Sharmain T Siddiqui
Northwestern University, South Asian Studies, Undergraduate
The purpose is to create a particle detector in the form of a bubble chamber to detect dark matter particles. This is done through determining the optimal temperature and pressure settings for the hydraulic fluid, dynalene MV, with which... more
The purpose is to create a particle detector in the form of a bubble chamber to detect dark matter particles. This is done through determining the optimal temperature and pressure settings for the hydraulic fluid, dynalene MV, with which the fluid where particle interactions (superheated xenon) occur is controlled.
The procedure first consisted of building and wiring an analogue control system and hydraulic cart, both of which are integral components of the detector. The analogue control system automates all machinery on the hydraulic cart. The cart controls the state of matter of dynalene MV, which controls the superheated xenon. The viscosity of dynalene MV was tested at different cryogenic temperatures, through measuring the delay time of its travel inside a tube. The ability of the bubble chamber to control the pressure of the superheated fluid was tested through the bellows of the chamber. The pressure of the bellows was changed with a pressure pump, while the subsequent volume change was recorded, in order to determine the range of the bellows compression and expansion.
The results showed that dynalene MV retained a low viscosity/delay time at cryogenic temperatures, proving its ability to control superheated xenon. The results also showed that changing the pressure of dynalene MV through the bellows would result in an equal change to superheated xenon. Altogether, this new technology was proven effective and is expected to have a field-changing impact in the search for dark matter, as it is, as of now, technologically superior to all other detector technologies. Finally, the technology employed in this bubble chamber is expected to be used in identifying/localizing nuclear and radiological threats.
The procedure first consisted of building and wiring an analogue control system and hydraulic cart, both of which are integral components of the detector. The analogue control system automates all machinery on the hydraulic cart. The cart controls the state of matter of dynalene MV, which controls the superheated xenon. The viscosity of dynalene MV was tested at different cryogenic temperatures, through measuring the delay time of its travel inside a tube. The ability of the bubble chamber to control the pressure of the superheated fluid was tested through the bellows of the chamber. The pressure of the bellows was changed with a pressure pump, while the subsequent volume change was recorded, in order to determine the range of the bellows compression and expansion.
The results showed that dynalene MV retained a low viscosity/delay time at cryogenic temperatures, proving its ability to control superheated xenon. The results also showed that changing the pressure of dynalene MV through the bellows would result in an equal change to superheated xenon. Altogether, this new technology was proven effective and is expected to have a field-changing impact in the search for dark matter, as it is, as of now, technologically superior to all other detector technologies. Finally, the technology employed in this bubble chamber is expected to be used in identifying/localizing nuclear and radiological threats.
Research Interests:
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their properties are related with solar flares and sunspots in order to determine which forms of solar activity are correlated, if sunspots and/or flares... more
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their properties are related with solar flares and sunspots in order to determine which forms of solar activity are correlated, if sunspots and/or flares are the cause of CMEs or affect their properties, and to determine a model for predicting active region emergence.
The procedure involved looking through the NASA CME database, the SILSO sunspot database, and the BBSO flare database to observe daily occurrences of CMEs, the mass of CMEs, the linear speed of CMEs, solar sunspots, and solar flares. 157,680 sets of data were collected, from 1996 to 2008 (a complete solar cycle). These data points were put into an excel sheet, where trends were recorded.
The findings of this research are threefold. First, analysis led to the conclusion that there’s a correlation between CMEs, their properties, flares, and sunspots-- whether they be linear or inverse relationships. Second, causation was discovered between solar sunspots and CMEs, as sunspot increase/decrease occurred before the same CME increase/decrease. Finally, the inverse relationship between mass and CME amount, linear speed, and active region emergence signifies how physics laws function in zero gravity situations. These three discoveries pave the way for scientists to prepare against things like power outages, radio disturbances, as well as provide information that will secure safety to astronauts and the international space station.
The procedure involved looking through the NASA CME database, the SILSO sunspot database, and the BBSO flare database to observe daily occurrences of CMEs, the mass of CMEs, the linear speed of CMEs, solar sunspots, and solar flares. 157,680 sets of data were collected, from 1996 to 2008 (a complete solar cycle). These data points were put into an excel sheet, where trends were recorded.
The findings of this research are threefold. First, analysis led to the conclusion that there’s a correlation between CMEs, their properties, flares, and sunspots-- whether they be linear or inverse relationships. Second, causation was discovered between solar sunspots and CMEs, as sunspot increase/decrease occurred before the same CME increase/decrease. Finally, the inverse relationship between mass and CME amount, linear speed, and active region emergence signifies how physics laws function in zero gravity situations. These three discoveries pave the way for scientists to prepare against things like power outages, radio disturbances, as well as provide information that will secure safety to astronauts and the international space station.
Research Interests:
Through a postcolonial analysis of Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, the novel represents violent settler colonialism and a Western framework imposed onto Eastern philosophy and sovereignty, thus distorting East Asian schools of thought.... more
Through a postcolonial analysis of Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, the novel represents violent settler colonialism and a Western framework imposed onto Eastern philosophy and sovereignty, thus distorting East Asian schools of thought. Hesse’s convolution of Buddhist and Indian beliefs as well as structural power imbalances in Western and Eastern knowledge production will be explored as they are utilized as a tool for the domination of brown bodies and their femininity, masculinity, and gender-fluidity.