An In-depth Analysis of the Pattern Formation of Suspended Particles in a Rotating Cylinder

Daniel Bergman, Oklahoma State University

Advisors: R. Matson, B. Ackerson and P. Tong

This summer we will be delving further into the unexplained phenomena encountered in a rotating suspension of non-Brownian particles. Differing methods of analysis will be used and compared for effectiveness in hopes to standardize observations and prepare a normalized data set. This control data set will allow the alternation of variables and parameters for future exploration.

Chemical Detection of Lectins Using Aqueous and Immobilized Porphyrins

Jeremiah Hatten, Oklahoma State University

Advisor: J. Harmon

My research project investigates the detection, using aqueous and immobilized porphyrins, of a class of proteins called lectins. The lectin is detected by measuring the changes in the absorbsion spectrum of the porphyrin as it interacts with increasing concentrations of the lectin. This research could lead to a new way to detect ricin, which is a toxic lectin that is used in biological warfare.

Fracture Detection and Spacial Characterization of Ceramic Material Using TeraHertz Impulse Ranging

Lesley Hess, Oklahoma State University

Advisor: A. Cheville

Ceramic material finds widespread use in industry from ball bearings to casings that need to withstand a substantial amount of heat. The detection of cracks in this material proves vital due to the fact that defective ceramic shatters under such extreme conditions.

Test samples can be produced by using extreme thermal shock. These samples have cracks the naked eye may or may not detect. We will look at the defective sphere and compare the reflections of the TeraHertz pulses with those of the reference (uncracked) sphere. Next we will image the cracks by rotating the spheres to find any further information concerning the cracks.

Electroluminescence From Quantum-dot-polymer Nanocomposite Layers

Carolyn V. Horton, James Madison University

Advisor: A. Rosenberger

In Dr. Rosenberger's optical lab, I am studying the occurrence of electroluminescence from quantum-dot-polymer nanocomposite layers. The quantum dots being used are nanocrystals of lead chalcogenides (PbTe, PbS) and mercury chalcogenides (HgTe). The semiconducting polymers being used are poly(N-vinylcarbazole) and PPV. The nanoparticles are dispersed in the polymer and applied to an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated slide, using a layer-by-layer technique. An electric field is applied and the electroluminescence is observed and detected using spectroscopy. Electroluminescence studies can be applied to the optical microspheres and whispering gallery modes to further progress in microresonators and nonlinear optics being researched by Dr. Rosenberger's lab group.

Quantum Chaos in the BEC

Lisa S. Leslie, Truman State University

Advisor: G. Summy

Dr. Summy's BEC group has been cooling and trapping Rubidium atoms with diode lasers for almost a year, and is now working toward achieving a Bose-Einstein condensate with the goal of studying quantum chaos using the BEC. We are interested in producing and studying quantum accelerator modes in the BEC, as well as stetting up a type of quantum kicked rotor experiment by using two lasers to create a pulsed standing wave. This summer, I am building lasers and working on the optical set-up that will be used in these experiments.

Molecular Disorder of Functionalized Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Demonstrated with Raman Spectroscopy

Trenton McKinney, Portland State University

Advisor: J. Wicksted

I'm Working with Dr. Wicksted and Muhammed to charaterize functionalized SWCNT (single walled carbon nanotubes) utilizing Raman spectroscopy. Specifically we've been looking at pristine SWCNT and comparing the disorder peak with that of SWCNT functionalized with nitric acid and a polymer. We were using the 514 and 488 lines of an argon laser, but have discontinued using the 488 and are now only using the 514 at >= 30mW. The lower wavelength line and the higher powers were destroying the sample. The intensity of the disorder peak of the functionalized SWCNT should be greater than the disorder peak of the pristine SWCNT.

Molecular Properties and Reaction Study of Intermediates in the Porphyrin Catalyzed Degradation of Trinitrotoluene

Ryan Scott, Oklahoma State University

Advisor: T. Wilson

For my REU project, I will be doing ab initio calculations to study molecular properties of trinitrotoluene and possible intermediates in its porphyrin catalyzed degradation. I will use these to hypothesize possible reaction pathways and mechanisms.

Vibrational Spectroscopy of Asparagine and Its Application In Structure-Function Studies of Photoactive Yellow Protein (PYP)

Jerrod Stutzman, Oklahoma State University

Advisor: A. Xie

The amino acid Asparagine is structurally and functionally important in proteins. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to study the structure of Asparagine as well as its effects on other groups in the protein chain. The spectral marker for Asn43 (Asparagine in 43rd position of protein chain) in PYP will be identified using time-resolved rapid-scan FTIR spectroscopy on PYP mutants. Computational data obtained using Gaussian03 software is used to predict and compare to the experimental data.

Thermoluminescence in LiF:Mg,Ti

Andrew Thornburg, Oklahoma State University

Advisor: S. McKeever

For my project, I am studying how changing the heating rate of an irradiated sample effects the supralinearity of its growth curves. I am using Beta radiation, LiF:Mg,Ti samples, and constructing growth curves by measuring the intensity of the main peak, the area under the main peak, and the area under the high temperature peak.

2-D and 3-D Structures of Tri-Octyl Phosphine Oxide Langmuir Monolayer

Eric Tong, Duke University

Advisor: B. Flanders

This summer I am planning on studying the monolayer structures of TOPO through the compression and expansion of the monolayer. Several isotherms will be studied in order to extrapolate the various 2-D and 3-D structures that this monolayer forms under compression and expansion. Structures to be examined include six fold lattice networks and buckling. Also studied will be the reversibility of the expansion and compression cycles of the monolayer.

Photorefractive Properties of Mo-doped Bi₁₂GeO₂₀

Adam Wood, Oklahoma State University

Advisor: J. Martin

I am studying the photoinduced optical absorbance of BGO and Mo-doped BGO. In addition, I am studying the temperature of photorefraction within these crystals. The writing process and dark decay of photorefraction will be studied as it varies with the temperature of the sample.