Below are examples of projects chosen from the various fields represented. (For examples of completed projects from previous years please see the project titles in the Results from Previous Support section.) The following are only examples; there will be many others.

High Energy and Nuclear Physics

Potential Mentors: D. Armstrong, T. Averett, M. Eckhause, M. Finn, H. Funsten, K. Griffioen, J. Kane, J. Nelson, C. Perdrisat, and R. Welsh.

Spin-dependent electron scattering- The electron scattering on polarized ^e is carried out at Jefferson Lab. In support of the research, a fully equipped polarized target facility capable of producing and characterizing target cells is maintained at William and Mary. Projects include development of NMR and EPR systems for target polarimetry, investigating novel cell technologies and analysis of cell data. The research projects can also involve the Jefferson Lab polarized the target and participation in currently running nuclear physics experiments.

MECO Project - As a collaborating member of the MECO Search for Muon-to-Electron Conversion We are developing & assembling a cosmic ray veto shield. In the present R&D phase of the experiment we need to optimize the many design elements of the project, e.g. the signal attenuation length for cosmic rays striking a scintillator at various distances from the photo-tube and how to maximize the number of blue photons converting to green photons. Means to shield the phototubes from a 70 gauss magnetic environment will also be determined.

Neutrino Detector Development- The MINERvA neutrino scattering experiment was recently approved to run in the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. MINERvA will accumulate significantly more events (as many as four orders of magnitude) in important exclusive channels across a wider energy range than currently available. With C, Fe and Pb targets MINERvA will enable a systematic study of nuclear effects in neutrino interactions, known to be different than well-studied electron channels. Its results will dramatically improve the systematic errors of current and future neutrino oscillation experiments.

Minerva will consist of an active target of scintillator bars read out with multianode PMTs, electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters, nuclear targets, and magnetized side trackers. MINERvA development and construction activities at W&M with which the students may participate will include optimization of the scintillator optical system, development of the magnet calibration and power systems, and development of the nuclear targets.

Condensed Matter Physics

Potential mentors: G. Hoatson, W. J. Kossler, G. Luepke, and R. Vold.

NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance at W&M is used to investigate order and molecular motion and correlate these with the macroscopic physical properties of piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials, inclusion compounds, and polymers. Experimentally, students would use a home-built NMR spectrometer designed for a 7 Tesia superconducting magnet. Students could take part in early use of a 17 T facility which is currently under construction.

Muon Spin Rotation (;uSR) /xSR can determine the magnetic field probablility distributions in materials. A student would learn the analysis techniques while at William and Mary using available workstations. The student would then take part in data taking at TRIUMF ( Vancouver , Canada ). We plan studies of the temperature dependence of vortex disorder on the determination of the temperature dependence of the penetration depth.

Magnetic Multilayers Prof. Anne Reilly's group is exploring the deposition and characterization of magnetic multilayers which display magnetic coupling and giant magnetoresistance (GMR). Magnetic thin films and nanostructures are of great interest for the study of fundamental issues in magnetism as well as their application in computer technology. Projects would include: The study of the effects of substrate roughness on interlayer magnetic coupling and GMR; the incorporation of hard carbon materials with magnetic thin films; the application of new ultrafast laser techniques to explore the ultimate speed of magnetic switching and the parameters which effect switching in magnetic thin films. A wide range of experimental techniques would be used, from vacuum thin film deposition, magnetic measurements and ultrafast laser spectrocscopy.

Laser Interactions with Solids The group of Prof. Luipke has projects on the study of Local Vibrational Modes of Hydrogen in Semiconductors. The aim of this experimental research program is to elucidate the microscopic dynamics of local vibrations of hydrogen-decorated defect and impurity complexes in crystalline semiconductors. Hydrogen is one of the most prominent impurities in semiconductors and has beneficial passivating characteristics. The population lifetime and the dephasing time of the first excited vibrational level will be determined using transient bleaching and photon-echo measurements. The time-resolved nonlinear-optical studies will be carried out with the short-pulse high-power tunable-infrared radiation of the Free-Electron Laser at the Jefferson Lab.

Atomic, Surface and Laser Physics

Potential Mentors: Jan Chaloupka, W. Cooke, and D. Manos.

Ultrafast laser metrology and pulse shaping Several laser systems within the laboratories of Small Hall generate pulses of light with durations of less than one picosecond. At the short-pulse extreme, pulses lasting only ten to twenty femtoseconds contain only a few optical cycles! How does one characterize an event faster than any of our clocks or direct measuring devices? Through the use of autocorrelation, FROG and SPIDER, the REU student will help refine existing devices and develop new ones to characterize ultrafast laser pulses. In addition, the student could help develop pulse shaping techniques that could be used to modify the temporal shape of the pulses.

Spectrometer Design for Strong-Field Physics Experiments The interaction of intense laser light with matter leads to a range of unusual phenomena. The physicist's primary looking glass into this strange world is the time-of-flight ion spectrometer. Through the use of sophisticated computer simulations, the REU student will help design unique ion spectrometers that will be used to uncover the behavior of atoms and molecules irradiated by extremely intense pulses of laser light.

Atmospheric plasma studies To develop DC and radio frequency driven plasmas with neutral gas feeds at pressure at or above one atmosphere. To study the fundamental physical properties of these plasmas, their deployment for a variety of applications including light sources, mass spectrometric ionization sources, biocidal filters, surface cleaning, process gas clean-up, and sources of electromagnetic radiation.

Mass spectra of (bio) molecules - To investigate the cracking and mass patterns of large molecules under controlled conditions including the use of plasma source ionization, electrostatic spray ionization, and matrix-assisted methods. To use these tools to investigate the equilibrium conformation of biomolecules and to extend these studies to include dynamics of protein molecules, transport in membranes, and other areas of phyisological importance.

Field emission properties of nanotubes as a function of growth parameters and nanotube properties (length, diameter, concentration on a surface). Students would be able to grow their own nanotubes and do their own testing (with proper supervision of course.)

Creating high thermal conductivity dielectric layers using oriented carbon nanotubes and spin-cast polymer thin films. The first year would probably focus on making the films. The second year could be on the measurement of the thermal conductivity of samples with oriented, random, and no nanotubes.

All would require the students to learn about vacuum systems, thin film deposition techniques, and various material characterization systems (scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, etc) available on campus.

Surface Physics

Potential Mentors: Elizabeth Canuel and Michael Kelley

They are collaborating in an experimental program using facilities in their laboratories at VIMS and Jefferson Lab. They seek to expand our molecular-level understanding of how key organic species interact with sediment surfaces. Students working in the program will prepare materials which they will examine by surface analytical techniques to help build a systematic picture. These techniques include x-ray diffraction, XPS, TEM, and reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). The first project will be on the formation of hydrous aluminum oxides.

Non-Destructive Evaluation

Potential Mentors: M. Hinders et al.

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is an interdisciplinary field of study which is concerned with the development of analysis techniques and measurement technologies for the quantitative characterization of materials, tissues and structures by noninvasive means. Ultrasonic, radiographic, thermographic, electromagnetic, and optic methods are employed to probe interior microstructure and characterize subsurface features. Applications are in non-invasive medical diagnosis and on-line manufacturing process control, as well as the traditional NDE areas of flaw detection and materials characterization. There are many topics exploring expanding the application of these techniques. The student would learn a technique and aid in its development.

Theory

Potential Mentors: C. Carlson, C. Carone, J. D. Walecka(particle physics) M. Sher (Particle/Astrophysics) E. Tracy (Non-linear dynamics), J. Delos (Atomic and Molecular), S. Zhang. H. Krakauer and K. G. Petzinger (Condensed Matter Physics)

Particle Astrophysics: It is generally difficult to find projects in particle theory that are accessible to undergraduates. However, the recent excitement about the fact that string theory predicts extra compact dimensions does lead to some possibilities. In many models, there are large extra dimensions ("large" meaning nanometer-scale or larger) in which only gravity propagates, leading to a change in Newton 's Laws over very short scales. For example, if there are two extra dimensions with a size of a micron, then the gravitational force law would change from inverse-square to inverse-quartic as the distance varies from much greater than a micron to much less than a micron. An interesting undergraduate project would involve determining the force law in the transition region. If the extra dimensions are "spherical" with the same radius, this will turn out to involve an infinite sum, but is pretty straightforward. If they are not spherical, then the analysis is more complicated, but tractable for a good undergraduate. This would be an important guide for experimenters, who are planning measurements down to the nanometer scale. Other possibilities include the intriguing idea that the number of dimensions may not be an integer (fractal). The question of how close the dimensionality of space is to 3 was explored twenty years ago, but there is now new data on spacecraft orbits, binary pulsar measurements, planetary precession, very long distance quasars, etc. which might make a reanalysis interesting.

Non-linear Dynamics

The development of time series, and image analysis, methods for the prediction of rogue waves in the ocean. This will involve improved theories for wind-wave forcing, and new methods for analyzing complex nonlinear data. Students can be involved in areas ranging from the basic theory, to computation using real world data taken during hurricanes. The analysis of ray motion in complex geometries associated with resonant wave conversion. We have recently shown that standard plasma models used to analyze heating scenarios in fusion machines can exhibit a much more complicated behavior than previously thought. Most of this work will be computational with some basic theory and geometrical analysis.

Bio-informatics

The analysis of mass spec data of proteins from blood and tissue samples. We are pursuing a joint NIH-funded project with the bioinformatics company INCOGEN to develop disease diagnostic methods using mass spectra. In collaboration with Bill Cooke (W&M Physics), we are trying to improve the detectors used in one type of mass spec device that should reveal a wealth of information that is untapped by the current technology. This project would involve the analysis of data, particle orbit calculations, or lab work assisting in the development of this new detector.

Note that we also include the current status of these former students. These have been gleaned from the Questionnaire 3 and from Interviews, gleaned

REU Students, Mentors, and Research Topic - Summer 2002

1. Paul Brewer, Mentor : Greg Smith, Effects of Input Frequency and Reticular Inhibition on a Firing-Rate Model of Retinogeniculate Transmission. Currently: National Park Intern later, graduate school
2. David Chariot. Mentor : Michelle Shinn, Reduction of heat diffusion m metals during laser welding using a two laser setup . Currently: Pursuing PhD in Bio-engineering at UCSD.
3. Kirsten Fuoti, Mentor : Todd Averett, Characterization of Polarized 3 He Target Cells Currently: Grad Student U. Mass. Amherst.
4. Brian Glover, Mentor : Steve Benson, Theoretical Modeling of FEL Pulse Propagation Currently: Graduate School , Physics, College of William and Mary.
5. Scott Hertel, Mentor : Ken Petziner, An Exactly soluble Model of an Atom-like System and Its Application of Improving Density Functional Approximations . Currently: Graduate School after a year off.
6. J. Hippert, Mentor : Mike Finn, Development of New Position and Current Microwave Monitors for Parity Violation Experiments at Jefferson Lab Currently: Teaching, later grad school
7. Jason Hoffman, Mentor : Dennis Manos, Spectral Modeling of Non-intrusive Temperature and Pressure Measurements using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Currently: Grad School Applied Science at College of William and Mary.
8. Brian Koch, Mentor : William Cooke, Cavitation in Liquids by a Pulsed Focused Laser Beam Currently: Grad. School at UC Santa Barbara in Electrical Engineering.
9. John F. Lesoine, Mentor : Anne Reilly, Magneto-Optical-Kerr-Effect Studies of Exchange Biasing Currently: Grad Student Rochester
10. Mark Maxwell, Mentor : Gunter Luepke, Vibrational Dynamics of Interstitial Oxygen in Silicon .
11. K.J. McGrath, Mentor : W. J. Kossler, Martian Armageddon: Meteroid Impact Hazards to Mars Colonizers Currently: Graduate School in Physics, Temple University
12. Mark McGuigan, Mentor : Todd Averett, Measuring the Wall Thickness and Density of a 3 He Target Cell Currently: Graduate School Boston U.
13. Joseph Musielski, Mentor : R. Wincheski, Investigation of Shape Memory Alloys Currently: Science Assistant Editor at J. Wiley and Sons. Fall- Graduate School in Mechanical Engineering.
14. Vien Nguyen, Mentor : Greg Smith, Modeling of Intracellular Calcium Signaling that Accounts for Domaini Ca 2+ Activation Currently: Senior at William and Mary
15. Lauren O'Malley, Mentor : Gwyn Williams, Building a Terahertz Spectrometer . Currently: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Physics graduate student
16. Kevin Rudd, Mentor : Mark Hinders, Ectobot Sensor System Development Currently: Graduate School , William and Mary
17. Matt Schu, Mentor : Anne Reilly, Application of Diode Lasers Currently: Teaching High School.

REU Students, Mentors, and Research Topic - Summer 2003

1. D. B. Beringer , Mentor : H. 0. Funsten, Simulation of Electroproduction of Nucleon Resonances in Deep Inelastic Scattering Currently: After a year off, Grad School
2. Jill P. Bingham , Mentors: K. R. Leonard and M. K. Hinders, Lamb Wave Tomography Currently: Grad. Student Applied Science at William and Mary
3. Erin Buckley , Mentor : Todd Averett, Polarized 3He Currently: Senior at William and Mary
4. Melissa A. Commisso , Mentors: John Delos and Kevin Mitchell, Chaos in a Microwave System Currently: Grad. Student at U. Va.
5. Peter Dolph , Mentors: C. Carone, The Quantization of Space-Time Currently: Grad Student at U. Va.
6. K. B. Johnston , Mentors: J.M. Brubaker and L. Brasseur, Wind-Water Stress Relations on the York River Currently: persuing a Master's Degree in Space Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology. Working on White Dwarfs and Stellar Pulsation.
7. Olivier LeMerdy , Mentor : W. J. Kossler. Space Radiation Studies Currently: Continuation of studies in France .
8. Andrew McUmber , Mentors: J. B. Delos and K. Mitchell, Liberated Electrons from H-//H
9. Sources in Electric and Magnetic Fields: A theoretical study of order and chaos in Quantum Systems.
10. Karen Mooney , Mentor : R. Wincheski, Non-destructive Evaluation of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) using Eddy Current Analysis Currently: Graduate School Drew
11. Dillon Roach , Mentor : Jan Chaloupka, Dynamic Laser Beam Shaping with a Liquid Crystal Display Currently: Graduating this year from William and Mary.
12. Allison K. Schue , Mentor : James Boyce, An Image Charge Undulator Prototype for a Flat Electron Beam Currently: Is in a master's program in landscape architecture.
13. Dimitar Vlassarev , Mentor : Anne Reilly, Effects of Large Scale Interfacial Roughness on Giant Magneto-resistive Multilayers Currently: Senior at William and Mary, plans graduate school afterward
14. Tracey-Ann Wellington , Mentor : Gwyn Williams, Terahertz Spectroscopy Currently: Senior at Randolph Macon College .
15. Frank Wells, Mentor : W. Cooke, Imaging Gene Expression Currently: in Law School
16. Scott Woods , Mentor : M. Kelley, Oxide Surface Reactivity Studied by IR Spectroscopy Currently: at U. of 111. in the Nuclear Engineering Dept.
17. Andrew York , Mentor : D. Mack, Building a Cerenkov Detector to Measure the Neutral-Weak Interaction for the Qweak Experiment Currently: Internship at EOIR Technology.

REU Students, Mentors, and Research Topic - Summer 2004

1. Kyle Arnold , Mentor : James Boyce, Impact of Thomson X-Rays on FEL Mirors Plans: Graduate School in Physics
2. Keith Bechtol , Mentor : J. Nelson, Measurement of Magnetization Curves of Neutrino Detectors in conjunction with MINOS Plans: Graduate School Crystal Bertoncini , Mentor : Mark Hinders, Ectobots Plans: Graduate School for PhD
3. Sara Campbell , Mentor : R. Wincheski, Eddy Current Analysis of Reinforced Carbon Carbon and Flowliner Plans: Graduate studies leading to a Masters in Engineering Bryan DeBono , Mentor : R. Wincheski, Separation of Carbon Nano-tubes in various Solutions and Surfactants
4. Peter deCastro , Mentor : Genfa Wu, ECR Particle Simulations Plans: Graduate School
5. John duChateau , Mentor : M. Hinders, Use of Ultrasound Transducers in Concealed Weapons Detection.Plans: Graduate School
6. Nathaniel Elberfeld , Mentor : W. J. Kossler, Interfacing Lab View with a Positron Lifetime Apparatus. Plans: Graduate School
7. Amelia Greer , Mentor : Amelia Greer, Terahertz Spectroscopy and its Applications Plans: Graduate school
8. Brian Hahn , Mentor : Todd Averett, Frequency Sweep NMR on Polarized 3He Target Cells. Plans: Graduate School
9. Pam Jeppson , Mentor : J. Nelson, Neutrino Oscillation Data Analysis
10. Kristina Maria Ruiz Little , Mentor: M. Kelley, Planar Proxies for Oxide Particle Surfaces Plans: Graduate School
11. Donna McLaughlin , Mentor : M. Kelley, Surface Physics Plans: Graduate School
12. Joseph Rowley , Mentor : Gina Hoatson, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Using Model Compounds to Understand Complex Structures
13. Rita Schneider , Mentor : Greg Smith, Monte Carlo Simulation of Instantaneously-Coupled Ryanodine Receptors Plans: Grad. School in Physics or Math
14. David Sicilia , Mentor : W. J. Kossler, Magnetic Fields in Type II Superconductors Plans: Graduate School
15. Meghan Snyder , Mentor : J. Nelson, Detectors for The Minerva Neutrino Project
16. Pat Vora , Mentor : John Kane, Detectors of MECO Plans: Graduate School
17. David Wolcott , Mentor : John Kane, Cosmic Ray Shields for the MECO Project Plans: Graduate School .

Neutrino Physics Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

This RET program is intended for science teachers to work on the MINOS long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. MINOS studies neutrino oscillations using a neutrino beam generated at Fermilab near Chicago and directed to the MINOS detector at the Soudan Underground Laboratory (SUL). SUL is a half mile underground in the historic Soudan Mine in Minnesota . The RET program will be seven weeks long. The teachers will join the Summer Teacher Residency (STR) program at the SUL, working with Prof. Nelson on operating the MINOS detector and examining collected data. After an orientation on the MINOS research program on the W&M campus, the teachers will spend four weeks in the STR program in Minnesota . Example research projects might include Effects of annual the SUL radon cycle's on data rates, Effects of scintillator aging on cosmic ray muon response in MINOS, and Scintillator, PMT, and electronics gain variations as a function of temperature in the SUL cavern .

Participants will also contribute to the SUL's outreach mission by guiding public tours of the facility, as well as preparing course materials on neutrino physics appropriate to middle or high school students remote to the SUL site. Each year over 4,000 visitors come underground to the SUL outreach program. The goals of this outreach program are to inform people about the experiments currently being conducted in SUL and provide the general public with an understanding of the work and goals of the scientists conducting research in the Laboratory.