This summer I worked with Dr. John Farley , Dr. Jack Glassman , Mr. Stephen Mitchell and Miss Golshan Colayni at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) under the Research Experience for Undergraduate(REU) Program.

We worked on high resolution laser spectroscopy of molecular ions. My particular assignment to was use a non user friendly ion modeling software called SIMION 3D 6.0. I got the honor of simulating a baby ion beam and a big ion beam so that we could have a reference on how a perfect aligned beam is suppose to behave. With this we can relate it to the real world of nonalignment and get some grasp on what the potentials and voltages SHOULD be. The simulation must be in the right dimensions in order for it to be a true reference. The ions have to be truly represented along with the model. And in order for this to be possible one must know the physics behind the concept. This is where learning the fundamentals of the beams come into play. I have helped with the break down and cleaning of the beam. I have also gotten familiar with making the beam work and getting the ions into the Faraday cup. This experience helps me with the simulation by giving me the insight of the dimensions and voltages used. My first thought of course was that it was not an honor but a punishment. But quickly realized that this is what's called RESEARCH. It is not always easy to look up something and think you will find everything you need right there. As a matter of fact now that I think about it research was never easy, I just had the right resources to work with. But I am happy to say that I have learned a valuable lesson that I can share with the rest of the world (or whoever is interested in what I have to say). It was a real challenge and I commend all my mentors in putting me on this assignment to elevate my mind and skills. I was able to simulate the baby beam and even got some ions into the cup. I was also able to simulate part of the big beam with all the right dimensions. I had hoped to get a full simulation but time did not permit and I have to leave it in the hands of others. I left behind a revised manual so that others could follow with better ease.

I also worked with three other undergraduates. They were James King, Daniel Koury and David Sommer. They were all pretty interesting people. James was reviving the baby ion beam that I had to simulated. Daniel worked on a program for lock-in amplifiers to use on a helium laser project. David was the chemistry genius who got to work with explosive chemicals. Check their web pages out for further details on their projects.

To see some photos of the REU students just click here.