Project Proposal for Physics
Physics 4052 Spring 2004
Y. Kubota K. Wick
Project Proposal for Physics 4052
Introduction
You must begin to think about a possible experimental project to carry out next semester (Physics 4052). The reason for this is two-fold: first, it will introduce you to the process of proposal writing, which is an unavoidable and very important part of modern experimentation, and second, it will enable us to make any necessary plans for procuring equipment. To start you thinking about this process, the following few pages present a catalog of some past and some possible projects. You are not required to choose one of these projects, although there are some very good ideas buried in there which are worthwhile to pursue as projects. Some motivated student groups also have found projects of their own and these have often been the best and most interesting. Ideas for projects often grow out of the material covered in other courses, out of work in some laboratory, or from ideas described in print somewhere. It may be especially profitable to spend some time in the library perusing the American Journal of Physics. There are many interesting ideas to be found there. Browse this course’s WEB page (URL: http://mxp.physics.umn.edu/srep) to see a list of previous projects, including their abstracts, to get an idea of the scope of the projects. Do not be over-ambitious; we do not expect you to push back the frontiers of science (yet)! The main purpose is to present yourselves with an interesting challenge, one that you can become enthusiastic about, and one that you will be able to complete in 10 weeks. Professional physicists are known to underestimate the time required to complete a project; you are no different and beginners are likely to be off by a factor 4 - 5 in their estimates for the time required. You should take this into account. Of course, the instructors will be able to give you some guidance/advice. You must take into account that mechanical and/or electronic
Y. Kubota K. Wick
Project Proposal for Physics 4052
Introduction
You must begin to think about a possible experimental project to carry out next semester (Physics 4052). The reason for this is two-fold: first, it will introduce you to the process of proposal writing, which is an unavoidable and very important part of modern experimentation, and second, it will enable us to make any necessary plans for procuring equipment. To start you thinking about this process, the following few pages present a catalog of some past and some possible projects. You are not required to choose one of these projects, although there are some very good ideas buried in there which are worthwhile to pursue as projects. Some motivated student groups also have found projects of their own and these have often been the best and most interesting. Ideas for projects often grow out of the material covered in other courses, out of work in some laboratory, or from ideas described in print somewhere. It may be especially profitable to spend some time in the library perusing the American Journal of Physics. There are many interesting ideas to be found there. Browse this course’s WEB page (URL: http://mxp.physics.umn.edu/srep) to see a list of previous projects, including their abstracts, to get an idea of the scope of the projects. Do not be over-ambitious; we do not expect you to push back the frontiers of science (yet)! The main purpose is to present yourselves with an interesting challenge, one that you can become enthusiastic about, and one that you will be able to complete in 10 weeks. Professional physicists are known to underestimate the time required to complete a project; you are no different and beginners are likely to be off by a factor 4 - 5 in their estimates for the time required. You should take this into account. Of course, the instructors will be able to give you some guidance/advice. You must take into account that mechanical and/or electronic