Journal of Undergraduate Research

JJ Campbell and Dr. David Neilsen, Physics Chaos. Some say that this word describes the world today. From the point of view of physics, they would be right. If we take “chaos” to mean an extreme sensitivity to initial conditions with exponentially diverging solutions then this world is chaotic on a number of levels, all […]

Christopher Verhaaren and Dr. Eric Hirschmann, Department of Physics and Astronomy General relativity, our current theory of gravity, has been complicating physics since 1916. After replacing Newton’s comparatively simple theory of gravity, relativity has predicted one nonintuitive gravitational effect after another. As one example, gravitational radiation is an effect unique to general relativity. The theory […]

Daylin Troxel Our lab has designed a new low-noise laser current driver to be used in precision optical measurements. It has more stability and less noise than any other driver with published data. I was able to assemble and test this driver for our lab and take a precise measurement of the noise spectrum. The […]

Nicholas Morrill and Dr. Robert Davis, Physics & Astronomy Microelectric mechanical devices (MEMs) are structures on the micron scale that act as sensors and actuators. Devices such as these are used in familiar electronics such as iPhones and Nintendo Wii to sense motion. Current methods for MEMs fabrication are insufficient due to geometric design limitations, […]

Brian Davis and Dr. Robert Davis, Department of Physics & Astronomy Summary We have developed a biologically gentle technique of creating nanoscale (< 20 nm) chemical patterns. The technique is compatible with the creation of multiple patterns on a surface with the option of having different chemicals in each distinct patterned area. Importance of Project […]

JJ Campbell and Dr. David Neilsen, Physics Chaos. Some say that this word describes the world today. From the point of view of physics, they would be right. If we take “chaos” to mean an extreme sensitivity to initial conditions with exponentially diverging solutions then this world is chaotic on a number of levels, all […]

David Brown and Dr. Robert Davis, Department of Physics and Astronomy In my two years of doing research at BYU, I’ve learned that the only true constant in the lab is change. Success in research seems to be determined not only by our hard work and preparation but also by our ability to be flexible […]

Dawn K. Gifford and Dr. Ross Spencer, Physics and Astronomy The Capillary Discharge X-Ray Laser Experiment attempts to create a laser using a small capillary tube of plasma. The apparatus consists of a small soda straw-sized cylinder of gas placed between two electrodes. Approximately 25-100 kV applied across the electrodes ionizes the gas, producing a […]

Renee E. George and Dr. R. Steven Turley, Physics and Astronomy There are many applications of physics where it is necessary to solve Maxwell’s Equations for a wave interacting with or scattering from various objects. This problem is usually impossible to solve analytically, but several cases have been solved using numerical methods. Unfortunately some cases […]

Teresa Griffin Fairbanks and Professor David D. Busath, Physics and Astronomy Gramicidin A is a protein that forms cation selective ion channels in lipid bilayers (model cell membranes.) Although it is not found in natural systems, Gramicidin A is a good ion channel to study because its structure is known. It is generally thought that the passage […]