research

Current Research in Dr. Quarles' lab at TCU

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) applied to the characterization of materials such as polymers, polymer composites such as rubber-carbon black composites, metal particles, Zinc Oxide, and biological samples such as normal and tumor tissue.
Until recently, electron-atom inelastic collisions involving bremsstrahlung radiation. The electron accelerator used for this reserach was donated to UT El Paso in January 2008. A paper on the results of the last experiment done by Scott Williams looking for polarizational bremsstrahlung with 53 keV electrons on gold solid film targets of various thicknesses has been accepted for publication in Physical Review A.
Want to learn more? Look at our latest results on

To the student . . .

There are some very interesting research problems, and some very useful and important skills to be learned in PAS research. Some of the problems my students and I are working on have very practical applications in industry. Mastering the skills involved in this research may help you get a better job when you graduate.

If you work with me, you will have to become an expert in the techniques of positron annihilation spectroscopy. This includes learning how to use data acquisition and analysis techniques, x-ray and particle detectors, energy dispersive x-ray and gamma ray spectroscopy, modular electronics systems such as NIM and CAMAC, and time-coincidence techniques. You may also get experience with vacuum systems or need to master a variety of computer languages and systems, get involved with some computer interfacing, or do some computer modeling.

You will work with x-rays, gamma rays and radioactive sources. But you will learn how to work safely with radiation so that you can concentrate on the important thing . . . the physics!

CAQ

Students

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Last modified 11/13/08
Maintained by C. A. Quarles

Graphics design and animation by John Quarles