David Fake , IT 2009
Designing an apparatus to test the Achromatic Half Wave Plate used in the EBEX Polarimeter
Major
Mathematics and Physics
Mentor
Shaul Hanany, Physics
Brief Bio
I am very interested in math and physics and have recently been very intrigued by financial mathematics. I like to play racquetball, smash brothers, softball, and go wakeboarding.
Future Plans
I plan on getting a Ph.D in physics and eventually working in a physics laboratory, becoming a financial analyst, or working in a hedge fund.
Why Research?
I wanted to see what working in a physics lab was all about and see if this is what I really wanted to do with the rest of my life.
What Did I Get from Research?
My research experience has been very rewarding. I have been working in the lab for over a year and a half and have learned very much about physics and how to conduct experiments. I have learned how to be a part of a large team working toward a common goal. I have also learned a lot of physics theory, how to design parts using solid works and machine them in the student shop. Most importantly, I have greatly enhanced my analytical skills and learned to solve problems in a very methodical manner.
How Did I Start?
I read online about the research of several physics professors, found what I was interested in, and asked those professors if they had any room for an undergrad in their lab. For the first few months I simply volunteered my time. It really takes a while in order to contribute to the lab because you have to learn so much. After those first few months when I got a small project of my own I got paid. Recently I have received a UROP award.
My Advice for Another Student:
I would advise them to not be afraid to ask professors about their research and to especially volunteer some time in a lab to get the feel for it. I think funds are very competitive for many professors, and they are much more willing to take you on if you are willing to volunteer a little bit because it shows you are serious about working in a lab.
Research Summary
I am part of the observational cosmology group attempting to measure the polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation with a balloon-borne polarimeter. The experiment is called EBEX, and we are looking for direct evidence of the inflationary theory. I am designing and building an apparatus to test the levitating achromatic half wave plate that is going to be used in the polarimeter. The half wave plate is needed to measure the polarization, and is the largest half wave plate and first of its kind to be used in a balloon-borne cosmology experiment. It is attached to a magnet which levitates above a high temperature superconductor The balloon will be flown from Antarctica for a period of about three weeks and reach a height of 40 kilometers.