Wavelength-selective, sequential Q-switching laser cavity

Single-frequency continuous output of laser is converted into series of high-power laser pulses at high repetition rates. Applications include pollutant detection by absorption, laser gain measurements at discrete wavelengths, laser propagation measurement, and laser plasma diagnostics

Iron Intercalation in Covalent-Organic Frameworks: A Promising Approach for Semiconductors

Covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) are intriguing platforms for designing functional molecular materials. Here, we present a computational study based on van der Waals dispersion-corrected hybrid density functional theory (DFT-D) to design boroxine-linked and triazine-linked COFs intercalated with Fe. Keeping the original $P-6m2$ symmetry of the pristine COF (COF-Fe-0), we have computationally designed seven new COFs by intercalating Fe atoms between two organic layers. The equilibrium structures and electronic properties of both the pristine and Fe-intercalated COF materials are investigated here. We predict that the electronic properties of COFs can be fine tuned by adding Fe atoms between two organic layers in their structures. Our calculations show that these new intercalated-COFs are promising semiconductors. The effect of Fe atoms on the electronic band structures and density of states (DOSs) has also been investigated using the aforementioned DFT-D method. The contribution of the $d$-subshell electron density of the Fe atoms plays an important role in improving the semiconductor properties of these new materials. These intercalated-COFs provide a new strategy to create semi-conducting materials within a rigid porous network in a highly controlled and predictable manner.Comment: 39 pages. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1703.0261

Toying with Technology Application for Student Learning

The Toying with Technology Program on campus teaches non-STEM students how to build and then program NXT Mindstorms Rovers. These students then take this knowledge they learn in class to local schools and student groups through outreach events. However, the current documentation in place can be confusing at times, and still takes a lot of direction from student helpers, which is problematic when dealing with a large group of children. To solve this issue, this project aims to create better documentation and resources for the teachers and students. This project resulted in the production of step by step instructions using words as well as visuals to help students construct their robots. Additionally, instructions were produced on how to connect the robot to the computer, and then how to program it. These programming instructions teach the students how programming works, and how block programming and code programming relate to one another. With these instructions, students should gain a greater understanding for building and programming robotics, and hopefully gain more interest in the field of engineering