, inter-arms, distance to the centre) the student will be able to identify in which
environment Nessie-like clouds can form, and eventually come up with a physical
scenario that can explain how 100 pc long velocity coherent structures can survive in the
turbulent interstellar medium. If time allows, the student will also look into star formation
tracers in order to search for potential correlations between cloud morphology and star
formation rates.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3722
From darkness to light: when star formation lights up infrared dark clouds
Supervisor:
Dr N Peretto
Project Description:
Stars form in dense, cold, molecular clouds. Very early during their evolution, and as a
result of absorption by interstellar dust grains, these clouds can be seen in silhouette
against the background light of the Milky Way. As star formation goes on, the radiative
and mechanical feedback from the new born stars impact the physical properties of the
host clouds, and start to illuminate them from the inside. Dark clouds are not dark
anymore. Statistics about the "darkness" level of star-forming clouds as a function of
their mass and size can potentially tell us a lot about how clouds evolve in time, and how
important stellar feedback is in regulating star formation. This area of star formation is
observationally poorly constrained, and is at the centre of numerous debates within the
star formation community.
This project aims at identifying star-forming clouds in the Milky Way using the Herschel
far-infrared images of the galactic plane, and at characterizing their infrared darkness
using the mid-infrared data from the Spitzer telescope. The distribution of infrared
darkness as a function of cloud masses, sizes, densities will be then performed and
compared to what we expect from different star formation models. This project could
bring a new element to the debates on cloud evolution and the role of stellar feedback.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3723
Hunting for accretion discs around massive star progenitors
Supervisor:
Dr N Peretto and Dr C North
Project Description:
Despite their importance in regulating the energy budget of galaxies and enriching the
interstellar medium with heavy elements, the formation of massive stars remains one of
the mysteries of the Universe. One very much debated aspect of the massive star
formation concerns the accretion process, from the cold, dusty, gaseous envelope
surrounding the massive protostar to the protostar itself. It is believed that this process
involves the presence of a disc, which allows the continuous accretion of material while
also permitting the huge radiation pressure from the massive protostar to escape. At
present, only a handful of discs surrounding massive protostars have been discovered,
limiting our ability to build up a coherent scenario of the accretion process onto massive
protostars.
By gazing at mid- to far-infrared images from the WISE and Herschel missions, we
recently discovered a new disc candidate - largely by accident! We are now in the
process of observing this source with ground-based telescopes to confirm its nature.
These datasets are huge, and may be hiding many other new discs. The goal of this
project is to search for these sources by combining WISE and Herschel data. The
morphological appearance of these disc candidates is complex, meaning that identifying
them in an automated way is not easy. You will therefore first evaluate the feasibility of an
automated search by performing some test identifications, and use the outcome of this
preliminary study to inform an eventual citizen science project as part of the Zooniverse.
This project will lead to the identification of hundreds of disc candidates around massive
progenitors, and could be transformational for our understanding of the formation of
massive stars.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3725
Infrared dark clouds and holes in space
Supervisor:
Dr N Peretto and Dr C North
Project Description:
Infrared astronomy allows us to see clouds of interstellar dust – the material from which
stars are made. Even back in the 1980s mid-infrared observations showed patches of sky
that were dark in the infrared, and these were assumed to be regions where a much
colder cloud of dust, opaque and dark at those wavelengths, was blocking the light from
background regions. These cold, silhouetted clouds were dubbed Infrared Dark Clouds
(IRDCs), and there are now catalogues of tens of thousands of them.
It would be expected that longer wavelength observations would show the colder material,
but some regions remained dark – indicating that there are actually holes in the
interstellar medium (ISM). These holes, often blown by the strong stellar winds from
young stars, can have knock-on effects on the surrounding regions and the associated
star formation. Studying the IRDCs and the holes in space requires analysis of lots of
data, including from the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Herschel Space Observatory.
Identifying which IRDC are in fact dark clouds and which are holes in the interstellar
medium is rather difficult, and in 2012 we ran a citizen science project as part of the
Zooniverse's “Milky Way Project”. Citizen scientists were asked to compare mid- and farinfrared observations (from Spitzer and and Herschel) to identify which objects were
holes and which were clouds, producing a catalogue of over 10,000 objects with “citizen
science” scores.
Your project will involve using data from Spitzer and Herschel to study a selection of
IRDCs and holes in the ISM, deriving the temperature and density of the material based
on a range of physical assumptions. You will also analyse the database of citizen science
results to extend that analysis to the full dataset of over ten thousand objects. The work
would involve writing code to manipulate the data and analyse the results.
This project would be well suited to an astronomy student who has an interest in data
analysis, or a desire to be involved in citizen science.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3726
Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSSs) and general metamaterials development for
mm-wave applications
Supervisor:
Dr G Pisano, Prof P A R Ade and Prof C Tucker
Project Description:
The Astronomy Instrumentation Group has been fabricating metamaterial devices for use
in submillimeter wave instrumentation for many years. Whilst most of the components
have been used to perform selective optical filtering other applications of this technology
are currently being explored such as the ability to make flat lenses, wideband dispersive
devices, HWP and even negative index materials. These research avenues could lead to
improved optical efficiencies and/or new instrument concepts.
Examples devices are:
-Mesh filters and dichroics: used to define the operational frequency bands of an
experiment.
-Mesh Half Wave Plates: made with anisotropic grids, used to modulate the polarisation
of the radiation.
-Mesh Polarisers: used to convert linear into circular polarisations.
-Near-zero-permittivity materials: new exotic media where the radiation phase is almost
'frozen'; these materials allow tailoring the radiation pattern of an arbitrary source.
The goal of this project is to:
- model the electromagnetic radiation in presence of FSSs/metamaterials;
- design an FSS/metamaterial device using finite-element analysis software (HFSS: High
Frequency Structure Simulator) for operation at millimetre wavelengths.
- follow the device manufacture within the department facilities;
- experimentally characterise the device using a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS)
or mm-wave Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) available within the Astronomy
Instrumentation Group.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3727
Astronomy in the classroom
Supervisor:
Dr P Roche
Project Description:
In this project you have the opportunity to get a taste of what school teaching is about,
whilst working alongside a team of astronomy educators. Some current activities include
the Faulkes Telescope Project (robotic optical telescopes), Gaia, SOHO (ESA space
missions), Down2Earth (asteroids, comets and impacts), QuarkNet Cymru (cosmic ray
astrophysics) and astronomy materials for public events and music festivals.
You will choose a physics concept from the GCSE or AS/A2 level syllabus, and over the
course of the year will develop materials to cover the teaching of the topic. This could
include producing lesson plans, experiments and demonstrations, additional background
reading material for both students and teachers, homework/activity sheets as well as
appropriate clips and images.
As part of your project, you will study some educational theory, and look at the different
school exam syllabi (and what is required of both teachers and students), learn about
different teaching and learning styles, and develop your skills of explaining physical
concepts using real-life analogies and back-of-the-envelope estimations.
This project is well-suited to astronomy students who have an interest in going into
teaching or science communication, and who would like to find out more about what is
really involved.
Each student will work on individual projects, with a weekly group seminar discussion on
aspects of the projects that are common to all.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3728
Does becoming a physics presenter affect your attitude to physics as a subject?
Supervisor:
Ms W Sadler
Project Description:
Project Description:
Many school students at secondary school level have already disengaged with physics
and feel it is not for ‘people like them’. The UK needs a larger number of students to
choose physics at a higher level, partly because it has a positive effect on the economy of
a country, but also because physics graduates are in short supply for related jobs in
policy, business and teaching. But how can we engage with the disengaged students?
Science made simple (SMS) is a spinout company from the School of Physics and
Astronomy with the mission of engaging more people with science, and especially the
physical sciences. As part of this work they have begun training school students to
become physics ‘buskers’ themselves; learning presenting and theatrical skills alongside
the science required to entertain an audience. This training is often done with students
who have a very low self-proclaimed interest in physics. What happens to these students
as they become science presenters? Does their attitude to science and physics change?
This project will involve working with SMS staff and the possibility of involvement in a
European study (involving Spain and France) to examine whether learning science
through performance is an effective way to change the attitudes of disengaged students.
As part of your project, you will obtain a basic background in social science research
methods and educational issues. This project is well suited to either astronomy or physics
students who have an interest in going into teaching, policy or science communication.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3729
What physics do audiences learn from outreach activities?
Supervisor:
Ms W Sadler
Project Description:
Project Description:
Science made simple is an award-winning outreach company that has a mission to
inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. As a spin-out company and
partner with the School of Physics and Astronomy they have a range of physics-related
presentations that aim to communicate various aspects of physics and astronomy to
school and public audiences and reach over 60,000 people each year. But how
successful are they at achieving that aim?
Using existing literature on areas such as ‘how audiences learn’ and ‘why performance
can be an effective tool for engagement’, you will develop your own evaluation tool to
assess the success of one, or multiple physics presentations.
By working in partnership with the staff of ‘science made simple’ and collecting data from
the audiences they work with – you will have a real-life opportunity to provide research
data that can have applications to how the company develop future products.
As part of your project, you will obtain a basic background in social science research
methods and educational issues. This project is well suited to either astronomy or physics
students who have an interest in going into teaching, policy or science communication.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3730
Why do physics students choose physics?
Supervisor:
Ms W Sadler
Project Description:
Project Description:
Hundreds of thousands of pounds are spent each year on initiatives that aim to get more
students studying physics at University. The UK has a shortage of physics graduates and
it has been shown reliably that countries with higher levels of STEM graduates do better
economically.
But how much do we know about what motivates people to study physics at university?
Using quantitative and qualitative data from surveys and interviews with undergraduate
students, this project gives the opportunity to collect data that could inform practitioners in
the promotion of physics to school students and the general public.
Was it Brian Cox? Was your mother or father a physicist? Did you get a telescope for
your 7th birthday and just fell in love with astronomy? Also, are men and women
motivated differently? How about those who choose Engineering instead of Physics?
Using existing literature and by collecting your own data, this project will help answer the
question of what motivates physics students.
As part of your project, you will obtain a background in social science research methods
and educational issues. This project is well suited to either astronomy or physics students
who have an interest in going into teaching, policy or science communication.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3795
Searching for gravitational waves with LIGO
Supervisor:
Prof P J Sutton
Project Description:
Gravitational waves are oscillations in the curvature of spacetime produced by violent
events such as black-hole collisions and the core collapse of massive stars. The first
observed gravitational-wave signals, due to the mergers of black hole binaries, were
reported by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration in 2016.
This project will use the X-Pipeline software package developed at Cardiff to analyse data
from the first two observing runs of Advanced LIGO (in 2015-16 and 2016-17). The
search will target transient gravitational-wave signals associated with astrophysical events
such as fast radio bursts, x-ray flashes, high-energy neutrinos, or nearby supernovae.
The student will select one of these types of events, conduct a brief review of the
literature on source models for these events and their associated gravitational-wave
emission, and then
analyse the LIGO data with X-Pipeline to look for associated signals. Familiarity with
python and matlab is helpful but not essential.
Recommended reading:
P J Sutton et al., "X-Pipeline: an analysis package for autonomous gravitational-wave
burst searches"
http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1367-2630/12/5/053034/meta
B P Abbott et al., "Search for Gravitational Waves Associated with Gamma-Ray Bursts
During the First Advanced LIGO Observing Run and Implications for the Origin of GRB
150906B"
http://inspirehep.net/record/1499860
No. of Students:
1 to 4
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: ASTRO or PHYS
3731
How do we learning (physics)? Enabling teaching and learning to work together
Supervisor:
Dr D I Westwood
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to identify teaching approaches that will aid students as they
struggle to learn physics (in School and /or University).
Objectives of the project include: investigation of the field through a literature survey; a
reflective consideration of personal learning strategies; a study (in a School and/or
University) of teaching processes in practice and how their structure supports or hinders
learning.
The expected final outcomes of the project are well developed teaching strategies likely
to benefit student learning.
Context: We are beginning to understand what is important when our brains are rewired
by the (effortful) processes of learning. For example (and disappointingly) if a learning
process is easy it is unlikely to be effective. In addressing this the literature refers to
terms such as "consolidation" and "calibration" and approaches such as "retrieval
practice", "spaced retrieval" and "testing". In this School continual assessment can be
seen to act in support of consolidation and calibration, but retrieval practice is largely left
for students to individually sort out for themselves in preparation for exams. All in all
there appears to be scope for significant gains through a better coordinated or informed
approach.
Students interested in this project may be considering a career in education.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3733
Evaluation of Monte Carlo methods for simulating diffusion magnetic resonance
imaging
Supervisor:
Dr L Beltrachini
Project Description:
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) is an imaging technique that allows to
characterise brain structures in the mesoscale in vivo and non-invasively. This is done by
studying the diffusivity of water molecules within the tissue, which is mostly defined by the
surrounding structures. To understand this phenomena in real-scenario situations, it is
necessary to perform numerical simulations, for which Monte Carlo methods are
generally used. These methods consist of representing each water molecule individually,
as well as their random movement and interaction with the surrounding environment (also
referred to as Brownian motion).
In this project, the candidate will review different algorithms for performing such
computational experiments. The advantages and limitations of each of them will be
evaluated. Special attention will be paid to efficient algorithms aimed to reduce the
computational burden to a minimum. These methods will be tested in realistic scenarios
representing brain tissue in the mesoscale (i.e. at a cellular level). This project is
particularly suited to students with an interest in computational physics and its application
in neuroimaging. The candidate should be familiar with Numerical Analysis (i.e. attending
to PX3143) and programming.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3734
Vessel filtering and segmentation from high resolution magnetic resonance images
Supervisor:
Dr L Beltrachini
Project Description:
Analysis of the human cerebral vasculature is important for the diagnosis of different
diseases and syndromes, such as stroke or vascular dementia. To determine pathological
changes in the vascular network, the vessel trees need to be segmented and quantified.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely-utilised technique for performing such
task. Standard MRI-based methods were shown to capture major cerebral vessels
reliably. However, they often fail to detect small vessels, whose contrast is suppressed
due to the limited resolution of standard (1.5-3T) MR scanners. This problem can be
solved using high field (7T) MR scanners, which deliver higher resolution images in the
same amount of scanning time.
In this project, the candidate will implement standard vessel filters for segmenting the
vascular network. This will be applied to high-field MR images acquired in CUBRIC.
Different algorithms will be reviewed, implemented, and compared. This project is
particularly suited to students with an interest in data analysis and image processing. The
candidate should be familiar with Numerical Analysis (i.e. attending to PX3143) and
programming.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3735
Evaluation of the effect of overlying tissue on ultrasound image quality
Supervisor:
Dr K Bryant
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to design a method to investigate the effect of overlying tissue
on ultrasound image quality.You would be expected to research, design and produce
a suitable measurement method. You would then use this method to investigate the effect
of overlying tissue onimage quality and measurement accuracy using ultrasound
phantoms and studentvolunteers.
No. of Students:
1or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3797
Do graduated compression stockings work?
Supervisor:
Dr R Morris
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to investigate how graduated compression stockings (GCS)
affect the body. Graduated compression stockings are widely used in UK hospitals to
prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and are recommended by NICE. Their
manufacturers claim that they increase blood flow velocity which prevents clots forming
the in the veins. However, the evidence to support this claim is old, and newer research
had not replicated the effect. In this project you would investigate how GCS apply
pressure to limbs, and how different pressures affect blood flow, and vein dimensions.
You would examine the effects of the position of a patient on veins and determine the
conditions under which blood would pool in the limbs. You would be expected to learn to
use a Doppler ultrasound scanner to measure blood flow velocities and measure the size
of the veins of the legs. The work could be validated in a range of healthy volunteers, and
could be extended to assess in impact of different environmental conditions and body
shapes, and ultimately produce a recommendation for hospital use of GCS.
The project is for a PAIR of students (since it will require cooperative experimental work).
No. of Students:
1PAIR
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3796
Optimising Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Deep Vein Thrombosis
prevention.
Supervisor:
Dr R Morris
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to investigate how intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) for
the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be improved. Intermittent pneumatic
compression is used extensively in hospitals worldwide to prevent DVT in high-risk
patients. Rhythmic compression of the limbs stops blood becoming static in deep veins
and prevents clotting. However, the pressure the cuffs apply, and the timings of the
compression, is based on convention rather than sound scientific investigation. In this
project you would investigate how IPC affects blood flow, and how changing the timings
and pressure affects the amount of blood moved from the limbs. You would need to
determine whether this depends on individual physiology, environments conditions and
limb position. You would be expected to learn to use a Doppler ultrasound scanner to
measure blood flow velocities. The work would need to use several healthy volunteers,
and could be extended to look at a range of different cuff designs and to look at the
effects on arteries and limb dimensions. Your objective would be to recommend the
optimal cycle for IPC systems.
The project is for a PAIR of students (since it will require cooperative experimental work).
No. of Students:
1 PAIR
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3736
Reliably measuring functional connections in the brain
Supervisor:
Dr K Murphy
Project Description:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses the magnetic properties of blood to
measure neural activity in the brain. When neurons are active, they consume oxygen
causing blood vessels in the region to dilate to bring more blood. This is the basis of the
fMRI signal. Recently, researchers have been using these signals to examine the brain
"at rest". Brain regions whose signals fluctuate in the same way over time are said to be
functionally connected, that is, they form part of a neural network in the brain that
performs a specific task. However, because the fMRI signals are not a direct measure of
neural activity, they are susceptible to many confounds that affect the blood signal:
motion, cardiac, respiration, blood pressure, etc. These in turn affect the measure of
connectivity - how strongly the regions are thought to be connected.
In this project, the student will examine recently collected data. The effects of various
preprocessing steps designed to limit noise will be investigated to determine which gives
the most reliably measure of functional connectivity. The student will perform a literature
review, learn how to use fMRI processing software and analyse the data to examine
repeatability before writing a report. This project is particular suited to students with an
interest in data analyses on large datasets.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: MED PHYS
3737
Continuous wave Doppler ultrasound
Supervisor:
Dr P Williams
Project Description:
The aim of the project is to build and test a simple continuous-wave Doppler Ultrasound
device of the type used to measure blood flow and monitor foetal hearts. You will
research appropriate designs for an RF transmitter and audio receiver circuit, which you
will build on a breadboard, with the eventual aim of transferring the circuit to Vero board
and housing it in a simple case. The transmitter would drive a piezoelectric crystal that
emits a high frequency sound signal of which a portion will be reflected back from a
moving target to the receiver, which will need amplification. The frequency of the audio
signal received will be proportional to the velocity of the target. Once you have
established that the circuit is working you will test the system using a Doppler phantom,
verify the output, and modify the system to improve the output.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3794
Can we make waveguides with a negative refractive index?
Supervisor:
Dr D Beggs
Project Description:
The speed of light in a vacuum c can never be exceeded, and therefore the refractive
index n of a material must always be greater than one (n ≥ 1). Left-handed materials,
however, are artificial materials created to have a negative refractive index (n < 0), which
gives them unusual and extraordinary optical properties. The refractive index n is made
up of two parts - the relative electric permittivity and the relative magnetic permeability
and n-squared is the product of the two. From Maxwell’s wave equation and taking the
square root, it is easy to see the possibility of negative indices. However, the boundary
conditions on Maxwell’s equations require us to choose the +ve root, except in cases
where permittivity and permeability are simultaneously negative - then we must choose
the -ve root. So-called left-handed materials refract light in the opposite direction to
normal, and in 2000, Sir John Pendry showed that they can be used to construct a
perfect lens, whose resolution can exceed the diffraction limit.
Now our research question is: can we use left-handed materials to construct a
waveguide? What would be the properties of such a waveguide, and can we confine light
in the waveguide beyond the diffraction limit, similar to the perfect lens case? We are
interested in waveguides for integrated photonics - the science and engineering of
controlling and guiding light around semiconductor chips. Regular waveguides can only
confine light subject to the diffraction limit - further confinement could be beneficial in
allowing for miniaturisation of devices and the enhancement of light-matter interactions.
In the project you will use Lumerical to simulate and investigate the properties of lefthanded materials and their formation into waveguides. Lumerical is a state-of-the-art
finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) photonics simulator that solves Maxwell’s equations
on a grid of points in space and time. It solves Maxwell’s equations exactly and with no
assumptions, in that it quickly converges on the right answer as the grid is made finer.
This is a computational and simulation project, but Lumerical can be used as a point-andclick and/or scripted software, and so is suitable for all levels of computer programming
experience and ability. Most of your results will be obtained in Lumerical, although you
may wish to use Python or Matlab for some basic data manipulation and visualisation
tasks.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3738
Evaluation of Monte Carlo methods for simulating diffusion magnetic resonance
imaging
Supervisor:
Dr L Beltrachini
Project Description:
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) is an imaging technique that allows to
characterise brain structures in the mesoscale in vivo and non-invasively. This is done by
studying the diffusivity of water molecules within the tissue, which is mostly defined by the
surrounding structures. To understand this phenomena in real-scenario situations, it is
necessary to perform numerical simulations, for which Monte Carlo methods are
generally used. These methods consist of representing each water molecule individually,
as well as their random movement and interaction with the surrounding environment (also
referred to as Brownian motion).
In this project, the candidate will review different algorithms for performing such
computational experiments. The advantages and limitations of each of them will be
evaluated. Special attention will be paid to efficient algorithms aimed to reduce the
computational burden to a minimum. These methods will be tested in realistic scenarios
representing brain tissue in the mesoscale (i.e. at a cellular level). This project is
particularly suited to students with an interest in computational physics and its application
in neuroimaging. The candidate should be familiar with Numerical Analysis (i.e. attending
to PX3143) and programming.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3739
Vessel filtering and segmentation from high resolution magnetic resonance images
Supervisor:
Dr L Beltrachini
Project Description:
Analysis of the human cerebral vasculature is important for the diagnosis of different
diseases and syndromes, such as stroke or vascular dementia. To determine pathological
changes in the vascular network, the vessel trees need to be segmented and quantified.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely-utilised technique for performing such
task. Standard MRI-based methods were shown to capture major cerebral vessels
reliably. However, they often fail to detect small vessels, whose contrast is suppressed
due to the limited resolution of standard (1.5-3T) MR scanners. This problem can be
solved using high field (7T) MR scanners, which deliver higher resolution images in the
same amount of scanning time.
In this project, the candidate will implement standard vessel filters for segmenting the
vascular network. This will be applied to high-field MR images acquired in CUBRIC.
Different algorithms will be reviewed, implemented, and compared. This project is
particularly suited to students with an interest in data analysis and image processing. The
candidate should be familiar with Numerical Analysis (i.e. attending to PX3143) and
programming.
No. of Students:
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3740
Getting animated
Supervisor:
Dr P D Buckle
Project Description:
Solid state physics can be conceptually difficult. Very often measurements are removed
from everyday life experience, and experimental observation is complex or at worst
tenuous, and yet solid state research underpins the whole of the information and
technological revolution that we have been experiencing for the last 50 years since the
invention of the transistor.
This disconnect causes a problem. More and more scientists must be able to justify, at a
conceptually simple level, complex ideas that explain advanced research topics. This is
not only important for education, but for influencing difficult funding decisions.
However, hope springs eternal. For semiconductor physicists band theory gives us the
ideal opportunity to draw pictures and make simple analogies that bring alive physical
concepts out of the haze of mathematical formality. However, illustrations, animations,
and models must stand up to scientific rigour if they are to be truly successful and stand
the test of time.
This project will charge a student with developing a number of activities associated with
science outreach, developing illustrations, animations, and with the assistance of School
technicians possible physical models that will be used in lecture courses (internal and
public), public open days, UCAS visit days, physical science and engineering
engagement days, and the School web site. The student is expected to identify and learn
appropriate software packages for this activity throughout the year, and develop and be
able to explain the physics behind the demonstrations developed.
No. of Students:
1 to 4
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3741
Magnetic field sensors - can we beat a traditional sensitivity barrier?
Supervisor:
Dr P D Buckle and Dr D G Hayes
Project Description:
Magnetic field sensors are important. Did you know your average printer has about 80
just for paper jam detection. The car engine has an increasing number to monitor
everything from brake wear to piston motion, and there is immense growth in magnetic
field sensors for healthcare applications. Just detecting ferrous metals on people
unwittingly entering MRI scanners whilst the field is active is saving countless lives across
the globe. As always there are challenges. Greater sensitivity is needed, with better
temperature stability, in more robust and convenient packages.
Semiconductor Hall sensors have sold in their billions (conservative estimate), and yet if
they could push just a little further in sensitivity they could creep into new markets where
the only things that exist are unreproducible amorphous magneto-resistors (AMR), or
complex and expensive flux gates. (These devices however can approach the ultimate
sensitivity of a SQUID; still used by flying aircraft to sense submarines underwater, they
are that sensitive).
One of the most advanced semiconductor materials for Hall sensors is high mobility
Indium Antimonide (InSb) quantum wells. They have the highest carrier mobility of all the
III-V semiconductors and the lightest electron effective mass (good if you are trying to
deflect carriers with a small amount of field, which is what you do in a Hall measurement).
This project will use the Hall effect to characterise some relatively unique InSb quantum
well devices. These can then be benchmarked against other devices reported in the
literature, and also compared to commercial offerings from companies such as Asahi
corp, or AHS Ltd. The aim at the end of the project will be to hypothesise, through
understanding of the physics, how to make them better, from the material design to the
device construction.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3742
Multi port switching
Supervisor:
Dr P D Buckle
Project Description:
All too often, students are fried by the time it takes to pre-qualify devices before
measurement (at research level, device yield is low!). This project will look to develop
instrumentation to enable automated screening of both Hall and Diode samples. The
student will be expected to be proficient with Python and enthusiastic to interact with the
electronics workshop. The second semester will be all about putting this system to the
test on some real research samples
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3743
Maths animations
Supervisor:
Dr A Cartwright
Project Description:
First year maths students always have trouble grasping a. integration over surfaces and
volumes and b. curvilinear coordinates. You will produce some helpful animations to
assist in the teaching of these subjects.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3744
Water vortices 1
Supervisor:
Dr A Cartwright
Project Description:
You will investigate the decay of turbulence by building a shallow water rig with an array
of stirrers for creating multiple eddies which are then allowed to die away. You will need
to find a way of tracking the motion of the water using tv and frame grabbing software.
Good fluid dynamics/understanding of fourier analysis/programming.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3745
Water vortices 2
Supervisor:
Dr A Cartwright
Project Description:
You will commission the large water vortex generator and confirm that it generates a
vortex with surface shape z proportional to 1/r. You will then attempt to adapt the
generator to produce 'free' vortices when the water is allowed to drain out of the tank. If
successful you will investigate the formation of the free vortices, the importance of initial
turbulence, and the effect of the vortex on the outflow of water.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3746
A study of the intrinsic noise properties in superconducting Kinetic Inductance
Detectors
Supervisor:
Dr S Doyle
Project Description:
The ability to detect the packets of electromagnetic radiation (photons) at optical and
Near-IR wavelengths is widely used in modern scientific research and allows us to obtain
information about faint sources of light ranging from astronomical objects to the single
photon quantum dot emitters. To date many single photon counting detectors such as
photo-multiplier tubes, transition edge sensors (TES) and avalanche diodes are either
unable to resolve the energy of a single photon or cannot be scaled to imaging arrays in a
practical way.
The Kinetic Inductance Detector (KID) is a relatively new technology based on
superconducting resonant circuits. Here, the absorption of EM radiation alters the
physical properties of a superconducting resonator changing its resonant frequency.
These detectors have low enough noise to not only allow single photon detection but also
measurement of the photon energy at Near-IR and Optical wavelengths. This high
sensitivity coupled with simple scalability of pixel number makes KID devices a strong
candidate for the next generation of single photon astronomical instrumentation spanning
Optical and Near-IR wavelengths.
In this project students will study the device physics of the single photon counting KID
and model its performance using a combination of specialist software packages, python
written code and existing research data. The performance of fabricated devices will then
be compared to theory through a series of experiments measuring real devices.
Specifically the student will:
Learn the basic principles of superconductivity relevant to KIDs.
Learn the concepts of microwave theory related to the readout of KIDs.
Learn how to model single photon events in KID detectors.
This project has the potential for some experimental testing of devices but due to the
complexity of the equipment used, this work will involve working alongside and assisting
research staff.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3747
Animating Schrödinger’s equation
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to solve Schrödinger’s equation in 1D and produce computer
animations (gif and/or mpeg) to show the time development of wavepackets.This project
involves mathematical methods and computer graphics and requires a good
understanding of the physics involved. Programming should be in Python or F90 and run
on Unix (or Linux), rather than Windows, to take advantage of the free software tools
available.The main objectives of the project are as follows. Devise methods to solve
numerically the 1D time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Investigate the best methods
for computer graphics/animations using freely-available software. Produce animations to
illustrate and interpret some textbook-like examples, such as a wavepacket in the SHO, a
particle impinging on a barrier, and tunnelling through a barrier.This project has run
several years with some very successful results which give a real feel for quantum effects.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3748
Computer simulation of simple polymeric systems
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott and Dr C C Matthai
Project Description:
The aim of the project is to construct a polymer chain (example - a freely jointed chain) to
model protein structures. The structural and thermodynamic properties of these chains
will be investigated using both Python and powerful freely-available programs such as
VMD (visual molecular dynamics) and NAMD or DLPOLY (for molecular dynamics). The
emphasis is on using visualisation techniques to gain an insight into how real protein
structures behave.The starting point will be to make simple models to learn to use the
programs. Then, we shall set up some freely jointed chain models, where no potential
energy terms (atomic forces) need be included. The free energy is determined by entropy
alone in this case.There are many interesting basic questions we can try to answer:
How is the entropy of a chain defined and measured? What is the rate at which the chain
changes between configurations? If we take a single chain, will it "visit" all possible
configurations with time, or would we need to start it off in a different initial
configuration?This is a relatively new and open-ended project, with room for the student
to explore their own ideas.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3749
Daisyworld
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
AIM OF PROJECT To model daisy world on a computer. OBJECTIVES James
Lovelock, famous for the Gaia hypothesis, and others introduced the idea of Daisy world:
"Imagine a planet just like Earth, and orbiting a star just like the sun. This imaginary
planet has a surface of bare earth, but is well watered and capable of supporting plant
growth. It is seeded with daisies of two different colours, one dark and the other light. The
star that warms Daisyworld is like our own sun, one that warms up as it grows older. The
object of the model is to show that the simple growth and competition for space between
the two daisy species can keep the temperature of Daisyworld constant and comfortable
over a wide range of radiant heat output from the star." The main objective is to create a
mathematical model of daisy world and critically evaluate the results of solving it on a
computer. This could include questions of its basic assumptions and dependence of the
output on various input parameters. References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisyworld
http://www.ph.ed.ac.uk/nania/nania-projectsDaisy.html This project has run about three years. It is possible to see some quite
advanced modelling of artificial ecosystems, and for example see life-like behaviour with
“cellular automata” (i.e. akin to Conway's “Game of Life”).
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3750
Dynamics of fractal objects
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to investigate the motion of a fractal object to attempt to
determine its fractal dimension.An experiment by Mead et al (Ref 1) casts doubt on an
earlier paper (Ref 2) to measure the fractal dimension of crumpled aluminium spheres.
The objective is to develop a new method to measure fractal dimensions. The method to
be investigated is based on setting up spheres as a torsional pendulum with capacitive
motion detection and so finding the moment of inertia without the influence of surface
irregularities.
References:
(1) Rolling motion and crumpled surfaces Lawrence R. Mead, R. F.Folse, and Anna Cole
Am. J. Phys. 63, 746 (1995)
(2) A Galilean experiment to measure a fractal dimension F. F. Lima, V. M. Oliveira, and
M. A. F. Gomes Am. J. Phys. 61, 421 (1993)
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3751
Ice physics
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
Ice has a number of unusual properties - it is one of the few substances which expands
when it freezes for example. This is related to the nature of the hydrogen bonding
between the individual molecules and the way the molecules arrange themselves. The
aim of this project is to explore the dielectric properties of ice as a function of
temperature. This can be done in a remarkably simple way by measuring the frequency
dependence of the capacitance of a capacitor with ice between its plates.
Experimentally, the student(s) would need to design a good method of freezing the ice
whilst avoiding bubble formation, measuring the temperature and taking the data on the
computer. However, much of the apparatus is already available for this. It should be
possible to deduce the time scale for the ice molecules
to re-arrange themselves in when displaced (the "relaxation time" of the molecules) and
how this changes
with temperature.
No. of Students:
1or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3752
Molecular dynamics simulation of hard spheres
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
This is a new project this year. The aim is to simulate the motion of colliding particles
using laws of elastic collision – this is basically a form of molecular dynamics (MD). You
will model the motion of molecules in a gas as a simple example and extend this to other
systems of interest. It involves Python programming and 3D animation, and could result in
material useful to the year 2 thermal physics module. The “hard sphere model” you will
use has these features:N particles of given masses, given initial positions and
velocities, confined in a unit cell.Particles interact via elastic collisions with each other
and with the box walls, but travel at constant velocity otherwise.This simple model is
ties up with concepts that are met in statistical mechanics. You might study Brownian
motion and the energy distribution of particles that arises (Maxwell Boltzmann) or
thermodynamic properties like temperature and pressure.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3753
Percolation
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
This is a mainly computational project to use Monte Carlon (MC) techniques to calculate
the resistance of a network of connected resistances. This problem can be solved
analytically only in some very simple cases (e.g. if twelve 1-ohm resistors are arranged to
form the edges of a connected cube, what is the resistance between the diagonally
opposite points?). It is closely related to the general idea of percolation, where points are
connected by complex regions of allowed and disallowed paths. The project aims to solve
this problem by setting charges off through the network in a random way, then relating
this diffusion of charges to conductance. Comparison can be made to actual resistors
soldered to form a network. Other aspects of percolation (e.g. cracks in rocks, forest fires,
disease propagation) might be examined given time.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3754
Solving Schrödinger’s equation
Supervisor:
Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to solve Schrödinger’s equation in 1D using the method of
expansion. In this method, an eigensolution of the time-independent Schrödinger
equation for some complicated potential V(x) is written as a linear combination of
eigensolutions of a much simpler potential which are known analytically. This results in a
matrix equation which can be solved using available routines from numpy. The technique
would be applied to some known problems (e.g. a parabolic well) as a check of the
method, before moving on to more interesting problems such as two coupled quantum
wells.
Reference: Computational methods in physics, chemistry and biology, Paul Harrison,
Wiley (2001)
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3755
Can you BUILD a SQUID?
Supervisor:
Dr S R Giblin
Project Description:
Aim: To build and test a SQUID.
A superconducting Quantum Interference Device ( SQUID ), is a device that has
extraordinary properties. In the superconducting state the behaviour of the electrons can
be described by a single microscopic properties. One consequence of this is that the
device is extremely sensitive to magnetic field, and can be used as a magnetometer to
measure the magnetic properties of materials. In this project we aim to build a SQUID
from a piece of Niobium and some standard solder, and test the properties
References.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/rphysap:019700050103200
OBJECTIVES:
i)To understand the basics of how an SQUID works.
ii) To fabricate a system to see what we measure.
PROJECT REQUIRMENTS
Students will be expected to attempt to build a system from scratch and/or model the
system if two students are on the project. This is a hands on project to build the system,
as such skills such as soldering and project planning (and doing!!) are required. This
project will develop as far as you push it
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3756
Computational modelling of quantum structure self-assembly
Supervisor:
Prof D E Jesson
Project Description:
A topical area in semiconductor physics is the creation of novel quantum structures
consisting of just a few thousand atoms. Potential device applications include novel
lasers, electron spin memory devices and quantum computing. This can be achieved by
so-called self-assembly, from atomic beams of atoms incident on surfaces. These
structures can take on exotic shapes in the form of dots, rings, multiple rings, molecules
and holes. This theory project will model how specific quantum features, such as rings,
form. This will involve numerical modelling of surface diffusion equations which describe
the reaction of atoms on surfaces. The goal will be to generate computational movies of
quantum structure formation dynamics.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3757
Physics of low energy electron scattering from surfaces
Supervisor:
Prof D E Jesson
Project Description:
This is a theory project to understand how low energy electrons scatter from surfaces and
will contribute to the development a new surface convergent beam low energy electron
diffraction (CBLEED) technique to probe the nanoscale structure of surfaces. This will
provide a new means of obtaining surface space group symmetry and the atomic
coordinates of surface reconstructions. We intend to obtain the first experimental patterns
using a low energy electron microscope (LEEM) [1]. Low energy electrons are strongly
scattered by the surface potential and we will apply a number of modeling approaches to
simulate and interpret experimental CBLEED patterns in order to extract nanostructural
information.
[1]R. J. Phaneuf, and A. K. Schmid, Physics Today, March (2003) 50.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3758
Toy models of surfaces
Supervisor:
Prof D E Jesson
Project Description:
Surfaces of solids are often thought of as static objects. However, at moderate
temperatures they are highly dynamic. Atoms move around laterally on the surface,
attaching and detaching from surface steps so that they ‘wiggle’ if looked at closely by
surface electron microscopy. An extremely simple but powerful means of modeling this
type of behaviour is through kinetic Monte Carlo simulations where thousands of atoms
can be included [1]. Surface atoms migrate via nearest neighbour hopping with a site
dependent diffusion barrier, taking into account the number of nearest neighbour bonds.
This project will set up such ‘toy’ KMC simulations to model the basic properties of
surfaces. Depending on the interests of the student(s) the model will be used to
investigate dynamical behaviour which could include the growth of nanowires, quantum
dots or surface melting phenomena. The project will suit those students interested in
computational physics.
[1] An application of KMC to model step density is contained in S. Clarke and D. D.
Vvedensky, Physical Review Letters 58 (1987) 2235.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3759
Development of virtual experiments in order to support laboratory learning
Supervisor:
Dr S Ladak and Prof C Tucker
Project Description:
Aim: To use python and other programming languages in order to develop virtual
experiments to support laboratory learning
The vast majority of today’s laboratory sessions consist of students following set
procedures outlined in a laboratory handbook without any prior exposure to the material.
In this project the student will use python in order to develop a series of virtual
experiments that can be used within the first year laboratory. Depending upon the
progress, the python script may be extended to develop fully functional iPhone/android
apps that can be used by students to support laboratory teaching.
Objectives:
• Carry out a detailed experimental investigation using first year laboratory equipment.
• Using python, model the essential physics of the experiment.
• Develop a virtual laboratory interface that will allow future students to perform a digital
equivalent of the experiment
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3760
Micro-magnetic modeling of three-dimensional artificial spin-ice
Supervisor:
Dr S Ladak
Project Description:
Aim: To carry out micro-magnetic modeling of three-dimensional artificial spin-ice
Frustration occurs when all pair-wise interactions within a system cannot be
simultaneously satisfied. The phenomenon has an impact across a broad range of
disciplines in science and is for example, found to be important in the production of solar
flares, folding within protein molecules and bonding within water ice
The spin-ice materials are model systems to study frustration and have recently been
found to be home to defects that behave as magnetic monopoles.
This project will use micro-magnetic modeling to study 3D nano-magnetic arrays that
have the same geometry as spin-ice. Students will carry out studies to assess the extent
these micro-magnetic arrays behave as spin-ice.
Objectives:
•
Create 3D geometries using CSG scripting language
•
Mesh the above geometries
•
Carry out simulation in order to determine minimum energy nano-magnetic configuration
•
Simulate the response of the magnetisation of the 3D element in response to magnetic
fields and determine if defects analogous to the monopoles in spin-ice can be created.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3761
Micro-magnetic modeling of three-dimensional magnetic nanostructures
Supervisor:
Dr S Ladak
Project Description:
Aim: To carry out micro-magnetic modeling of three-dimensional magnetic nanostructures
in order to visualize their domain structures and their response to an external magnetic
field.
The world is now ever-reliant on digital data storage as businesses and consumers store
more information. It has been estimated that the total amount of digital information stored
worldwide is approximately 300 exobytes and this is set to increase by a factor of 50 in
the next ten years (Source: IDC Digital Universe study). Today the vast majority of the
worlds information (>40%) is stored on magnetic hard disk drives, and it is fundamental
research into magnetic materials that has allowed the massive increase in areal density
(Factor of >1000). New technologies such as patterned media and heat-assisted
magnetic recording (HAMR) promise to maintain a steady increase in areal density over
the next ten years but ultimately the computer hard drive will hit a plateau in data storage
due to the fact that data is stored only within two dimensions.
Future technologies based upon magnetic materials, such as magnetic racetrack
memory, have been proposed and these rely on magnetic materials that are
nanostructured in all three dimensions. In order to understand the potential of such 3D
magnetic storage devices, the fundamental physics of how nanostructured magnetic
materials behave and interact in 3D geometries is needed.
In this project you will model a variety of three-dimensional magnetic nanostructures that
have the potential as elements in next generation magnetic data storage devices.
Objectives:
•
Create 3D geometries using CSG scripting language
•
Mesh the above geometries
•
Carry out simulation in order to determine domain structure.
•
Simulate the response of the magnetisation of the 3D element in response to magnetic
fields of different directions and magnitudes.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3762
Micro-magnetic modeling of three-dimensional magnetic nanowires
Supervisor:
Dr S Ladak
Project Description:
Aim: To carry out micro-magnetic modeling of three-dimensional magnetic nanowires
Magnetic nanowires have been the subject of intense study recently, due to their
applications in future magnetic recording technologies. To date, the vast majority of
studies have focused on planar nanowires, with rectangular cross-section.
This is mainly due to the limitations of fabrication processes, such as electron beam
lithography that can only manufacture wires in two dimensions. New lithography
technologies now allow the creation of 3D magnetic nanowires, of desired cross-sectional
geometry.
This project will use micro-magnetic modeling to study magnetic nanowires of different
cross-sectional geometry.
Objectives:
•
Create 3D geometries using CSG scripting language
•
Mesh the above geometries
•
Carry out simulation in order to determine the micro-magnetic configuration of domain
walls in 3D nanowires.
•
Simulate the response of the domain wall to external magnetic field and determine the
cross-sectional geometry that leads to the highest domain wall velocity.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3763
Optical properties of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots
Supervisor:
Prof W W Langbein and Dr F Masia
Project Description:
Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals are of interest both for fundamental physics and
application. They are synthesized in a one-pot chemical reaction by sequentially adding
organometallic compounds, giving a superb control of the structure in the sub-nanometer
length scale while being relatively simple and cost-effective. In this project the students
will study the optical
properties, specifically fluorescence and absorbance, of state-of-the-art nanostructures
synthesised by our collaborators.
The students will learn
(1) about the physics of colloidal nanostructures optical properties
(2) how to review the literature on the subject
(3) how to keep a laboratory diary
(4) how to prepare solid samples for optical studies from the colloidal suspensions we
get from the
synthesis group
(5) how to operate a micro-spectroscope to measure the room temperature optical
properties of the nanostructures
(6) how to analyse the measured spectra to retrieve information about peak positions and
linewidths as function of the nanocrystal
structrue (determined by transmission electron microscopy).
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3764
Optical traps
Supervisor:
Prof W W Langbein and Dr F Masia
Project Description:
Optical traps are scientific instruments where a focused laser beam is used to hold and
move microscopic dielectric objects in solution.
Optical traps are widely used for biology studies and in biosensing. In this project the
students will use an optical trap for microscopic dielectric spheres in liquid and they will
invetsigate the trap force using dielectric microspheres of different material in liquids of
different viscosity.
The students will learn
(1) about the physics and the design of an optical trap set-up
(2) how to review the literature on the subject
(3) how to keep a laboratory diary
(4) how to prepare the solution of dielectric spheres
(5) how to operate the optical trap set-up
(6) how to analyse the measured data to retrieve information about trap force and
compare it with theory
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3765
Optical traps and position readout of trapped particles
Supervisor:
Prof W W Langbein and Dr F Masia
Project Description:
Optical traps are scientific instruments where a focused laser beam is used to hold and
move microscopic dielectric objects in solution.
Optical traps are widely used for biology studies and in biosensing. In this project the
students will characterize a three-dimensional position readout with nanometre
sensitivity for microspheres held by an optical trap and to characterise the optical trap
force and the viscosity of the liquid using the measured Brownian motion of the
microspheres.
The students will learn
(1) about the physics and the design of an optical trap set-up and of the position readout
(2) how to review the literature on the subject
(3) how to keep a laboratory diary
(4) how to prepare the solution of dielectric microspheres
(5) how to operate the optical trap set-up
(6) how to analyse the measured data to retrieve information about trap force and liquid
viscosity and compare with theory.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3766
Nanostructured materials as potential photocatalysts for water treatment
Supervisor:
Dr S A Lynch
Project Description:
Water pollution is a global problem. Compounds including natural organic matter and
synthetic organic micro-contaminants, for example, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals,
endocrine-disrupting compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls, fertilizers and pesticides,
are released constantly into the environment by industry, households, and agriculture.
Conventional wastewater plants help remove most of the pollutants via regular and costeffective treatment steps like sedimentation, filtration, and biological processes, all of
which are deemed relatively effective for the treatment of wastewater. However,
biologically toxic and non-degradable organics can often still remain.
Advanced treatment processes such as activated carbon and advanced oxidation
processes are slowly being adopted; but these can be expensive to run and result in
increased water costs. Nano-structured materials have a number of important
characteristics are potentially useful for this application. In particular, the ratio of surface
area to volume for nano-materials tends to be very large. For many catalysts, chemical
reactions become enhanced near the catalyst surface, so that maximising the available
surface area for this application is essential.
It has long been known that certain natural occurring microcrystalline materials such as
the mineral titania (titanium dioxide) can act as catalysts in the presence of sunlight, or
more precisely ultraviolet light. It is now understood that this photocatalytic effect comes
about because titania is a wide band-gap semiconductor. Semiconductor photocatalysts
are now beginning to be used to generate reactive oxygen species for advanced oxidation
processes in water treatment technology. This has the potential to become a cheap and
energy efficient method for purifying water.
In this project the student will study the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide thin
films. Methylene blue, which is a non-toxic intense blue organic dye, will be used as a
test model pollutant. The project will involve building a an experimental test rig to monitor
the colour change of the model test pollutant as it degrades in the presence of UV light
and the titanium dioxide thin film catalyst.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3767
Analysis of chaotic motion
Supervisor:
Prof J E Macdonald
Project Description:
A chaotic system undergoes motion that depends sensitively on its initial conditions. It is
well illustrated by a double pendulum, in which the lower pendulum pivots around the
base of a swinging upper pendulum. Previous students have built a double pendulum
in which the motion of both pendula can be recorded remotely using a pair of circular
potentiometers. The motion can then be explored as a function of initial conditions,
driving amplitude and frequency etc.The dynamics of the pendulum can also be
explored computationally by developing fairly simple algorithms to predict the motion for a
similar range of parameters. (This aspect can easily be developed from an elementary
understanding of Python programming.)The project is ideally suited to a pair of
students working together on the experimental and computational aspects. However, it
can also be undertaken by individual students working on either component of the
project.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3768
Computer-based demonstrations for thermal and statistical physics
Supervisor:
Prof J E Macdonald
Project Description:
Thermal and statistical physics provides a stimulating playground for developing
computer simulations that illustrate the principles and enlighten student learning. One
example is the development of molecular dynamics simulations of solids, liquids and
gases, which can be achieved with moderate computational skills based on Python
programming. The project has considerable scope for developing simulations in either
thermal physics or in the applications of statistical mechanics. It is suitable for one or two
students with an interest in developing teaching or research tools.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3769
Investigations of complex networks
Supervisor:
Prof J E Macdonald and Dr C C Matthai
Project Description:
Complex networks are characterized by highly heterogeneous distributions of links. The
structure of these nets can be characterised by several measures including mutual
information and generalised entropies. These measures may be computed for a number
of real networks and analytically estimated for some simple standard models.The main
objectives of this project are to gain an appreciation of complex networks, to gain
experience in constructing computer codes to simulate complex networks and to develop
and understand the analytical techniques used in characterising these networks.
Skills: develop programming skills in JAVA, C++ or Python.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3770
Percolation conduction pathways in 2 and 3 dimensions
Supervisor:
Prof J E Macdonald and Dr M Elliott
Project Description:
Transport in disordered media attracts much attention due to its broad range of
applications. Examples include flow through porous material, oil production, and
conductivity of semiconducting materials or metal-insulator mixtures. In this project, we
model this behaviour by the conduction of electrical current through a random network
that becomes increasingly disordered. Initial studies will involve carbonised paper with
later work aimed at developing percolated blends of onrganic conductors and insulators.
For two students, there is scope for developing numerical models to compare with the
experimental data and to explore the range of underlying behaviour.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3771
Computer simulation of physics problems using C++/Java.
Supervisor:
Dr C C Matthai
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to carry out computer simulations of physics problems in
Mechanics, Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics using the
C++, Python or Java programming languages. It is envisaged that successful projects will
result in the construction of applets which can be used as learning tools.
Skills: Students taking on this project can develop their programming skills as well as
learning C++, Java, Python and gaining experience in visualization.
No. of Students:
1 to 4
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3772
Computer simulation of spin models
Supervisor:
Dr C C Matthai
Project Description:
In this project you would be expected to gain an understanding of phase transitions using
simple spin model systems. Both analytical and computational methods will be applied to
solve these and more advanced model systems.The main objectives are to gain an
understanding of phase transitions in physics, to write computer programs to simulate a
spin system which can undergo a phase transition (e.g. The Ising model), and to perform
computations on the model and to extract the critical exponents.
Skills: Students taking on this project can develop their programming skills in C++, JAVA
or Python.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3773
Phase transitions and critical phenomena
Supervisor:
Dr C C Matthai
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to develop an understanding of phase transitions and critical
phenomena. In this project you would undertake studies of simple systems showing
critical behaviour (eg, magnetism, liquid-gas transition) and extend these to investigate
other systems in different areas of physics or in other disciplines like economics or biosystems.The main objectives are to learn about phase transitions, to solve simple
model systems which undergo phase transitions, and to construct models of other morecomplicated systems which can be solved analytically or computationally
Skills: analytical skills, object-oriented programming skills in JAVA, C++ or PYTHON.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3774
Simulation of gas particles in a container
Supervisor:
Dr C C Matthai
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to simulate the motion of 20 differently massed particles in a
one-dimensional box ( and later in 2-D and 3D boxes). The simulation output every dt
time steps is recorded with a view to determining:_a) the average velocities of the
particles as a function of mass;b) the momentum distribution of the particles;c) the
relationship between the particle positions and their momenta.Although the simulations
can be run using Fortran code, it is envisaged that a C++, Python or Java code could be
developed so that a visual representation of simulation can be observed.
Skills: Apart from reinforcing their understanding of statistical mechanics, students
taking on this project can develop their programming skills as well as learning C++ and
gaining experience in visualization.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3775
Nano-structuring: tool for manipulating light emission from semiconductors
Supervisor:
Dr S Mokkapati
Project Description:
Nanotechnology has evolved as a powerful tool in the last decade to manipulate
interaction of semiconductor materials with light. Nanostructured semiconductors may
absorb and emit light more efficiently than a bulk, planar piece of semiconductor. Thus,
they have the potential to make efficient solar cells and lasers.
The project aims to design semiconductor nanostructures to achieve desired light
emission characteristics. Initial aim would be to control the direction and polarization of
light emission from the semiconductor. The project may be extended to design laser
cavities using nanostructured semiconductors, and demonstrating fully functional devices.
This is a computational project. Student will learn to use MATLAB and a commercial
simulation software, Lumerical FDTD solutions. Training on both will be provided.
No. of Students:
up to 4
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3776
Eigenmodes of a photonic crystal slab
Supervisor:
Dr E A Muljarov
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to study optical properties of a photonic crystal slab (PCS),
calculating light resonances of this system. They are mathematically described by
resonant states (RSs) which are the eigenmodes of Maxwell’s wave equation satisfying
the outgoing wave boundary conditions. To make calculations as simple as possible, a
one-dimensional PCS - a periodic array of long dielectric or metal stripes - will be
considered and a model of infinitely narrow slab, with the material presented by delta
functions, will be used. An analytical work on solving Maxwell’s equations for a
homogeneous dielectric slab and then for a PCS will be followed by a numerical solution
of transcendental algebraic equations and diagonalization of matrices, in order to find the
light dispersion and eigenmode frequencies. In addition to this, or in parallel (can be done
by another student), reflection, transmission and scattering of a plane wave in such
structures will be calculated, partly analytically, partly numerically, and the spectral
position and linewidth of resonances will be compared with the complex frequencies of
RSs. Depending on the number of students involved, the above problem can be solved
for both normal and non-normal incidence of light, as well as for both polarizations of
light - transverse electric and transverse magnetic.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3777
Light eigenmodes in optical fibres and toroids
Supervisor:
Dr E A Muljarov
Project Description:
In this project, students will be studying light quantization in fibre optic cables. All types of
light modes in cylindrical dielectric fibres will be considered, including the well known,
strongly localized waveguide modes, yet unknown weakly localized modes, and poorly
studied, delocalized Fabry-Perot, leaky and whispering gallery modes. All these types of
modes will be calculated for different values of the light propagation wave vector along
the fibre. Part of the work will be done analytically by solving Maxwell’s wave equation for
a dielectric cylinder with the help of special functions (cylindrical Bessel and Hankel
functions). A transcendental equation for the optical modes will be then solved
numerically by the Newton-Rawson method. The quality factor of modes will be studied
as functions of the propagation wave vector and mode frequency.
Additionally, some of the light modes of a toroid resonator can be found approximately,
using the solutions obtained for an ideal cylinder. Students will be able to use some
material from a similar project done in the previous year.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3778
Resonant states in graphene
Supervisor:
Dr E A Muljarov
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to learn the concept of resonant states (RSs) and to find RSs of
a quantum-mechanical system described by the relativistic Dirac equation. The latter is
relevant to a description of electronic states in so-called Dirac materials, such as
graphene, narrow band semiconductors, or some specific semiconductor
heterostructures. RSs for a 1D rectangular quantum well potential in graphene will be
calculated and studied in this project. Mathematically, RSs of such a system are the
discrete eigen solutions of the Dirac wave equation satisfying outgoing wave boundary
conditions. They usually include bound/localized states as a small subgroup and provide
a natural discretization of the continuum spectrum. The RSs describing the continuum
have complex eigenenergies that effectively accounts for their metastability and decay in
time. Examples available in the literature include RSs of non-relativistic particles in simple
1D potentials. RSs of graphene are, however, not yet known.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3779
Resonant states quantum in mechanics: the Coulomb potential
Supervisor:
Dr E A Muljarov
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to learn the concept of resonant states (RSs) and to find RSs of
a non-relativistic particle in a 3D Coulomb potential. Mathematically, RSs in quantum
mechanics are the eigen solutions of the Schrödinger equation respecting outgoing wave
boundary conditions. They usually include bound/localized states as a small subgroup
and provide a natural discretization of the continuum spectrum. The RSs describing the
continuum have complex eigen energies that effectively accounts for their metastability
and decay in time. Examples available in the literature include RSs in simple 1D
potentials. RSs derscribing the continuum spectruum of the 3D Coulomb problem are not
known. They will be calculated and studied in the present project.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3798
Reliably measuring functional connections in the brain
Supervisor:
Dr K Murphy
Project Description:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses the magnetic properties of blood to
measure neural activity in the brain. When neurons are active, they consume oxygen
causing blood vessels in the region to dilate to bring more blood. This is the basis of the
fMRI signal. Recently, researchers have been using these signals to examine the brain
"at rest". Brain regions whose signals fluctuate in the same way over time are said to be
functionally connected, that is, they form part of a neural network in the brain that
performs a specific task. However, because the fMRI signals are not a direct measure of
neural activity, they are susceptible to many confounds that affect the blood signal:
motion, cardiac, respiration, blood pressure, etc. These in turn affect the measure of
connectivity - how strongly the regions are thought to be connected.
In this project, the student will examine recently collected data. The effects of various
preprocessing steps designed to limit noise will be investigated to determine which gives
the most reliably measure of functional connectivity. The student will perform a literature
review, learn how to use fMRI processing software and analyse the data to examine
repeatability before writing a report. This project is particular suited to students with an
interest in data analyses on large datasets.
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3780
Crystal surface optimization
Supervisor:
Dr J Pereiro Viterbo
Project Description:
The project consists on the experimentation with crystalline surfaces. The goal is to
optimize surface properties for epitaxy and nanostructure nucleation. The project will
include chemical processes and thermal treatments, studying for example step bunching
and planarization of surfaces.
No. of Students:
1
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3781
Physics demo / outreach
Supervisor:
Dr J Pereiro Viterbo
Project Description:
The goal of the project is build physics demos to start a collection that we can tour to
schools or science events. The project will include to search for these events, make a
calendar with all the yearly events and show the demos that have been fabricated to the
general public.
This is a very engaging way to do outreach with kids and general public. Suggested
demos may be: Magdeburg hemispheres: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1XLjACzss
Angular momentum conservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cRb0xvPJ2M
Van der Graaf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jP_D0S2CtY
Chladni plates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YedgubRZva8
Air propulsion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R625vwA4jpQ
Pendulum waves : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVkdfJ9PkRQ
Magnetic induction : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqdOyxJZj0U
No. of Students:
1 to 3
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3782
Degradation mechanisms in quantum dot on silicon lasers
Supervisor:
Prof P M Smowton and Dr S Shutts
Project Description:
INTRODUCTION: Future integration of photonics and electronics will probably proceed
via the growth of III-V materials, favoured for photonics, on silicon. Due to the different
lattice constants and thermal expansion coefficients of the III-Vs in use and silicon it is
expected that degradation of device performance will be an issue. Here we will explore
the mechanisms causing degradation in lasers grown on silicon substrates.
AIM: To quantify and understand the main degradation mechanisms in lasers grown on
silicon substrates.
OBJECTIVES:
- Familiarisation with standard laser diode characteristics and characterisation techniques.
- Perform automated device measurements.
- Analyse data and suggest degradation mechanisms and methodologies to test these
hypotheses.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Understanding of laser physics and semiconductor physics,
measurement techniques
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3783
Developing Generic Integrated Photonics
Supervisor:
Prof P M Smowton and Dr S Shutts
Project Description:
INTRODUCTION: Photonics is now being developed on compound semiconductors
replicating many of the features of bulk optics. This opens up the possibility of entire
optical systems on a chip and for the future rapid development of photonics along the
lines of electronics and the integrated circuit which revolutionised computing in the last
century. The new Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) will produce similar changes over
the next 50 years if the much wider and richer capability can be understood and
configured in a manufacturable generic integrated photonic circuit.
AIM: To design, simulate, make and characterise photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
OBJECTIVES: Familiarisation with the physical mechanisms used in optical components
and transfer to compound semiconductor form.
Design and simulation, using existing software, of an exemplar PIC.
Characterisation of device made and suggestions for design improvements.
Learning Outcomes: Understanding of optical and laser physics, semiconductor physics,
simulation and measurement techniques
No. of Students:
2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3784
Minimising divergence in integrated semiconductor lasers
Supervisor:
Prof P M Smowton and Dr R Thomas
Project Description:
INTRODUCTION: Laser diodes in integrated systems require minimal divergence of
output light to maximise optics free coupling. However, typical laser waveguides have
dimensions of order the wavelength of guided light leading to appreciable divergence.
AIM: To design and demonstrate an approach to minimise divergence of output light
without significantly increasing operating current or degrading other aspects of device
performance.
OBJECTIVES:
- Familiarisation with laser waveguides and design software.
- Understanding laser device physics and how the waveguide affects device performance.
- Produce design or designs of low divergence structures.
- Measure performance of fabricated devices and iterate.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Understanding of laser physics and semiconductor physics,
measurement techniques
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3785
Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers for Miniature Atomic Clocks
Supervisor:
Prof P M Smowton and Dr L Kastein
Project Description:
INTRODUCTION: Miniature coherent population trapping (CPT) based clocks use the
following fundamental physics package components: A single mode laser diode (typically
a VCSEL), beam conditioning optics such as an ND filter and a quarter-wave plate, a cell
containing a vapour of alkali atoms (generally atoms that have a three-state lambda
energy structure such as caesium or rubidium), and a photodetector. The laser diode
operates at the D1 resonance and is modulated at half of the hyperfine ground states
separation frequency (4.6 GHz for caesium, 3.4 GHz for rubidium), such that a
superposition of the two ground states being resonant to a third state is achieved,
enabling coherent population trapping of the atoms in the third state and causing optical
transparency, i.e. the atoms no longer absorb the light. As the modulation is swept
through this feature, a spike in the optical transmission through the atoms is detected by
the photodetector positioned at the other end of the cell, providing a means to identify the
precise resonant frequency of the atoms and thereby serving as a stable frequency
discriminant.
AIM: To develop VCSELs for applications in atomic clocks.
To understand the properties of the laser light source and how these are controlled
through design.
OBJECTIVES: Develop understanding and familiarisation with some important laser
characteristics.
To become proficient in and understand laser and optical beam characterisation
techniques.
To make suggestions for improvement to the design of the VCSEL device to optimise
performance characteristics required in atomic clocks.
Learning Outcomes: Understanding of laser physics and semiconductor physics,
measurement techniques
No. of Students:
2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3786
The physics of sport
Supervisor:
Dr D I Westwood
Project Description:
This project covers a range of possibilities all aimed at understanding the physics behind
bat-ball sports. Over recent years I have run projects investigating "bats" and the "batball" collisions that occur in cricket; hockey and golf. Three main experimental
approaches are available: investigating collision efficiencies using a 1D video camera;
investigating vibrational modes using microphones; and investigating inelastic losses
using an infra-red camera.
One important concept we would like to understand is the "sweet spot". Strike at the
sweet spot and the ball will travel "for miles"; strike badly and the ball will dribble back to
the bowler (in cricket) and your hands will hurt from the vibrations transmitted to the
handle. More technically what's behind the sweet spot is the "collision efficiency"
discussed above and the "centre or percussion" which relates to the solid body of the bat.
Beyond that off-centre collisions, vibrational modes, recoil, how the bat is held, the
characteristics of the blade or shaft etc are all important.
Investigation focused on other sports is possible (I’m open to suggestions) but a practical
line of investigation must be identifiable.
The project is suitable for experimentally minded students willing and able to model their
data.
No. of Students:
1 to 6 (students working in pairs is preferred)
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018
Project No.:
Project Type: PHYS
3787
Thin Film Analysis Using X-Ray Fluorescence
Supervisor:
Dr D I Westwood
Project Description:
The aim of this project is to explore the potential for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in the
characterisation of film films of thicknesses down to nanometre dimensions.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique often used to
determine the elemental composition of materials. Fluorescent X-rays characteristic of
the elements present are emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary source.
The interest in measuring the properties of "thin films" results from the efforts of research
groups in this School to produce and make use of a wide variety of thin films (e.g. Cu,
GaAs, diamond, Nb..) for a wide variety of purposes (e.g. magnetic and semiconductor
devices, infra-red detectors and filters..). To satisfy their purpose the films need to have
the "correct properties" an important one of which is their thickness. To ensure that they
are doing it right a range of characterisation techniques are applied - at the moment XRF
is not one of the techniques and the question is to determine whether it could be.
Bearing in mind that X-rays are weakly attenuated by matter XRF would be expected to
struggle for signal as films become thinner. Consequently two important questions (aims)
are immediately to the fore: (i) How accurate is the technique?; (ii) Is it sensitive enough
for nanotechnology applications?
The project will involve careful experimentation and modelling of the data produced.
As the equipment required is used in the undergraduate laboratory some flexibility in
approach will be required.
Suitable for 1 or 2 students (pairs of students preferred)
No. of Students:
1 or 2
Year 3 Project Catalogue for
2017-2018