Matthew Tao

Matt, working on pcu boards in a computer.

Name: Matthew Tao

Home Institution:Purdue University

Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semester: Summer 2019

Mentor: Ryan Porter

Q&A

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

I am currently working on high speed and precision temperature mapping of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities. Temperature mapping basically measures the temperature around a cavity by using thermometers. The project I am working on involves replacing the old temperature mapping system's hardware and software. I have tested the new electronics, as well as implemented a variety of MATLAB and python functions.

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

My research will help pave a better understanding of the thermal physics of SRF cavities. By understanding what causes temperatures to rise in these cavities, better accelerator technology can be created. Accelerator technology can apply to medical diagnoses, industrial manufacturing, and national security.

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

I enjoyed interacting with my research group and being a member of the SRF team. The graduate and undergraduate students were insightful and always have interesting topics to talk about. The SRF BBQ's on Fridays in particular were among the highlights of my summer. While chowing down on hot dogs and hamburgers, conversation subjects ranged from Mellotrons to sea salt from France!

What did you find the most challenging about this research?

Learning about the hardware and software of the temperature mapping system was quite difficult. I inherited a temperature mapping system that had 2500 lines of MATLAB code already written. Figuring out how to configure a graphical user interface (GUI) in MATLAB was challenging, in addition to understanding the logic of the code and how the data was managed. However, I acquired invaluable skills from the struggling at the beginning of the summer.

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

Before arriving at Ithaca, I was under the impression that research is a difficult task. After this experience, I still think that research is difficult, but enjoyable work. This REU experience has made me realize the importance of communicating my research to the scientific community. Talking about my research has become easier and more enjoyable to do after presenting my work.

REU Class of 2019

Matthew Tao

Name: Matthew Tao

The Center for Bright Beams

REU Class of 2019

Matthew Tao

Name: Matthew Tao

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