who is powering gamma-ray bursts? - university college dublin
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UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Who is powering gamma-ray bursts?
Dr. Antonio Martin [email protected]
The aim of this project is to study the nature of the central engines responsible for the prompt and afterglow emission of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). GRBs are the most luminous explosions in the Universe, with central engines which drive the outbursts in highly relativistic jets. While the prompt emission in gamma-rays last a few seconds, the X-ray afterglow can be detected even months after the main event. The student will be using data from space observatories such as Swift and XMM-Newton and will acquire valuable knowledge on the areas such as scientific computation using Python, numerical simulations, high-energy observational and theoretical astrophysics and high-energy observational techniques.
(1 place)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Building an Ion Microscope
Assoc. Prof. Dominic [email protected]
Figure: Displaying a scanning Focused Ion Beam image of a plant surface as an example.
Focused ions of noble gases can be used to scan and modify the morphology and composition of microstructures at surfaces. This project aims to electronically interface an existing ion gun in ultra-high vacuum and to programme a scanning pattern for the purpose of lithography and ion-sensitive imaging. The ready system would be capable of imaging surface structures and to display high resolution images on a suitable computer. An interest in electronics and basic skills in one programming language (e.g. C/C++/C#, Python, Julia or Matlab) are desirable.
(1 place)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Large-scale screening of metal-organic frameworks for greenhouse gas storage
Dr. Nuala [email protected]
This is a computational / data-driven project aiming to determine whether molecular simulation and machine learningcan be used to predict the greenhouse gasuptake and storage of metal organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are "designer" crystalline materials comprised of metal ions and organic ligands. They are characterized by nano-sized pores that can capture small molecules such as CO2 and CH4 from the atmosphere. The pore size and chemical composition can both betuned to maximize gas adsorption and storage. However, the vast number of MOF structures (~100k) means that calculating the ability of each is computationally prohibitive. Instead, the student will use machine learning approaches to quickly extract the relationship between MOF structure and gas capacity and use that information to predict promising candidates.
(1 place)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Decoding optical aberrations of the human eye
Assoc. Prof. Brian [email protected]
The aberrations of the human eye can be determined for foveal or parafoveal vision using methods transferred from astronomy such as the Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor. We have recently developed a number of alternative methods using smart pixelated devices (spatial light modulators and digital micromirror devices) for increased flexibility, adjustablesensitivity and dynamic range. With this project we wish to continue this line of research to develop more efficient reconstruction algorithms that can eventually speed up the sensing process which would be particularly relevant for adaptive optics for high-resolution fundus imaging or for smart glasses that provide aberration-corrected vision at any instant in time.It is also of relevance to understand the optical role of the tear film and the dynamics of highly aberrated eyes including severe myopia and keratoconus that highly degrade vision and can ultimately lead to blindness.
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Development of near-IR spectroscopy of laser produced plasmas
Prof. Padraig [email protected]
There has been a huge increase in the capability of Earth-based spectroscopy of astrophysical objects over the last 5 years. This project seeks to develop a laboratory capability to support the interpretation of spectra recorded from astrophysical objects. The work involves lasers, vacuum systems and infra-red detectors fitted to spectrometers. The successful applicant will work in a group of 15 faculty, researchers and graduate students in Science North.
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
EDI Awareness in Physics Teaching and Learning
Dr. Sharon Shannon & Assoc. Prof. Emma [email protected]
The core values of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in higher education are an important consideration in curriculum design. This project involves the analysis of surveys and the preparation of supporting materials for the incorporation of EDI awareness into physics teaching and learning practices.
(1 place)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Teaching Laboratory Development
Associate Prof. Emma Sokell
This project will involve upgrading and developing experiments for the 2nd, 3rd
and 4th year laboratories. The work can be tuned to suit particular areas of interest but will require both experimental testing and documentationdevelopment. This year there will be a particular focus on experiments for the thermal physics module (PHYC20030), spectroscopy and the development of anadvanced lab experiment on acoustic analogues of quantum mechanical level structure.
(1 -2 places)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Synchrotrino - a Laboratory Scale Soft X-ray Source for Nano-Imaging and Spectroscopy
Dr. Fergal O’Reilly
Soft x-rays can be used for imaging at nm spatial scales with elemental and chemical resolution among many other applications. Laboratory sources of these photons are very difficult to produce with research largely restricted to synchrotrons. In this project the student will work on the development of a cutting edge soft x-ray light source and get experience in high power lasers, vacuum systems, x-ray optics, x-ray motion systems and image data analysis.
(1 place)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Optical processes in nanomaterials
Dr. James Rice
A position is available to examine the optical properties of nanomaterials using laser-basedspectroscopy. The research will centre on both the preparation and examination of nanomaterials. The project aims to provide experience in sample preparation and in data management.
(1-2 places)
UCD School of Physics Summer Research Studentship 2020
Hybrid coarse grained-atomistic methods for molecular modeling of proteins
Assoc. Prof. Nicolae-Viorel Buchete
This is a computational/theoretical project aimed at investigating current statistical physics methods that are successfully used to model proteins and protein-protein interactions. Thestudent will have the opportunity to learn about both atomistic and coarse grained molecular dynamics-based biophysics methods for modeling the thermodynamic and kinetic behavior of proteins, and to use computer programs such as NAMD, VMD and GROMACS to perform and compare both detailed (atomic-level) and coarse grained (residue level) biophysical models of proteins involved in diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer's.
(1-2 places, either independently or as a team)