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 Physics at Virginia

Chris Jantzi

B.S. Physics, 2015, University of Washington
Graduate Student

Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics

Advisor: Cates, Gordon (gdc4k)

Research Interests

My research focuses on studying the spin structure of neutrons. For my part, I fill, characterize, and bench test high pressure, "alkali-hybrid" target cells for experiments at Jefferson Lab. The glass target cells have a mixtrue of rubidium and potassium, we add some nitrogen for flavor, and finish it off with a large helping of helium-3. Bake at 200 degrees celcius for seven days, polarize to taste.

My day-to-day involves lasers. Lots of lasers. I'm assembling and fine-tuning a laser spectroscopy setup for pressure broadening measurements which will be used to determine the exact pressure and the exact ratio of potassium to rubidium inside the cells. This measurement utilizes an 125 mW, tunable diode laser and I hope to make the entire process of taking pressure broadening measurements turn-key. I'm also currently putting four 50W lasers through their paces. They'll be used to polarize the target cells and run tests that simulate conditions the cells will see when we put them in front of a beam at Jefferson Lab. The lasers are on a moveable rack we've dubbed the "Death Star".

If any of that sounds interesting or you have questions, you're welcome to check out my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/greatjantzitsu/) where I post pictures and commentary about my research or just email me and I'd be happy to give you a tour (provided nothing is recently, imminently, or currently exploding in the lab).