Larry B. Sorensen, Ph.D. - US grants

The University of Washington is initiating a major program to improve entry-level science courses. A major goal, as stated by the University Provost, is improvement of laboratory courses, and the requirement that all students enrolled in the lecture course shall also take the corresponding laboratory course. The program in Physics is addressing both issues: improvement of thelaboratory courses, and preparing for increased laboratory enrollment. The Physics plan begins with improvements in the mechanics laboratory experiments in introductory courses. Faculty and staff who are participants in this project have been working for the past few years developing computer-based experiments that provide new opportunities for students to investigate motion in one and two dimensions with much more accurate and versatile tools than were previously available. The experience to date with lab sections where these experiments were tested shows that students are able to investigate a much wider range of phenomena with a deeper understanding of the concepts of motion. NSF support is being utilized to match the University funds provided to purchase workstations (PC 386/SX) and two motion digitizing devices: a video system and optical encoders. These elements are being integrated in a "motion measurement station" and form the backbone of a laboratory measurement and analysis system.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.

9418532 Kowalski The Industry/University Cooperative Research for Process Analytical Chemistry at the University of Washington studies mechanisms and instruments for the control of chemical and biological processes. The Center continues to meet the renewal criteria of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers Program. The reviewers were asked to review the Center under the criteria for evaluation of I/UCRCs, as well as a specific research project on an interdisciplinary effort to develop new methodologies for monitoring and control of the processing and quality of emulsion polymerization based on small angle x-ray scattering. This award provides funding for one year under the "Self-Sufficient Partnership for Research" Program to the University of Washington I/UCRC for Process Analytical Chemistry. Additional funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratory to augment ongoing research and to obtain a membership in the Center. The Program Manager recommends the University of Washington be awarded $40,000 for one year. An additional $35,000 is recommended for one year with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratory.

This project will investigate novel thermodynamic and structural properties of atoms and molecules deposited (adsorbed) on single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles and other surfaces. Nanometer-size, low dimensionality systems are at the forefront of research on new states of matter. SWNT bundles and other uniform substrates have made possible the fabrication of one- and two-dimensional (1d, 2d) forms of matter by adsorption of atoms/molecules on their surface. Heat of adsorption, heat capacity and X-ray scattering measurements are used to study several systems: (a) 1d helium, expected to remain in a single fluid phase down to absolute zero, (b) 1d molecular hydrogen, which may remain fluid to very low temperatures, (c) 1d and 2d crystals formed by Ar, Kr, and Xe, (d) 1d and 2d oxygen expected to show a crossover from 2d to 1d magnetic properties, and (e) quantum effects on the 2d phases of helium isotopic mixtures. SWNT bundles show promise for hydrogen storage, a matter of high technological importance addressed in this program. Participating graduate and undergraduate students learn a broad range of modern experimental techniques that position them well for future employment.

Nanometer size, low dimensionality systems are at the forefront of research on novel fluid and solid states of matter. This experimental work focuses on measurements of the one- and two-dimensional (1d, 2d) properties of simple gases and molecules deposited (adsorbed) on single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles, and the 2d properties of helium isotopic mixtures adsorbed on very small flat surfaces. Thermal and X-ray measurements characterize the phases and phase changes of the adsorbed substances as a function of temperature and density. Fascinating novel systems are: 1d helium which should remain in a single fluid phase at all temperatures, 1d molecular hydrogen which may remain fluid to very low temperatures, 1d and 2d Ar, Kr, and Xe which show solid structures being formed on the bundles, 1d and 2d oxygen with possible crossover from 2d to 1d magnetic properties, and the 2d properties of helium isotopic mixtures and their pronounced quantum effects. Bundles show promise for hydrogen storage, a matter of considerable technological importance. Participating graduate and undergraduate students acquire an array of modern experimental skills that position them well for future employment in any sector.