Physics
David Perin, dperin@leomail.tamuc.edu
Texas A&M University Commerce, with Dr. Heungman Park
Physics
The Use of Spectroscopic Modulation to Study the Application of Sonication on Perylene Diimide Organic Thin Film Formation
Spectroscopic modulation depth measurements have been used to investigate the exciton dynamics in PDI-C3 molecules. The application of photoluminescence anisotropy is applied to aggregates of PDI-C3 to explore the effects on exciton recombination. An experimental observation shows that the emission spectra and resultant modulation depth are affected by the film being sonicated during the dry process. The process of sonication did not appear at first to be useful, but the introduction of a PMMA host matrix dramatically improved the results of the sonication. The energy imparted by the sonication had a distinct impact on the formation of the film. The sharp changes of energy being imparted by square wave sonication caused less aggregation than smooth sine wave sonication, resulting in larger concentrations of short wavelength emissions. This when combined with relatively high modulation depth provides evidence that sonication assisted drop casting can lead to high quality films.
Jaya Sicard, jayalsicard@gmail.com
University of Nevada, Reno, with Dr. Dr. Thomas White
Physics
Investigating the Electron-Ion Equilibration Rates in Laser-Excited Metals
In December 2022, the National Ignition Facility made history by achieving controlled fusion for the first time. The goal of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is to produce fusion power, and as materials are compressed and heated in the fusion process, they pass through a state of matter called warm dense matter (WDM). WDM is too hot to be described by solid matter physics and too dense to be accurately described by plasma physics. Consequently, the behavior of electrons and ions within WDM are ill defined, and thus an obstacle to repeat ICF success. Through laser-excitation, a process that uses ultrafast lasers to heat materials, WDM can be recreated in a laboratory setting. The resulting WDM exists in a non-equilibrium state, meaning the electrons are much hotter than the ions. By studying laser-excited materials, scientists can learn more about the quantum mechanical interactions between the electrons and ions in WDM. Understanding these interactions can be used to validate state-of-the-art models and simulations of fusion energy. This study analyzes the electron-ion equilibration rates in laser-excited silver, copper and titanium. We will fit a two-temperature model to our experimental data to determine the electron-ion equilibration rates in each metal. The results of this research will provide important information about the behavior of electrons and ions within laser-excited materials as they pass through the warm dense phase, which has important implications for the future of fusion.
Session Location
- Foster 226
Session Date/Time
- Thursday, 1:45 - 2:45pm
Session Type
- Oral Student Presentations
- Student Presentations