Jamal Khayat

Jamal, working on a pice of equipmetn in the vacuume lab.

Name: Jamal Khayat

Home Institution: University of Central Florida

Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semester: Summer 2019

Mentor:Kevin Nangoi & Chris Pierce

Q&A

What is the research you are engaged in and what you have accomplished this summer?

The research I have been engaged in over this summer has been a small contribution towards the development of low mean transverse energy (MTE) photocathodes, which are used to generate bright beams in particle accelerators. More specifically, my work involved characterizing the effects of space charge on the accuracy of measuring low MTEs, a necessary ability to have when developing low MTE photocathodes, as well as helping test out one of the lab's devices called the "MTE meter" that measures MTE.

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

The development of low MTE photocathodes allows for the generation of bright beams. The applications of bright beams include free-electron lasers and ultra-fast electron diffraction, which can be used to probe matter at atomic time and length scales.

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

The part of this research experience that I enjoyed most has been exploring uncharted scientific territory alongside researchers at one of the world's best universities. It has given me insight into what it's like to do work at a high-level research laboratory.

What did you find the most challenging about this research?

The part of this research that I found most challenging has been the same part that I enjoyed most: working on the boundaries of human scientific knowledge. In situations like these, there is no guidance on what to do or where to look next. It seems that a scientific intuition that one develops over time is what gives you guidance. And this is what I got to witness first hand by working alongside experienced researchers.

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

It has given me insight into what the day-to-day life of a researcher looks like.

REU Class of 2019

Jamal Khayat

Name: Jamal Khayat

The Center for Bright Beams

REU Class of 2019

Jamal Khayat

Name: Jamal Khayat

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