Game Theory is a branch of mathematics that helps to understand how decisions are made when players have to confront conflict situations. Conflict situations arise when two or more players compete for limited resources or try to share a common resource. It has been proven that, in game theory, quantum strategies have superior efficiencies and can be more successful when played against classical strategies. We examine when two players use different strategies, namely quantum and classical, if the order they play affects the results. Also, we examine, if one of the players performs both types of strategies, the most appropriate sequence that he has to choose in order to enhance his chances of winning.
Stock market dynamics are of interest to physicists because of their resemblance to the systems studied in statistical physics. There are several multi-agent models that have been suggested to explain the characteristics of these systems. We propose a model with two groups of agents: optimists, and pessimists. The system becomes realistic only when two groups are balanced. Simulations of the proposed model have proved that it exhibits most of the stylized facts observed in financial markets: fat-tailed probability distribution, log normal volatility distribution, slowly decaying autocorrelation of absolute return, and multifractal properties. It was observed that the fat-tail has a gradient closer to 3, and the volatility correlation decays at a rate closer to 0.5, which agrees with the actual data. In this talk, I will discuss about the model, and some of the results.
By tracking a Physics 201 class through a semester, good information can be gained from their attendance, grades, and study habits. This talk examines that data and makes predictions about student patterns that will help them succeed in the class.
Measuring accurate distances to celestial objects is one of the most difficult endeavors in astronomy, yet one of the most critical. Determining the fundamental properties of stars and galaxies -- linear size, mass, density, and even age -- requires knowledge of the distance from the Earth to the object. Trigonometric parallax provides the most basic means of determining interstellar distances, and serves as the "base" upon which the "cosmic distance ladder" -- calibration of secondary means of determining distances -- is set. However, the parallax angle presented by distant stars is very small. I will review methods used over the past century to measure parallax angles, and discuss how NASA's new Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) is expected to revolutionize parallax measurement and the cosmic distance scale. I will speak specifically about the Globular Cluster Key Project to determine globular cluster ages, and will present BGSU's role in this project.
The Structure and Initial Mass Function of h and chi Persei -- Dr. Ann Bragg
While most babies are born with about the same mass, stars are quite different. Stars are formed with an enormous range of masses, from less than one-tenth of our Sun's mass to more than a hundred times our Sun's mass. Understanding the number of stars formed with different initial masses is critical to understanding the chemical evolution of galaxies and the Universe. An accurate measure of this initial mass function also helps test star formation theories. If a theory predicts the wrong endproducts, the theory needs work. I will discuss the initial mass function of h and chi Persei, a pair of open star clusters located about 2000 parsecs away. In addition, I will discuss how the spatial variation of this mass function can be used to help understand the formation and evolution of these clusters.
>>> Postponed until Jan 2006 <<<
Intracluster Stars: Stars Between the Galaxies -- Dr. Patrick R. Durrell (Youngstown State University)
An important part of the formation and evolution of galaxies in clusters is the gravitational interactions between the constituent galaxies. A natural result of such processes is the liberation of stars from their parent galaxies into intracluster (or intra-group) space, and the past decade has seen direct detections of individual intracluster stars, planetary nebulae and globular clusters in a number of environments. I will present results from an HST-based study of intracluster red giant branch (IC-RGB) stars in the Virgo Cluster, where intracluster stars make up 10 - 20% of the total light in the cluster. I will also describe our current program to search for intergalactic objects (RGB stars and planetary nebulae) in the M81 Group, and report on the discovery of young stars forming between the primary galaxies, including two possible `tidal dwarf' galaxies that have recently formed from the tidally stripped HI gas. Finally, I will be presenting initial results from our recent HST-ACS program (37 orbits) to study the origin of Virgo's intracluster population.
Astronomical Data Collection and Processing at the BGSU Observatory -- J. Leon Wilde
In this seminar, I will give an overview of the work I do at the BGSU observatory for the RR Lyrae Project led by Dr. Layden, discussing data collection, CCD imaging physics, and fundamental image correction techniques that provide astronomers with good science and pretty pictures.
Measurement of the Thermoelectric Figure of Merit for a Novel Material: La0.6 Fe3 CoSb12 -- Jagannath Paul
The electrical resistivity of a filled-Skutterudite is measured under adiabatic and isothermal conditions using a custom built apparatus. Using the ratio of adiabatic electrical resistivity to the isothermal resistivity, which is directly related to the thermoelectric figure of merit, the FOM is determined.
All-Optical Switch using Thin Film ZnTe on Glass -- Chinthaka Liyanage
A thin film of ZnTe on glass has shown a great potential for use as an all-optical switch, with switch contrasts up to 22%, far better than GaAs or CdS. The switch contrast depends on parameters such as laser intensity, film characteristics, and temperature. In this presentation I will talk about the work done in the past few months, the results, drawbacks and successes as well as future plans to use optical fiber to replace open beams of laser.
In the technological world where smaller is better, the ability to produce small-scale features quickly and easily is becoming more and more important. One popular technique for producing such features in circuits and for other devices is photolithography. In my presentation I will discuss some of the work that I conducted in this field while attending my undergraduate institution. I will also discuss how my involvement in this research led me to another project in which I created a crude photometer for use in the Shippensburg University observatory.
The response of CdS as a Light Dependent Resistor at low and high intensities of light for different wavelengths was measured. We calculated a parameter called “b” and the dark resistance of the semiconductor material and studied the variation of “b” with wavelength.
Based on the detailed balance principle, the Roosbroeck-Shockley relation (RSR) links absorption and emission of semiconductors and is of similar fundamental importance as the Kramers-Kronig relations, which associate absorption with reflectance. However, in comparison to the frequently quoted Kramers-Kronig relations, the RSR is barely advocated in the field of semiconductor optics. Specifically for the technologically important semiconductor GaAs, the RSR is barely used. This talk shows that the RSR accurately describes the emission of heavily p-doped GaAs in the temperature range of 50 K - 300 K. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the RSR can be used to determine the carrier temperature under laser excitation. To the best of our knowledge, this talk links for the first time RSR and carrier temperature in GaAs.
Geometric Algebra: A Unifying Language for Physics? Part I: Classical Mechanics -- Marco Nardone
The proponents of geometric (Clifford) algebra claim that this formalism provides a unified mathematical language for the whole of physics. It is also claimed that geometric algebra is especially well adapted for clear geometric interpretations and computational efficiency. This first part of three presentations will focus on the use of geometric algebra in classical mechanics. Subsequent presentations consider electrodynamics, relativity and quantum mechanics using the same mathematical machinery. The purpose of this series is to evaluate the potential of geometric algebra as a unifying language for physics.
Physics of the Pinewood Derby -- Daniel Sayles (Undergrad Physics Major)
The Pinewood Derby, an annual Cub & Boy Scout event, involves a lot of physics -- velocity & acceleration, potential & kinetic energy, and friction & air resistance. This talk will present some early results of an investigation into the physics of this event.
Andy Layden -- Fall 2005