Concordia physics students are engaged in a variety of research projects both at Concordia and in research institutions around the world. Some of the recent research projects include:

The Modular Neutron Array (MoNA)
Melanie Evanger, Ramsey Turner, Mustafa Rajabali
As part of the MoNA Collaboration, the student researchers worked with Dr. Bryan Luther on the construction and testing of a new $1.5 million highly-efficient neutron detector located at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. This work was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Piezoelectric Pins and the Dust Accelerator
Jeff Yager, Kirk Nelson
Working with Dr. Heidi Manning the student researchers used the dust particle accelerator at Concordia to bombard these piezoelectric pins with 0.5-5 micrometer diameter dust particles. The signal response of the pins was studied to provide detailed calibration data for there use in a variety of applications.

Areogel Bombardment with the Dust Accelerator
Seth koterba, Todd Ferguson
Seth and Todd completed their physics honors degree project under the supervision of Dr. Heidi Manning. They developed a computer program and accompanying electronics to modernize the detection system of the Dust Accelerator. In collaboration with researchers from SRI International, they impacted aerogel and silicon plate samples with large dust particles. This work was done in support of research projects at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.

SIMION Modeling of an Electron Beam Ionization Source and Linear Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Laura Buchner
Laura using an ion optics simulation program to model the characteristics of an electron beam ion source and time-of-flight mass spectrometer. This type of instrument is being evaluated for use on space probes for planetary exploration.

Radiation-damage studies on rare-earth doped aluminosilicate glasses.
Todd Ferguson
Working at the University of Oklahoma, Todd studied the effects of irradiation on glass materials. An Argon laser was used to write optical gratings to study the feasibility of using the materials for optical storage.

Evidences of an Accreting White Dwarf during the 2002 Optical Outburst of the Old Nova GK Per
Carolynn Garcia
Carolynn used the spectra of the old nova GK Per, taken at the beginning and during the rise of its 2002 Dwarf Nova-like outburst to show that the burst was due to an accreting white dwarf. Evidence of the accreting mass disc was confirmed

Ultracold Molecule Research: Guiding Electrically Neutral Molecules
James Farnsworth
Jim worked on the design of an electrostatic kinetic energy filter for ultra cold molecules. The filter can be used to load a magneto-optical trap, through which Bose-Einstien condensation can be achieved. The filter has been designed and built, and currently is being calibrated using NO gas.