Student Seminar at the Department of Physics & Applied Physics

Lecture delivered by Adam Abdel-Razek, FCRH 2028, will discuss “Aerosol Collection-Module Design & Integration.”

Abstract
This project aims to expand the capabilities of low-cost air quality monitoring networks by enabling compositional analysis of aerosols detected by PurpleAir sensors. While PurpleAir (PA-II) sensors can measure particulate size and concentration, they cannot identify particle composition, limiting their ability to determine pollution sources. This research focuses on designing and constructing a compact particle-capture attachment that collects aerosols from the sensor’s exhaust onto a rotating glass disk. Collected particles will be analyzed using spectroscopy and digital holography to determine aerosol composition. After lab testing, the system will be deployed on mobile sensor platforms across the Bronx and greater NYC to map aerosol composition and relate pollution sources to environmental and socioeconomic factors. By integrating compositional analysis with existing monitoring networks, this project will support efforts to reduce harmful exposures in vulnerable communities.

Lecture delivered by Stella Black, FCRH 2028, will discuss “Rate-Dependent Adhesion of Polymer Stamps for Transfer Printing onto Plant Leaves.”

Abstract
Transfer printing enables the integration of flexible electronics, such as sensors for precision agriculture, onto unconventional substrates, including plant leaves. Successful pickup and printing require precise control of interfacial adhesion. Soft elastomeric stamps form conformal contact with devices and substrates, where adhesion is primarily governed by van der Waals interactions. The viscoelastic properties of the polymers allow their adhesion to be tuned by varying the separation rate during pickup and release. This work investigates the rate-dependent adhesive behavior of polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using microtribometer testing to better understand their performance as transfer printing stamps. By characterizing how adhesion varies with unloading rate, this research provides insight into the design of polymer stamps for reliable transfer printing of flexible sensors onto delicate plant leaves for precision agriculture.