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January 4–7, 2014
SPS08: 8-10 p.m. Growth of Metal Nanostructures via
Physical Vapor Deposition
Poster – Richard Floyd, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC
29526;
James C. Moore, Coastal Carolina University
We have used a low-cost single zone tube furnace to fabricate metal
nanostructures on silicon substrates. Specifically, we evaporate copper,
zinc, and gold and control furnace properties such as temperature,
carrier gas pressure and composition, and the distance from the
evaporant to the substrate to enhance nanowire growth. This project
should lead to the creation of a new, advanced laboratory activity for
physics majors.
SPS09: 8-10 p.m. Metal Nanoparticle Enhanced Zinc Oxide
Photodetectors
Poster – Cody V. Thompson, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC
29526;
James C. Moore, Coastal Carolina University
We present an investigation into the device characteristics of zinc
oxide thin-film photodetectors grown via a sol-gel technique. Specifi-
cally, we compare properties of devices having active layers doped
with varying concentrations of silver nanoparticles. We have also
investigated the effect on device characteristics when active layers are
grown on top of periodic silver nanostructure plasmonic waveguides.
Devices where fabricated by spin coating zinc acetate sol-gels on sap-
phire substrates. Doping was achieved using varying concentrations
of silver nitrate. Waveguides consist of periodic silver nanostructures
grown on substrates using electrodeposition through 200 nm alumina
filters. Silver interdigitated contacts were then applied via photoli-
thography and sputter deposition for all devices. The current-voltage
and transient ultraviolet photoresponse behaviors for all devices
where determined. Optimizing the responsivity and sensitivity of
ZnO photodetector devices to UV light is key for future real-world
applications.
SPS10: 8-10 p.m. Current Distribution on a Two-
Dimensional Plane
Poster – Claire Soupene, Loyola University Chicago;
Virginia Bailey, Thomas Predey, Asim Gangopadhyaya, Thomas Ruubel,
Loyola University Chicago
We studied the current distribution generated by a source and a sink
on a two-dimensional plane. We developed a theoretical model for
the distribution, carried out a detailed experimental investigation,
and analyzed our data using our theoretical model as well as a model
commonly used in the electronics industry.
SPS11: 8-10 p.m. Electron Transport in Hall Thrusters
Poster – Russell Swinton, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL 33711;
Zachary Charbonneau, Eduardo Fernandez, Eckerd College
Electron transport in Hall thrusters has been long known to deviate
from classical predictions based on particle collisions. As a conse-
quence, our ability to predict basic features such as current-voltage
curves for plasma discharge is limited. In this paper we present a hy-
brid fluid, particle in cell model for Hall thruster plasmas in axial and
azimuthal coordinates. The goal of this investigation is to determine
the role of azimuthal physics on the overall plasma discharge, paying
particular attention to internal fluctuations and electron transport dy-
namics. Results from the simulations reveal long wavelength (m<5),
low frequency (<100 kHz), correlated tilted structures, which result
in enhanced electron transport. This is in qualitative agreement with
experiments. Results from our simulations will be compared with
experimental data from Stanford’s Hall thruster.
SPS12: 8-10 p.m. Broadening Participation of SBIR/STTR
Research Experiences for Secondary Students
Poster – Steve Griffin, Triangle Coalition/National Science Foundation
(Directorate for Engineering-Division of Industrial Innovation and Part-
nerships), Arlington, VA 22203;
Research experiences for high school students in the STEM real-world
setting are uncommon. By reaching out to high school students and
teachers, small businesses involved in innovation partnerships can
produce collective teams generating important research and human
resources for a growing economy. The National Science Foundation
Directorate for Engineering Division of Industrial Innovation and
Partnerships encourages high school students and teachers to work
collaboratively with Small Business Innovative Research grantees and
Small Business Technology Transfer grantees motivating more young
people into considering a vocation in a STEM related field. With a
high demand for a workforce trained in science and engineering the
possibilities for business incorporating research with a trained work-
force could provide an extraordinary return. More importantly, the
opportunity for under-represented groups to participate in scientific
research could be monumental.
SPS13: 8-10 p.m. Development of Feasible Science
Activities in Elementary School
Poster – Jaime E. Demick, Huntingdon College, Montgomery, AL
36106;
Allyson Brislinger, Kendall Fant, Carly Williamson, Huntingdon College
A broad understanding of science topics in elementary-age students
is vital to the cognitive development of the student. Students who
perceive achievement in scientific topics and who actively learn and
retain basic scientific principles and information at a young age in-
crease their likelihood of success in these topical areas in middle and
high school. With this premise in mind, Huntingdon College students
worked with a faculty member to develop curriculum-based science
modules incorporating the science standards of the state of Alabama.
This project resulted in the production of several science booklets for
student use and step-by-step guides for instructors to lead inexpen-
sive, easy, hands-on student activities that addressed grade-level
standards in an exciting and memorable fashion.
SPS14: 8-10 p.m. Local University Astronomy Club + Local
High School Astronomy Club = Success!
Poster – Kathleen A. Gustavson, Nicolet High School, Glendale, WI
53217;
Having a RET position at the local university with a faculty-led
astronomy club has opened a wide door, for both myself and my
students. There now exists a partnership between the astronomy club
at the local university (UWM) and the astronomy club at my high
school (Nicolet HS). I frequently take my students to UWM for the
meetings, where they enjoy talks by undergrads, graduates, post docs,
faculty, and guest speakers. The occasional field trips are also enjoyed.
Processed radio data is available for the students to search for pulsars.
From these opportunities, the students get first-hand knowledge of
the processes of science at the university level. They see the research
positions available to undergraduates and graduate students, and the
in-depth work the faculty does in their own research.
SPS15: 8-10 p.m. Measurements, Sensors, and Detectors:
The 2013 SPS SOCK
Poster – Nicole Quist, Society of Physics Students, 1480 Elnora Ct., Los
Altos, CA 94024;
Caleb Heath, Society of Physics Students
The advancement of science requires the advancement of measure-
ment and detection standards. The Society of Physics Students (SPS)
partnered with the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) to create Science Outreach Catalyst Kit (SOCK). The theme
for the SOCK activities and demonstrations focused on Measurement,
Sensors, and Detectors. Half of the kit focused on measurement activ-
ities and the need for standards, while the other half focused on detec-
tors using the modular Theremin. These hands-on kits will be sent out
