Fast beams of neutral molecules – the next
generation of laser induced molecular dissociation imaging
by Andrew Rotunno
supervisor: Dr. Itzik Ben-Itzhak
Kansas State
University Physics Department REU Program
This program is funded by the National Science
Foundation through grant number PHY-1157044.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this
material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of
the National Science Foundation.
Welcome to my webpage. This
page summarizes my experience doing research for the Summer 2013 in the James
R. Macdonald laboratory under the advisement of Bethany Joachim and Dr. Itzik
Ben-Itzhak. My project for the summer was to design and test an apparatus
to neutralize a significant portion of a keV ion beam.
Project Overview:
In order to study a particle, one needs to be able to detect it. Charged particles are common
choices because one can accelerate them with an electromagnetic field, but
nature tends to be made of neutral particles, which typically don’t have enough
energy to detect. By creating a fast beam of neutral particles, we can
investigate the basic building blocks of the world and their associated
energies.
Research Description: The aim of this research
was to create an apparatus that would allow for the creation of a fast beam of
neutral particles. Design and development of this apparatus involved
researching fluid flow, atomic and molecular states, collision cross sections,
electrodynamics, kinematics, particle detection mechanisms, tuning ion beams,
aligning lasers, and computer assisted design software.
The Principle:
The Apparatus
Final
Presentation: Click here to download my presentation in PowerPoint format.
Final Report: You can see my final report in pdf format.
Lectures by
Dr. Weaver: I learned a myriad of things about new physics – both big
topics in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, quantum mechanics, high
energy physics, and many topics not often taught in intro to modern classes.
Ethics Class: One of the most interesting
things about the ethics class was the application of the Utilitarian vs.
Deontic ethical mindset as it applies to physics, especially with regard to
publication rights and responsibilities.
Another interesting ethics discussion
came when I sat in on an ethics meeting between my IBI group and Bret Esry’s
theoretical AMO group. Many real-world moral quandaries were brought up and
discussed by grad students, post-docs, and professors.
About Me: I'm
really interesting! I grew up in Syracuse, New York, and attend College
at Fordham University. I first got
interested in physics as a baby. I'm
involved in Experimental Theater, youth mentoring, coffeshop antics, and
playing guitar.
Useful Links:
When I'm not tuning
beams, I like to see what the internet has to offer. Check out these useful sites: