Tag: Physics and Engineering

Project Description:

Observing entangled particles is crucial in quantum computing as it enables the exploration of complex computational problems far beyond the capacity of traditional computers, by harnessing the unique properties of quantum entanglement. We plan to design and build an apparatus to produce and detect polarization-entangled photons using type I spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a two-crystal geometry. The apparatus will allow for over 100 entangled photon pairs to be observed per second. If successful, this experiment will move the quantum computing forward at W&L as it will be used for both teaching and research.

Prerequisites

Previous quantum computing experience is necessary (PHYS 421 in quantum computing or PHYS 190) as well as electronics.

Special Comments

This project will be conducted remotely. The 10 weeks during the summer will be used to design the apparatus by studying in detail the following: laser optics and photon sources; polarization; the physics and mathematics of photonic entanglement; photon detectors; electronics of optical circuits. We plan to start building it on campus in the Fall of 2024.

Project Information

Estimated Start Date: 6/1/2024

Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024

Maximum number of students sought: 1

Contact Information: Prof. Irina Mazilu (mazilui@wlu.edu)

Project Description:

The goal of this summer research project is to test and refine a novel algorithm for determining the exact location from which a gravitational wave originated based on the details of the signals it produces at two different gravitational wave observatories. By understanding the workings of the algorithm and learning to create and run massively parallel GPU instances on Amazon Web Services, students will help determine how this algorithm compares to the current state of the art.

Prerequisites

No specific course work is required, but preference will be given to students with experience in Python, C++, signal processing, or cloud computing.

Special Comments

No extra coursework is required in the Winter or Spring. All research will take place on the W&L campus. Preference will be given to students who are available to work on-site.

Project Information

Estimated Start Date: 6/3/2024

Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024

Maximum number of students sought: 3

Contact Information: Prof. Tom McClain (mcclaint@wlu.edu)

Project Description:

Effective field theory (EFT) is a powerful tool that exploits the hierarchy of energy scales to study non- relativistic systems. Only low-energy degrees of freedom are retained explicitly, while all others are parametrized in terms of a small number of free coefficients. In this project, we revisit few-body non-relativistic fermionic systems in one spatial dimension. This seemingly trivial system has gained substantial attention from experimentalists due to better control of ultracold quantum gases confined to optical traps. It also provides exciting insights into similar quantum systems in higher dimensions. In particular, we will focus on few-body aspects of this system where constituents interact via local pair-wise interactions that can depend on their relative velocity using EFT technique.

Prerequisites

PHYS210, PHYS 225, PHYS 340

Special Comments

Project Information

Estimated Start Date: 6/1/2024

Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024

Maximum number of students sought: 1

Contact Information: Prof. Son Nguyen (snguyen@wlu.edu)