Eliza Walters

Name: Eliza Walters

Home Institution: Smith College

Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semester: Summer 2022

Mentors: Cameron Duncan

Q&A

What is the research you are engaged in?

My research is related to the study and simulation of multiple scattering effects in ultrafast electron diffraction (UED). The main research group utilizes a UED apparatus, where they shoot a gold sample with ultrafast laser pulses followed by an accelerated electron beam, and this allows them to examine the atomic motion in the sample through sequential diffraction patterns. So far, I have been working on understanding electron diffraction with thin samples of gold and making simulations of diffraction patterns. I have also made progress with simulating the effects of tilted beams and sample temperature on the diffraction patterns.

What are you hoping to accomplish by the end of your project?

The diffraction patterns I have been working with and simulating correspond to a thin sample of gold; however, the research group is studying how thickness and temperature can affect the diffraction, and with a thick sample, the predicted results from thin sample theory no longer hold. Thus, for the rest of my research, I will be simulating diffraction patterns that result from a thick sample of gold, heated up by the laser pulses. The ideal end goal of my project is to develop a numerical model to match the experimental data taken with the UED apparatus and the thick sample.

What are the impacts of your research for the general public?

This project studies multiple scattering effects in ultrafast electron diffraction from gold samples, and this is an important step in developing new technology and synthetic materials. Gold is a well-studied material, so using UED to understand and model multiple scattering in this simple case will allow future researchers to understand the same effects in new and complex materials.

What did you enjoy most about this research/summer experience?

My favorite and the most satisfying part of this research is being able to produce a result after hard work and learning how it fits into the bigger picture. Because of how challenging research can be, it is greatly rewarding to be able to come to a scientific conclusion and know that my work is contributing to a larger research project and field. Aside from my own research, I have also really enjoyed meeting new people from all different institutions and learning more about their experiences and research projects.

What did you find the most challenging about this research?

Because I am pretty new to scientific programming, it has been very challenging at times to grasp new physics concepts while also learning how to code. There are moments where I feel more comfortable coding but not as confident with the physics, and there are others where I have a better understanding of the physics concepts but struggle with applying them in the code. Despite the challenges, this experience has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I am thankful to be able to learn new physics while also gaining very valuable coding skills in the process.

How has this experience changed your view about being a researcher?

This experience has opened my eyes to the independence, challenges, and sense of responsibility that come with being a researcher. There are many times where I will not know an answer or certain process, and it is up to me to figure it out. While I’m sure this is a common experience for undergraduate students doing research in a complex field, I have also come to realize how many more experienced researchers go through a similar process; there are always unanswered questions, and grappling with unknown ideas is truly how research is conducted and scientific progress is made.

REU CLASS of 2022

Eliza Walters

Name: Eliza Walters

The Center for Bright Beams

REU CLASS of 2022

Eliza Walters

Name: Eliza Walters

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