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“[We were] looking for a broad mathematics
library that also had an easy programming language such as Java.
The Quick Start guide of the JMSL Numerical Library was very useful
and made learning very easy. The chart routines and math routines
are also very simple to find.”"
--Marian Harrison, Physics Student, Brigham
Young University
QUICK
FACTS
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Physics student determining optical constants in the field of Extreme Ultraviolet Optics for use on space probes and satellites
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JMSL Library used for advanced math routines, charting feature and easy programming
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THE PROBLEM
In the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Brigham Young University
(BYU), students and professors are working in the field of
optics to answer big questions about earth and space.
To learn about the physical properties of stars, for example,
or the materials that make up the earth, scientists have begun working in
the Extreme Ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Compared to
ultraviolet light, Extreme Ultraviolet is even more difficult to detect,
but has the ability to help scientists understand gases at the center of
stars and at the earth’s core.
To study objects using Extreme Ultraviolet wavelengths, scientists
use mirrors to manipulate light at tiny wavelengths. An optics
scientist’s goal is to create the smoothest mirror possible in order
to see the various spectra in their purest form. A perfectly smooth surface
on a mirror is impossible, but scientists are learning new ways to minimize
and account for the “roughness”, creating a more accurate picture.
The mirrors can be mounted on a space probe to monitor the stars or on a
satellite to monitor the earth.
Marian Harrison, a student in the BYU Department of Physics and Astronomy is
studying how new materials can minimize roughness on a mirror. A material called
thorium dioxide is showing the most promise for Harrison and her colleagues.
But even thorium dioxide can’t
create a completely smooth surface. So Harrison has created a program that can
account for the roughness on a mirror.
THE SOLUTION
Harrison’s professor had been looking for a broad mathematics
library that also has an easy programming language. He found the
JMSL™ Numerical Library for Java™ Applications. Harrison
uses the JMSL Library on a Windows PC along with Eclipse, a Java
development platform. She took advantage of the Quick Start feature
in the JMSL Library: “The Quick Start guide was very useful.
It made learning the JMSL Library language very easy. Chart routines
and math routines are also very easy to find”, says Harrison.
Using the JMSL Library, Harrison simulated a perfectly smooth mirror and an ordinary
mirror coated with thorium dioxide. Harrison used the chart class to easily create
images of her random surfaces. She then modeled the radiation (EUV rays) reflecting
off of the surface. For the models, she used the Random, Quadrature, Spline,
and Fourier Transform math routines.
She would collect the reflection readings from 0 to 90 degrees across the surface
of the mirror. At each degree, she would collect 1000 points. Her application
compares reflection from the smooth surface data to the rough surface data to
get an effective reflection coefficient for the thorium dioxide. The program
could apply to any kind of material, which would help scientists explore other
materials for minimizing mirror roughness. Harrison has presented her findings
in a Society of Physics Students session of the annual summer meeting of the
American Association of Physics Teachers.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Marian Harrison and her professor applaud the JMSL Library for its easy programming language
and structure that makes it easy to find chart routines and math routines.
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Industry
Education
Application
Developing Optical Constants
Product
JMSL Library
Students and professors in the Brigham Young University Department
of Physics and Astronomy work hand in hand to conduct research
in areas such as Extreme Ultraviolet Optics and Quantum Optics.
Key Benefits
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Quick application development |
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Easy programming language |
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Superior charting capabilities |
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