Julia Kirkey
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Lu Li
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Physics / LSA
Program:
Authors: Julia Kirkey, Lu Li
Session: Session 3: 11:00 am – 11: 50 am
Poster: 81
Abstract
In this project (“New Probe for Solid State”), samples are placed into high magnetic fields and observed. One point of curiosity is the conductivity of these items, which is found by measuring the difference in voltage between the top and bottom of the sample. To do this, we use an operational amplifier on a PCB board, but with so many options it is difficult to determine what amplifier, resistors, and SMA connectors to use. Most of my work this year was spent researching and designing this PCB board. To start I read The Art of Electronics (Chapter 4: Operational Amplifiers) by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill. I learned how to solve circuits involving Op Amps, and their properties. Then I used LTC Spice to test different Op Amps for consistent voltage. After deciding which to use, I began designing the PCB board on EasyEDA. Next we ordered the board and soldered the pieces we needed to it (resistors, SMA connectors, capacitors). Completing this process left us with a board to be used for measuring the conductivity of the samples. It also left me with a lot more knowledge of electronics that will be helpful in future projects. This research was valuable because it allowed us to design a personalized board. Designing the board ourselves gives us the confidence that there will be minimal interference and we will get accurate readings.
