Physics dissertation defense of Amante Ama: Radially polarized Bessel beams

The Department of Physics of the School of Science and Engineering of Ateneo de Manila University cordially invites you to a Ph.D. in Physics Dissertation Defense by Amante T. Ama on Wednesday, May 6, 2:00 PM (ONLINE). His dissertation is entitled, “Radially polarized Bessel beams,” under the supervision of Raphael A. Guerrero, Ph.D. His dissertation panel members are Dr. Alvie Astronomo (PNRI), Dr. Joel Maquiling (Physics), Dr. Jose Mario Diaz (Chemistry), Dr. Ramon Delos Santos (Physics).

Abstract

A radial polarizer prepared by growing a thickness-constrained spherulite from an oleoresin polymer is presented. As an insert between crossed linear polarizers, the fabricated device is used to alter the intensity profile of an incident zero-order Bessel beam. Radially polarized output beams have an intensity profile with a pronounced singularity at the center. Beams may be rotated by a simple reorientation of the crossed polarizers. Experimental results with our radial polarizer correspond to a transformation of the Bessel beam order from l = 0 to l = 2.

Physics Dissertation Defense of Rayno Janayon: “Laser irradiation of Mung Bean at two wavelengths: effects on seedling development”

The Department of Physics of the School of Science and Engineering of Ateneo de Manila University cordially invites you to a Ph.D. in Physics Dissertation Defense by Rayno Vic B. Janayon on October 21, 2019, 5:00 PM at Faura Hall, Room F-106. His thesis is entitled, “Laser irradiation of Vigna Radiatia L. (Mung Bean) at two wavelengths: effects on seedling development,” under the supervision of Raphael A. Guerrero, Ph.D. His dissertation panel members are Roland Caballar, Ph.D. ( Quirino Memorial Medical Center), Ramon Delos Santos, Ph.D. (Physics), Joel Maquiling, Ph.D. (Physics), and Vivian Panes, Ph.D. (Biology) .

Abstract. The use of lasers in agriculture has led to improved growth and development of crops and vegetables, increasing production and ensuring food security.  In this study, two laser sources operating at wavelengths of 632.8 nm (He-Ne) and 488 nm (Ar+) are used in examining the effects of coherent, low-power, continuous wave exposure on the development of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) at an early stage. Pre-sowing laser irradiation of seeds leads to an improvement of mung bean seedling characteristics, with increased values of hypocotyl length (an increase of up to 22.5%), root length (an increase of up to 28.8%), and seedling mass (a maximum increase of 29.2%).  Measured parameters between seedlings from laser-irradiated seeds and from control samples are statistically different at a level of significance equal to 0.05.  For both laser wavelengths, an optimal exposure time of 2 minutes is determined for enhanced growth of mung bean seedlings. The findings of this dissertation research may be used to facilitate an increase in Philippine mung bean production. 

Ateneo Physics Talk: High energy efficiency solid-state optoelectronic devices based on III-Nitride semiconductor materials by DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Ryan G. Banal

by Christian Lorenz S. Mahinay

The Department of Physics of the School of Science and Engineering of Ateneo de Manila University cordially invites you to an open talk entitled High Energy Efficiency Solid-State Optoelectronic Devices based on III-Nitride Semiconductor Materials by Dr. Ryan G. Banal to be held at F106, Faura Hall, Ateneo de Manila University on Friday, 20 September 2019. 5:00 PM,

Abstract

The use of conventional light sources such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps for general lighting and sodium vapor and halogen lamps for street lighting are still being widely used in the Philippines. These conventional light sources consume not only large amount of energy (high-power consumption), they are also less efficient and have short lifetime. They therefore contribute to the high energy consumption and huge economic losses. With an increasing energy demand due to high population growth and economic activities amidst the depletion of non-renewable energy resources, there is a need to utilize our energy resources effectively and efficiently.

In this presentation, I will discuss the various benefits of using high-efficiency optoelectronic devices for solid-state lighting. These device technologies include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs). The important breakthroughs in this research area will be introduced, including the important role of the III-Nitride semiconductor materials, which are aluminum nitride (AlN), gallium nitride (GaN), indium nitride (InN) and their ternary alloys (AlGaN and InGaN) for the realization of these technologies. The author’s contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge in this research area will also be presented. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions using these semiconductor materials will be discussed.

About the Speaker

Dr. Ryan G. Banal is a DOST Balik Scientist Program awardee. He obtained his Doctor of Engineering degree at Electronics Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Japan. He is currently an assistant manager at Sumitomo Electric Industries, Inc. at Itami-shi, Japan. He is an expert in AIGaN/AIN/InN electronic device manufacturing through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, and semiconductor characterization.

Job Opening for Physics Faculty (Application deadline: 10 May 2019)

Dr. James Simpas gives a talk during the SOSE Open House 2019

The Department of Physics of the Ateneo de Manila University invites applications for a faculty position with one or more of the following fields of expertise:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Geophysics
• Materials Science
• Photonics
• Physics Education
• Theoretical Physics
• Vacuum and Plasma Technology

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have a PhD or MS in Physics or related fields. Post-doctoral fellowships, teaching experience in a post-secondary or tertiary institution, and membership in a professional association would be an advantage.

Our Vision and Mission

The Department of Physics is an internationally recognized Jesuit cnter of excellence in physics teaching and research in service of society. We envision a department that shall address key issues in earth systems physics, physics for sustainable development, and physics education.

The department engages in relevant scientific endeavors in the fields of atmospheric physics, geophysics, materials science, photonics, physics education, theoretical physics, vacuum and plasma technology. Through our collaborative, vibrant and collegial faculty, we form scientists of competence and compassion who empower society.

Application

Interested applicants should send the documents (PDF format) listed below to physics.sose@ateneo.edu

• Updated Curriculum Vitae
• Transcript of records from Institutions attended
• Application Letter addressed to Dr. Benjamin O. Chan, Acting Chair
• 2 references (former employer or mentor)

If the documents are satisfactory, the applicant will be invited for an interview, a teaching demonstration, and a seminar presentation. Qualified applicants will be notified by e-mail.

Application Deadline is 10 May 2019.

VSP-ADMU topical conference announcement: “Boosting up the Philippine Technology through National Laboratory System”

by Christian Lorenz S. Mahinay

The Vacuum Society of the Philippines (VSP) in collaboration with the Department of Physics, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, will be hosting the short topical conference which is free of attendance to all interested persons. The topical conference will center on discussions regarding a multidisciplinary approach in utilizing scientific resources in vacuum sciences and allied fields to raise the economic potential of high-tech industries and developing national research laboratories within the Philippines. Students and guests from Doshisha University, Japan, under the Global Resource Management program, will discuss on the possibility of strengthening the Philippines technological competitiveness through forming an inter-university research network with Japanese universities. Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Sunpower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd. will also give a talk regarding this topic from the view point of government and private industrial sectors.

Members and associates of VSP, and students can submit abstracts for the conference in both academic fields: business and technology. Selected papers will be invited to give a short oral presentation regarding their work on a special session on the second day of the conference. The scientific committee welcomes wide variety in academic fields.

There will be a guided tour through selected laboratories within Ateneo and UP and a historical tour to the National Museum in Intramuros, Manila on the second day.

• Venue:  Faura Hall Audio Visual Room (AVR)
• Schedule: March 4 and 5, 2019

Tentative Schedule:

March 4, 2019 (Monday)

• 8:30 – 8:45 AM: Registration
• 8:45 – 9:00 AM: Opening Ceremonies
• 9:00 – 9:30 AM: First talk by Prof. Motoi Wada
• 9:30 – 10:00 AM: 2^nd talk by Dr. Henry J. Ramos
• 10:00 – 10:30 AM: 3^rd talk by Ateneo representative
• 10:30 – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break
• 10:45 – 11:15 AM: 4^th talk by Dr. Alexander Mendenilla
• 11:15 – 11:45 AM: 5^th talk by DOST representative
• 11:45 – 12:15 PM: 6^th talk (TBA)
• 12:15 – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 – 5:00 PM: Selected Laboratory tours within Ateneo, UP and PNRI

March 5, 2019 (Tuesday)

• 9:00 – 9:15 AM: Registration
• 9:15 – 10:30 AM: 1^st round of Selected talks by students
• 10:30 – 10:45 AM: Coffee Break
• 10:45 – 12:00 NN: 2^nd round of Selected talks by students
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00 – 5:00 PM: National Museum tour