Graduate Research Assistant
University of Kentucky, August 2019 - Present
Optical Metrology: Expert in polarization modulation ellipsometry, specializing in precise optical alignment, system calibration, and optimization. Developed a system for detecting minute magnetic field variations associated with spin-polarized helium-3 targets using magneto-optic effects without magnetic shielding, estimating a shot noise limited sensitivity of $4.8\times10^{-11}\ \text{G}/\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$ under spin-exchange optical pumping operating temperautre ($\sim510\ \text{K}$).
Laser Frequency Stabilization: Extensive experience in spectroscopic laser locking using PDH and DSAS techniques with cavities and alkali metals (Rb, K), reducing laser frequency drift to $200\ \text{kHz}/\text{h}$ – over $110$ times more stable than unlocked systems. Implemented sideband locking over $24\ \text{GHz}$ using a $6\ \text{GHz}$ bandwidth EOM for precise frequency control.
Software Development: Published two Python packages on GitHub using object-orientated programming to interface with scientific instruments like wavelength meter and Gaussmeter, eliminating reliance on low-level SCPI commands while optimizing buffer management and communication protocols.
Lab Automation: Proficient in developing modular Python-based synchronous data acquisition systems for communication with scientific instruments such as wavelength meter, laser controller, lock-in amplifiers, and Gaussmeter. The system efficiently initializes, configures, and synchronizes instruments, sending TTL-level pulse trigger signals and recording data in their buffers with sub-millisecond time differences.
Merritt Coil Development and Implementation: Designed and simulated a compact Merritt coil system to replace Helmholtz coils, reducing the size by 6x while halving the longitudinal field gradient and increasing the uniform field range by 33%. Utilized Python and Autodesk Inventor, collaborating closely with machine shop teams to ensure successful implementation.
Compact Magnetic Field Design: Independently developed a magnet box prototype using COMSOL and MATLAB Simulink, generating a $7\ \text{G}$ magnetic field with a $20\ \text{mG}/\text{cm}$ gradient over a $10\ \text{cm}$ range. The box, measuring approximately $18\ \text{cm}\times18\ \text{cm}\times33\ \text{cm}$, enhanced my expertise in FEA and involved leveraging concepts like magnetic scalar potential and image fields.
Cryogenic and Vacuum Systems: Contributed to system calibration and maintenance of a cryogenic system, gaining hands-on experience with vacuum technologies over five years.
Ongoing Projects: Machine learning algorithms for real-time magnetic field cancellation.
Korsch, W., Broering, M., Timsina, A., Leung, K.K., Abney, J., Budker, D., Filippone, B.W., He, J., Kandu, S., McCrea, M. and Roy, M., 2024. Electric charging effects on insulating surfaces in cryogenic liquids. Review of Scientific Instruments, 95(4).
Talk at APS Global Physics Summit 2025, Anaheim, California
Talk at APS April Meeting 2024, Sacramento, California
Graduate Student Congress (GSC) Conference Award
University of Kentucky
April 2024
Huffaker Travel Scholarship
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Kentucky
July 2022, April 2024, March 2025
Departmental Fellowship for Graduate Students with an Outstanding Curriculum
Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Kentucky
August 2017 - May 2019
Max Steckler Fellowship, Graduate School Fellowship
Graduate School, University of Kentucky
August 2018