RESEARCH PROJECTS
ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016
Title: Development and Evaluation of a Simple Dispersion Model for an Atmospheric Point
Source
Supervisor: Professor Alfred Micallef
Project Description: The candidate will be required to research and understand the
mathematical theory of simple dispersion models for point sources. S/he will then write a
computer program that will facilitate the necessary calculations. The results of the computer
model will be analysed statistically and compared with the respective empirical data.
Requirements/Suitability: Ideally the student should either have computer science/IT or
mathematics as the other option. Nevertheless, anyone willing to learn computer programming
and dispersion theory should be able to cope. Knowledge of statistical analysis is essential.
Title: Vertical profiling of micrometeorological parameters in indoor environments
Supervisor/Co-supervisor: Professor Alfred Micallef, Dr Pierre-Sandre Farrugia
Project Description: Various indoor environments will be investigated. Measurements of basic
micrometeorological parameters and carbon dioxide concentration will be made at different
heights within the confined environment. The collected data will be used to construct vertical
profiles of the various parameters. Time series analysis of the collected data is also expected. A
regression model (based on the empirical data) will then be developed and time-allowing it
should be tested/evaluated.
Requirements/Suitability: Ideally the student should either have computer science/IT or
mathematics as the other option. Knowledge of statistical analysis is essential.
Title: Predicted use of an 800 metre airstrip on Gozo.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Professor Ray Ellul and Professor Liberato Camilleri
Project Description: The use of a suggested construction of an 800 metre airstrip on Gozo
would depend very much on the weather locally. The Atmospheric research group has records
that go back about 20 years. An analysis of these, together with the requirements for a light
aircraft that can take about 20 passengers should result in an estimate of the possible frequency
of use of this airstrip and suggest whether this is commercially viable.
Suggested student qualification: Physics and Mathematics with some statistics.
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Title: Service and calibration of two Ozone monitors with a Primary ozone standard.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Professor Ray Ellul and Mr Martin Saliba
Project Description: This project would analyse the inter comparison of two ozone monitors
and how these can be calibrated against a primary standard. All instruments are located at
Giordan lighthouse, Gozo. The work is primarily of an experimental nature and would teach the
student how these extremely sensitive monitors are operated and kept within the required
calibration limits.
Suggested student qualifications: Physics and Mathematics or Chemistry student.
Title: Analysis of Greenhouse gases from Picarro analyser.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Professor Ray Ellul and Mr Martin Saliba
Project Description: This analyser is an Euro 80,000 instrument and gives the concentration of
the four GHG’s namely CO, CO2, CH4 and H2O. The project would focus on analysis of the
trends, both annual and seasonal of the GHG’s and also the installation of a calibration system
and multipoint calibration. Comparison of the results with the Aero laser CO analyser would also
be expected.
Suggested student qualifications: Physics and Mathematics or Chemistry or Statistics student.
Title: Analysis of ship emissions from Malta - Gozo Channel ferries and alternative modes of
Transport.
Supervisor/Co-supervisors: Prof R Ellul and Mr M Saliba
Project Description: This project would seek to quantify the ship emissions from the present
ferries and identify alternatives as these ferries reach the end of their 30 year lifetime. The GHG
emissions from both ferries and alternative modes of transport (eg tunnel, bridge)should be
looked at and compared.
Suggested student qualifications: Physics and Mathematics or Statistics.
Title: Validation of NWP model with use in a PUFF model.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisors: Prof R Ellul and Eng. F Azzopardi and Dr C Galdies.
Project Description: This project would seek to validate the Numerical Weather prediction data
so that it can be utilised for the Volcanic ash tracking model PUFF. The results of the forecast
would be presented on a website which will need to be set up.
Student qualifications: Physics and Mathematics
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Title: Analysis of data from the Tracerlab Radon daughter monitor RDM PLUS SF.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Prof R Ellul and Eng. F Azzopardi.
Project Description: In this project analysis of Radon 222 data would be carried out to obtain a
better understanding of the situation at Giordan lighthouse. The difference between “slow” and
“fast” measurements would also be investigated.
Student qualifications: Physics and Mathematics or Statistics.
Title: Analysis of NOx and SO2 peaks at Giordan Lighthouse when wind direction is from the
South East.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Prof R Ellul and Eng. F Azzopardi.
Project Description: This project would investigate the effect of local pollution on a rural
location especially during rush hours in Malta. It would help in raising awareness of local
pollution among the general public.
Student qualifications:
Physics and Mathematics or Chemistry.
Title: Analysis of data from 3D Ultrasonic anemometer.
Supervisor/Co-supervisor: Prof R Ellul and Dr PS Farrugia.
Project Description: We have four years worth of data from the Giordan lighthouse 3D
Ultrasonic anemometer. Analysis will yield the trend patterns of data from this valuable
instrument and knowledge of the turbulence patterns in the vicinity of Giordan lighthouse.
Student qualifications: Physics and Mathematics or Statistics and ability to do programming
Title: Measuring indoor air quality parameters in primary schools
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Dr Pierre-Sandre Farrugia, Professor Alfred Micallef
Project Description: In developed countries people spend around 90% of their time indoors,
implying that in terms of exposure the indoor environment is important. Being an environment
that is bound by walls that limit the free exchange of air with the outside the physical
characteristics of indoor air can be quite distinct from that present outdoors. As yet research in
indoor air quality has only recently taken off.
Regarding Malta, we predominantly use natural ventilation to recirculated air in indoor
environment. By this it is meant that we use the naturally occurring crevices in the wall and
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openings as well as pressure differences to induce air to flow through a building. While this has
the advantage of not being energy intensive, it has the disadvantage of leaving minimal human
control on the air quality.
In such a scenario, concern is raised about the indoor air quality in classrooms where pupils have
minimal say on their environment. As yet, due to age, they are the most susceptible to the quality
of the air. The problem was highlighted in February 2012 when Teachers’ union expressed its
concerns regarding reports that temperatures in class rooms where as low as 8 0C.
For this reason, there is the need to determine basic air quality indicators in scholastic
environments. The aim of this project is to do this by monitoring carbon dioxide, relative
humidity and temperature in various primary schools. The data can then be analyses to determine
temperature extremes as well as the filtration rates. These can then be compared with the
recommended standards. Given the relative ease of use of the monitors (including data transfer),
the interpretation of the collected data and the associated discussion on the implications will
constitute an integral and substantial part of the project.
Suitability: The project is suitable for someone interested in air quality monitoring and
data analysis, which necessarily includes use of some statistical techniques. No programming is
required.
Title: Dynamics of Expansion through Modified Gravity
Supervisor: Dr Jackson Said
Project Description: Looking out in the night sky what one observes is a series of cross
sections through the history of the Universe. This is due to the finiteness of the speed of light.
Thus such observations give a picture of the expansion history up to early times. Before this time
the cosmos was far too dense for light particles to flow freely. However the dynamics of this
early Universe did leave an imprint in the so-called cosmic microwave background radiation.
Conversely at late times in the Universe’s history it appears to be dominated by the exotic dark
energy which principally should dominate over the Universe’s mass-energy budget. This project
will involve looking into the dynamics of cosmic expansion at the different epochs of the
Universe through the prism of alternatives cosmologies. In particular models where dark energy
is not necessary will be investigated.
Title: Phase states and synchronisation measures
Supervisor: Dr Andre` Xuereb
Project Description: In 1665, Huygens noticed that two pendulum clocks placed close to each
other tended to synchronise with one another. The study of synchronisation has become very
important in fields as far apart as electronics and biology, and it is now being imported into
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quantum mechanics. Curiously, however, a proper “phase” operator is not yet known in quantum
mechanics, making studies of synchronisation difficult. This project will study one particular
definition of the phase of a quantum state and apply it to simple synchronisation problems. This
project requires a strong theoretical background, will involve computational work, and could
lead to a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Title: A drunkard’s walk on a graph
Supervisor: Dr Andre` Xuereb
Project Description: Some time ago [1] we studied what would happen to a phonon (a quantum
of vibration) placed on a harmonic oscillator that is interacting with many other oscillators. It
turns out that the phonon “melts” and spreads itself as widely as possible in a short time. This is
the opposite behaviour to what is expected in typical models for conduction, where the phonon
propagates from one point in space to the next. The aim of this project is to consider power-law
interactions, and to understand whether quantum coherence can be used to speed up or slow
down the flow of heat. This project requires a strong theoretical background, will involve
computational work, and could lead to a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
[1] http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.133604
Title: Setting up an advanced optics laboratory
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Dr Andre` Xuereb and Dr Louis Zammit Mangion
Project Description: The Department of Physics, utilising European Regional Development
Funds, recently upgraded its optics facilities to include a state-of-the-art optics table, an optical
tweezers, a spatial light modulator, and a high-power laser. This new laboratory will be able to
explore and measure such phenomena as Brownian motion of visible particles suspended in a
liquid. This project will consist in setting up one or more of these components of the laboratory,
as well as performing initial experiments and measurements.
Title: Measurement and Analysis of Diurnal Variations of the Geomagnetic Field
Supervisor: Dr Godwin Debono
Project Description: Solar radiation incident on Earth ionizes the upper regions of the
atmosphere to generate sun synchronous electrical currents in the ionosphere at altitudes of 90 to
130 km. These currents generate a magnetic field of their own that combine with the main
magnetic field generated in the Earth’s core and the crustal magnetic field to make up the
observed geomagnetic field. As the Earth rotates westward the electrical currents appear to drift
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eastward with the sun and consequently their magnetic field at a given place on Earth varies with
time and has a 24 hour cycle. This variation in the geomagnetic is known as the Diurnal
Variation and can be as much as 50 nT. It has an effect on exploration geophysics, directional
drilling and navigation.
The project involves the continuous measurement of the geomagnetic field at a location on
campus for a period of 3 months using a sensitive magnetometer. The Diurnal Variations are
then isolated from the main field and analysed for their spectral characteristics using
autoregressive techniques developed by the student. The students is also expected to review the
topic.
Knowledge gained:
Skills gained:
Prerequisites:
(i) the generation of the external component of the geomagnetic field,
(ii) the principles of Time Series Analysis
(i) commissioning and use of modern geophysical instrument
(ii) application of Time Series Analysis
(iii) literature research
(iv) report writing and presentation
PHY2130
PHY3220
Title: Case Study of a 2D Seismic Reflection Survey in the Mediterranean
Supervisor: Dr Godwin Debono
Project Description: Mapping the subsurface of the Earth relies heavily on geophysical
techniques that can map subsurface geological discontinuities from the surface measurement of
physical fields. One such technique is the seismic reflection method whereby acoustic waves are
generated at the surface of the earth and their reflections from subsurface discontinuities are
recorded at the surface. The processing and interpretation of these records provide subsurface
models upon which an assessment of the economic potential of the subsurface can be made.
This project is a case study involving the interpretation of seismic reflection data to map the
subsurface, identify petroleum exploration targets and evaluate their risk and economic potential.
The student is first expected to review the seismic reflection technique and then present the case
study involving the interpretation of a 2D seismic survey to identify seismic anomalies and
assess their risk and economic potential.
Knowledge gained:
Skills gained:
(i) principles of seismic reflection investigations,
(ii) theory and techniques of seismic exploration including data
acquisition and instrumentation
(iii) application of time series analysis in seismic data processing
.
(i) undertake seismic interpretation on a seismic work station
(ii) generate prospects and evaluate their geologic risks and potential
economics
(iii) literature research and synthesis of information of relevance to the
evaluation of the petroleum potential of prospects
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Prerequisites:
(iii) literature research
(iv) report writing and presentation
PHY2130
PHY3220
Title: A waveform cross correlation study of swarm earthquakes in the Sicily Channel
Supervisor: Dr Pauline Galea
Project Description: Earthquakes in the Sicily Channel often occur in swarms lasting from one
to several days. Due to their small size, the location of these earthquakes is not always very
accurate. This project will make use of the waveform cross correlation function to investigate
whether such events occur in very close proximity, and hence are associated with the same fault,
or otherwise. It will utilise data since 1995 from the seismic station/s at the Seismic Monitoring
and Research Unit, and possibly other stations around the Sicily Channel. It requires handling of
digital seismic data and data processing tools available at SMRU.
Title: The calibration of local earthquake magnitudes at station WDD
Supervisor: Dr. Pauline Galea
Project Description: The local magnitude of an earthquake (ML) is properly calculated from an
equation which contains the maximum amplitude of ground motion at the station, the distance of
the earthquake from the site, and some constants which depend on the regional attenuation
properties and the site characteristics. In this project we shall derive an updated formula for
calculating local earthquake magnitudes by calibrating data from station WDD (Malta) with
known magnitudes from regional seismic networks. Digital data is available at SMRU from
1995. The project involves the use of software for seismic data processing and analysis, basic
Linux and some statistical analysis.
Title: Eddy-current Levitation
Supervisor: Dr Louis Zammit Mangion
Project Description: The eddy currents induced in a conductor by a changing magnetic field
themselves create a magnetic field which acts so as to cause a repulsive force on the source of
the field. The changing magnetic field can be created using an alternating current in a fixed coil,
or by a system of moving permanent magnets. The aim of this project is to quantify this effect
and identify a method which is suitable for scaling up to provide a useful force.
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Title: Ab-initio calculation of elastic constants
Supervisor: Dr Louis Zammit Mangion
Project Description: The program Wien2k has been used in past projects to calculate band
structures and energies. By inducing a strain in the crystal (ie. Changing one or more dimension)
and calculating the resulting energy, it is possible to deduce the corresponding elastic constant
(s). In fact, third party scripts exist to perform this calculation automatically. T he aim of this
project is to validate the method using known materials and then apply it to other materials with
potentially exotic elastic constants.
Title:
SEISMICITY AND STRESS TENSOR FIELD ACROSS THE CENTRAL
MEDITERRANEAN AREA
Supervisor: Dr Sebastiano D’Amico
Project Description: In this study we compile a complete catalogue of the available data on
seismicity and focal mechanisms in the Central Mediterranean area in order to obtain
information on the stress field acting in the area. To determine the possible local variations of the
stress axis orientation in the study area we shall use the Focal Mechanisms Stress Inversion
(FMSI) method proposed by Gephart and Forsyth. The local stress tensor variations observed wil
be related to geodynamic models of the region. The obtained present-day stress data results will
be useful not only to improve the knowledge on the tectonic setting of the region or to constrain
future geodynamic models, but also to understand the mechanics of processes linked to faulting
and earthquakes.
No programming will be involved. Focal mechanisms data will be collected from several sources
available on-line (e.g. INGV, RCMT, USGS catalogues and published papers). The FMSI will be
performed using the available program already installed on Albert as well as some graphical
mapping tools (e.g. GMT, GoogleEarth) in order to display the obtained results.
Title: HIGH-FREQUENCY GROUND MOTION SCALING: INFERRING CRUSTAL
ATTENUATION FACTORS FROM SMALL AND MODERATE EARTHQUAKES
Supervisor: Dr Sebastiano D’Amico
Project Description: Large earthquakes that have occurred in recent years in densely populated
areas of the world dramatically highlighted the inadequacy of a massive portion of the buildings
erected in and around the epicentral areas. The attenuation properties of the crust can be
evaluated using the background seismicity. In other words, it becomes possible to develop
regionally-calibrated attenuation relationships even where strong-motion data are not available.
The purpose of this approach is to describe quantitatively the regional attenuation and source
characteristic for constraining the amplitude of strong motion expected from future earthquake in
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the area. The project requires some understanding of seismic data and processing,
manipulation of large data sets and willingness to mainly work in a "Linux environment".
Title: Distribution and extent of offshore fault activity around the Maltese Islands.
Supervisor: Aaron Micallef
Project Description: The candidate will analyse a series of seismic reflection profiles acquired
offshore the Maltese Islands to: (i) map and identify offshore faults and (ii) infer the timing of
fault displacement. The results will be correlated with terrestrial fault systems to refine the
regional tectonic framework.
Requirements/Suitability: This project is suited to a student with an interest in geology and
geophysics and a willingness to learn how to use industry-standard GIS and seismic
interpretation software. He/she should have taken PHY 1201 - Science of the Solid Earth as an
Elective Unit.
Title: Dating a large tsunami event on the Maltese Islands.
Supervisor: Aaron Micallef
Project Description: The candidate will carry out fieldwork at a number of sites along the
eastern coast of the Maltese Islands to map in detail the geomorphic evidence of a large tsunami
event described recently by Motterhead et al. (2014). Sediment cores will be acquired to estimate
the age of the tsunami event using radiocarbon dating. These data will be used to understand the
extent of the impact of the tsunami and correlate it with know historical earthquakes in the
central Mediterranean region.
Requirements/Suitability: This project is suited to a student with an interest in geology and
geophysics. He/she should have taken PHY 1201 - Science of the Solid Earth as an Elective
Unit.
Title: Measurement of complex permittivity on sodium chloride solution from 5 GHz to 67 GHz.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisors: Professor Charles V Sammut, Ms Lourdes Farrugia, Professor
Alfred Micallef
Project Description: In this project, the student will be using a newly acquired open-ended
coaxial probe to measure the complex relative permittivity of sodium chloride from 5 GHz to 67
GHz. The current method to estimate the measurement uncertainty will be studied and
characterized for this particular measurement system. There is scope for investigating the
behaviour of these physical properties with temperature and chemical composition. Also, the
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measured data together with previously measured data from 500 MHz to 40 GHz will enable
comparison between different probes and possibly obtain a wideband frequency model
characterising the permittivity from 10 MHz up to 67 GHz.
Requirements/Suitability: Laboratory skills are essential, as is an understanding of vector
network analysis (to be acquired as part of the project). A basic understanding of complex
permittivity and the associated measurement techniques are essential.
Title: Occupational exposure to static magnetic fields during medical procedures on a 3T MRI
scanner.
Supervisor/Co-Supervisor: Professor Charles V Sammut, Ms Lourdes Farrugia
Project Description: 2013/35/EU is a new directive of the European Union, regulating
occupational exposure to electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields from 0 to 300 GHz. MRI
procedures expose medical personnel to static magnetic fields during the course of their work.
The student will be using establshed techniques to measure exposure of volunteer radiographers
at Mater Dei during actual MRI procedures. These measurements will be compared with the
limits mandated by the Directive in order to determine compliance or otherwise.
Requirements/Suitability: Laboratory skills are essential. An understanding of the functions of
an MRI scanner and use of a high field strength measurement instrument will be acquired as part
of the project. Data processing techniques, 3D field representations and statistical treatment of
the measured data will be necessary.
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SHORT REVIEW PAPER
ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016
Title: Cloud Physics
Supervisor: Professor A Micallef
Title: The Physics of Urban Climatology
Supervisor: Professor A Micallef
Title: Tropospheric aerosol composition and global distribution and its effect on Climate change
with special reference to the Mediterrranean area.
Supervisor: Professor Raymond M Ellul
Title: The role of Hydrocarbons and other Volatile organic compounds in the Earth’s
atmosphere.
Supervisor: Professor Raymond M Ellul
Title: An overview of the construction and operation of an air volume sampler
Supervisor: Dr PS Farrugia
Title: Review of ventilation systems
Supervisor: Dr PS Farrugia
Title: The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation: Source and Anisotropy
Supervisor: Dr Jackson Said
Title: Dark Energy
Supervisor: Dr Jackson Said
Title: Casimir–Polder forces and cooling with atom–surface interactions
Supervisor: Dr Andre` Xuereb
Title: Origins of "the quantum advantage"
Supervisor: Dr Andre` Xuereb
Title: 3He as a second generation fuel for fusion energy
Supervisor: Dr Godwin Debono
Title: The Milankovitch cycles and global climate change
Supervisor: Dr Godwin Debono
Title: The Physics of Earthquake Sources
Supervisor: Dr Pauline Galea
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Title: Three-dimensional semiconductor devices.
Supervisor: Dr Louis Zammit Mangion
Title: Materials for solar cell applications.
Supervisor: Dr Louis Zammti Mangion
Title: BACK-PROJECTION METHODS TO INVESTIGATE THE ENERGY RELEASED AT
SOURCE OF A LARGE EARTHQUAKE
Supervisor: Dr Sebastiano D’Amico
Title: USING AMBIENT NOISE TO IMAGE THE EARTH STRUCTURE
Supervisor: Dr Sebastiano D’Amico
Title: HIGH-FREQUENCY GROUND MOTION SCALING IN EUROPE AND CENTRAL
MEDITERRANEAN AREA
Supervisor: Dr Sebastiano D’Amico
Title: Acoustic remote sensing and its application in seafloor exploration.
Supervisor: Dr Aaron Micallef
Title: Underwater landscapes of the central Mediterranean Sea.
Supervisor: Dr Aaron Micallef
Title: Microwave medical imaging
Supervisor: Professor Charles V Sammut
Title: Metamaterials at microwave frequencies
Supervisor: Professor Charles V Sammut
Title: Graphene applications for terahertz frequencies
Supervisor: Professor Charles V Sammut
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