Jack Isen

Name: Jack Isen

Home Institution: UCLA

Program: Research Experience for Undergraduates

Semester: Summer 2020

Mentor: Pietro Musumeci

Q&A

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

I am currently working in the Particle Beam Physics Lab at UCLA. For the REU I worked on aproject called “Beam Combining.” The goal of this project is to increase beam brightness from DC electron guns. We accomplish this by splitting the beam of electrons that exits the photocathode into multiple smaller beamlets and collimating them all separately. After collimating them, the beamlets are combined into a single, high brightness beam. Because of the ongoing pandemic, the work I did over the summer was largely simulation based.

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

Electron guns are used in many ways that benefit the general public, from cancer therapies to wafer manufacturing. The research I have been conducting is essentially a way to increase brightness of the electron source, so it could be incorporated into the electron guns used by the general public to improve their operation.

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

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to lead independent research. In my past experiences with research I had always had smaller roles in collaborative projects. It was very fun to start the project and choose how to proceed. I also enjoyed having the opportunity to present my project to other researchers. Prior to this REU I had never had to present research, so it helped me to develop skills that I am sure will be useful in my future career.

What did you find the most challenging about this research?

Having the entire REU take place online was difficult but unavoidable. With that being said, the REU was administered well and took multiple time zones into account with regards to scheduling. Being on the West Coast, this eased the challenge of everything being online.

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

Even though my project was largely independent, I made use of the guidance and assistance of many others. I think that this experience has shown me that all of research is collaborative to some extent and has emphasized the importance of being able to present research clearly.

REU Class of 2020

Jack Isen

Name: Jack Isen

The Center for Bright Beams

REU Class of 2020

Jack Isen

Name: Jack Isen

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