NSF Award
9350114
Dr. Bennett's research project involves two distinct area: nonlinear optics in optical fibers and optical properties of thin polymer films. In the first project, the nature of fibers which have been conditioned to produce second harmonic generation (SHG) will be investigated. In particular, she will obtain a spatially- resolved map of the built-in electric field along the length of fibers conditioned for SHG. It is expected that the effects of surface charges will have to be very carefully controlled and analyzed. The second project involves developing interferometric techniques to measure thermally-induced changes in thin polymer films, both in real time and in situ. Specifically, Dr. Bennett will distinguish between the separate contributions of thermal expansion and refractive index change to the variation in optical thickness of thin films as the temperature and/or relative humidity in their environment changes. Dr. Bennett has had extensive experience in the measurement of surface characteristics and thin film properties. Interactive activities at the host institution include: interacting with women in physics at the five colleges in western Massachusetts by teaching a Physics Laboratory at Mount Holyoke College, teaching a short course on surface characterization during the winter quarter, and lecturing at all five colleges on topics of interest to students in Dr. Bennett's areas of expertise. She also plans to update the experiments in the optics laboratory and develop new experiments for an advanced optics laboratory at Mount Holyoke College. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
