Projects

Neutron Lifetime Measurement

The BL3 experiment at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) measures the neutron lifetime by observing neutron decay in flight. The neutron lifetime is determined by comparing the rate of beta-decay protons captured in a Penning trap to the rate of beam neutrons passing through the trap. The neutron lifetime measured using the beam method differs from that measured using the bottle method by ~10 seconds. The continued disagreement hints at new physics, including neutron oscillations and low-energy physics in the dark sectors. 

3D Printing

A variety of 3D printers are available in the different facilities. From parts to aid in modeling and fabricate complex parts, to enclosures and parts used on their own, the multiple 3D printers can contribute to projects.   

Fusion Studies

Fusion has been a topic of interest for many decades with connections to energy sourcing, astrophysics and fundamental properties of interacting particles. With the advent of new facilities worldwide capable of delivering more exotic species, new studies with nuclei away from stability are possible. This bring light into this dynamical process and the properties of interacting nuclei. The available beam rate requires the use of highly efficient apparatus such as Mutli Sampling Ion Chamber (MuSIC) detectors. 

Animal Research

Animal research is conducted in specially equipped and secured areas of the Psychological and Brain Sciences and MSB-II Buildings, with all of the required health and safety features of a modern animal research facility. Facilities such as MIS-PBS and EIS-PBS contribute to the design, construction, maintenance and repair of the equipment used.

Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) is a single-particle technique where the masses of individual ions are determined from simultaneous measurement of their mass-to-charge ratio and charge. This capability enables the direct measurement of macromolecules that are often challenging to characterize using conventional ensemble mass spectrometry techniques. Innovative CDMS techniques developed at the IU Dept of Chemistry have enabled pushing the detection limits.

Coherent Neutrino Scattering

Clinical Studies with Patients

Research with human patients is an integral part of research at IU, in particular for departments such as Psychological and Brain Sciences or the School of Optometry. This covers a broad range of applications.  

Environmental Studies

Environmental studies are conducted by different group for the IU O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Such an example is study of thermal and photochemical reactions that occur on environmental surfaces. A campaign of measurements in Northern Michigan made use of five test chambers designed and built at IU. The whole system was controlled with a computer system with strong constraints as it was operated exposed to the elements. The system has been consequently used in multiple campaigns at the IU research reserve.

Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry is a branch of physical chemistry that studies the relationship between electrical parameters and the identifiable chemical changes. Electrochemical arrays promise utility for accelerated hypothesis testing and breakthrough discoveries. A new high-throughput electrochemistry platform, colloquially called “Legion,” for applications in electroanalysis and electrosynthesis has been developed at the IU Dept of Chemistry. Legion consists of 96 electrochemical cells that are independently controlled with a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

Neutron Radiography

A novel approach for neutron radiography using Micro-Channel Plate (MCP) detectors has been developed at the IU Dept of Chemistry. EIS has designed the wire plane board and delay boards for position determination, developed the C++ software and Qt user interface to control and handle data acquisition on a Linux based workstation. MIS has built the mechanical parts required for the detector assembly.

Beyond the Standard Model & Dark Matter

Axion, a light and weakly interacting particle, is hypothetized to be linked to physics beyond the standard model and is a leading candidate for dark matter. The ARIADNE experiment aims at measuring axion using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) with polarized ³He atoms. This tabletop experiment presents many challenges including magnetic shielding, resulting in very detailed design and choice of material.

Enclosures and Racks

Diverse enclosures, racks, shelves, carts and tables are needed for research and teaching laboratories. From small baskets to heavy duty carts, the designs are custom made to meet the specific needs with close attention to the material used to match the laboratory environment.