Research Symposium

BIO

Lola Poe is a second year Astrophysics major and a Mathematics minor at Florida State University. She is interested in studying supernovae and cosmic background microwave radiation. Her research experience includes working with Dr. Johan van Tol at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory on experimental setup optimization to yield the clearest observations of electron excitation and de-excitation while experiencing a magnetic field and light pulsations. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Astrophysics with the intent of a future career as a university professor and academic researcher.

Development of High Field Magnetic Resonance of Optically Excited States

Abstract

When electrons become excited, they transition to a higher energy state. Typically, this state is short-lived, but a special configuration of two unpaired electrons, specifically known as a triplet state, prevents them from returning to their ground state for long periods. Studying the behavior of triplet states is important for understanding phenomena where materials can absorb light, store its energy, and then emit it over time. Pentacene is a type of crystal which can achieve triplet states if it interacts with light while under a magnetic field. We used magnetic resonance spectrometry to understand and track our results. It’s expected that we will see high visible light absorption due to the activation of excited triplet states by way of our readings of a laser directed through a lens and two small mirrors. Although the triplet states of Pentacene are shorter-lived than some other materials, our results can be used to better understand other material’s behavior and usages in comparison to our own.

Keywords: Magnet, Optics, Resonance