Nuclear Physics at BYU is primarily directed toward two applications. The first, under the direction of Prof. Lawrence Rees, is the use of ion beams and related methods to analyze elemental composition and the depth profile of a wide variety of materials. The second area, headed by Dr. Bart Czirr (Adjunct Prof. and employee of Photonics, Inc.), is to develop neutron detectors. Applications for these detectors include fundamental research and homeland security.
The BYU Ion Beam Analysis Facility
We are equipped with a 2 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator, detectors, and x-ray spectrometers to do a wide range of materials analysis including Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) Spectroscopy, wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) X-ray Analysis, Particle Induced Gamma-Ray Emission (PIGE) Spectroscopy, and Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) Spectroscopy. Our primary focus is PIXE.
PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) Spectroscopy is a method of trace element analysis using particle accelerators and nuclear physics techniques. The BYU PIXE group is a collaboration of Lawrence Rees of the Department of Physics and Astronomy with Marvin Kuchar of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry along with students and support personnel from both departments.Our research work encompasses a wide range of samples. Presently, our areas of emphasis include lichens used as long-term air quality monitors, air particulate samples, and mummy hair. For details about PIXE analysis, please refer to the links listed below.
Research opportunities are usually available for graduate and undergraduate students in both physics and chemistry. Occasionally paid positions for undergraduates are also available. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Rees or Dr. Kuchar directly.
The following website may be of interest:
Neutron Detector Development
Dr. Bart Czirr is internationally recognized as a leader in the design and fabrication of low-energy neutron spectrometers. He is presently working on building and characterizing several detectors. He has recently been given a homeland security grant to develop a detector system to be used for locating uranium and plutonium in shipping containers.
Dr. Czirr can use students on his projects. If you may have interest in working with Dr. Czirr, it is usually easiest to make contact through Dr. Rees.