Graduate Research Assistant
University of Kentucky, August 2019 - Present
Optical Metrology: Expert in polarization modulation ellipsometry. Performed precise optical alignment, system calibration and optimization, utilizing lock-in amplifiers, Muller calculus, and waveform analysis to achieve sub-μrad accuracy in sensitive optical signal measurements.
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 kHz/h, more than 110 times more stable than unlocked laser.
Software Development: Strong background in scientific programming, developed Python package for the wavelength meter, facilitating efficient communication and buffer usage without relying on low-level SCPI commands.
Data Analysis: Created and implemented multiple Python scripts for comprehensive Faraday rotation data analysis. All scripts and packages are available on GitHub to promote transparency and collaboration in scientific research.
Synchronous Data Acquisition (SDAQ): Proficient in developing modular Python-based SDAQ systems for communication with scientific instruments such as digital I/O interfaces, wavelength meters, laser controllers, lock-in amplifiers, and Gaussmeters. 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 as a replacement for Helmholtz coils, reducing size by 6x while doubling 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 G magnetic field with a 20 mG/cm gradient over a 10 cm range. The box, measuring approximately 18 cm x 18 cm x 33 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, software development for scientific instruments and implementing side-band laser locking using EOM.
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 April Meeting 2024, Sacramento, California