By the end of the first semester of the academic year 1436/1437 AH, the Physics Department completed the first project in supervising the graduation projects of ten of the department female students in the National Center for Nanotechnology at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. This was the first initiative of its kind in the College of Science, where graduation projects and its accompanying training are conducted outside the College, and it was a successful experience, all praise be to Allah.
The project was under the supervision of H.E. Dr. Raed Hussein Al-Hathlool, Vice-Dean of Development and Quality at the College of Science and Assistant Professor at the Physics Department. Dr. Al-Hathlool extended his thanks to all the members who contributed and supported this project from the beginning, especially H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al-Qaoud, Head of the Physics Department, and H.E. Ms. Mervat Al-Zumia, deputy-head of the Physics Department. He also thanked Dr. Marzouk Ibn Saleh Al-Shammari, the supervisor of the project from KACST, for his great effort in organizing this project which resulted in great benefit to the students. Dr. Raed also extended his deep thanks to H.E. Dr. Muhammad Babtain, Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Muneer Al-Dasouqi, Supervisor of the Institute of Material Science Research at KACST, and Dr. Abdullah Al-Khudairi, Supervisor of the National Center for Nanotechnology at KACST, for their encouragement and support for the project since its commencement.
It is worth mentioning that this project lasted the whole of the first semester of this academic year 1436/1437 AH, in which ten female students participated. The students were nominated according to their grade point averages (GPA), and their seriousness in research as reported by
Ms. Mervat Al-Zumia, deputy-head of the department. The total training hours that the students spent at KACST were 48 hour of training in addition to other educational hours outside KACST.
The students who participated in this project and had the honor of being among the pioneers conducting their graduation research outside the university were: Ibtisam Suwailim Al-Unizi, Ibtihal Hamad Al-Nasir, Arwa Humoud Al-Harbi, Ashwaq Matar Al-Anzi, Rawan Rasheed Al-Dosari, Afaf Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Maram Najeh Al-Furaiji, Maha Meshal Al-Shammari, Nourah Muhammad Al-Ghaith and Hind Nasir Al-Qahtani.
ThePhysicsDepartmentatAl-
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University has witnessed continuous development in academic programs and an expansion in activities that contribute in developing the department. The joint efforts with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology contributed to the success of the first joint research experience, in addition to the enrichment of the program with a set of scientific software. All of those efforts combined contributed in teaching the students some scientific research skills. The research period at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology was characterized by organizing several meetings, seminars and workshops under the supervision of Dr. Marzouk Al-Shammari and Mr. Yaser Al-Shetwi during which discussions of a number of topics related to the research projects were held.
Dr. Raed Al-Hathlool mentioned that the research topics conducted in the National Center for Nanotechnology at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology were as follows:
- The making of quantum well laser.
- Studying the impact of changing the proportion of oxygen in the reactor on Cu-doped TiO2 thin film.
- Studying the impact of changing the temperature of the reactor on Fe2O3-doped ZnO thin film.
- Studying the impact of grafting with rare elements on the material specifications of Gd2O3 & Dy2O3 doped In2O3 thin film.
- Studying the effect of nickel oxide content on the physical specifications of the aluminum oxide material NiO doped ZnO thin film.
It is worth mentioning that the student researchers received their training in safe and secure research laboratories before starting the project in order to ensure the safety of the students, researchers and research laboratories.
Moreover, the students received training certificates from KACST stating the field of training, which was: "The Use of Nanotechnology in the Semiconductor Grafted", and they also received certificates of experience specifying the skills covered by the project which were:
· *The skill of conducting scientific research and writing scientific report.
· *The preparation of the active ingredient of semiconductors' powder and oxides of transition metals and the manufacturing of thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD).
· * Conducting analysis with the use of scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and stylus surface profiler.
· * Studying the crystal structure using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and data analysis.
Moreover, the application "Asana" has been used to manage the project tasks in a professional way between the Physics Department and KACST, in addition to "Google-Classroom" to follow-up the progress of the students researchers academically and coordinate between the Physics Department and KACST. The students were trained in using a number of software programs to analyze findings, charts and solving equations, including: Excel and Origin. Furthermore, they were trained in writing scientific research and research reports, in managing references by using "Endnote" software, in task management by using some applications such as "Wunderlist" and "Trello," in management of research sources by using an open-source "Zotero," and in displaying, processing, and analyzing 3D images by using "Gwyddion" software.
On the other hand, female students have shown their admiration and expressed their gratitude towards the Physics Department for giving them this opportunity, as one of them, Arwa Al-Harbi, said: "The project was wonderful. We have been introduced to nanotechnology and its applications, in addition to some types of microscopes and the role of each." She has also added that visiting laboratories and working in them was interesting and that they contain new devices she did not known about. In addition, Ibtihal Al-Nasir has thanked, at the beginning of her talk, the supervisors from KACST and considered the project as a golden opportunity. She mentioned that working in KACST has increased her enthusiasm and motivation to work in research areas and work hard for her future. She also said that this experience is one of the best things that has ever happened to her during her academic years. Moreover, Nourah Al-Ghaith mentioned that the project was full of academic and professional benefits, especially the devices and their uses. In addition, Ibtisam Al-Unizi said: "Being acquainted with laboratories and devices, and getting to know nanotechnology has increased our motivation to learn more." Hind Al-Qahtani has shown her happiness for working in KACST and thanked Allah for having such opportunity while Ashwaq Al-Anzi conveyed her increasing enthusiasm for scientific research after working in KACST, assuring that she will benefit from this experience.
Moreover, students have agreed that the project has affected their academic and professional career positively and that it had obvious benefits, including:
· * Increasing information in Physics and applying it in real life.
· * Attending to time management and project management professionally.
· * Gaining experience in dealing with research team members and doing team work.
· * Learning from group work which is The distinctive feature of the graduation project, as it consists of two students who have to work together in order to accomplish a specific job.
· * Learning new technical skills such as skills of writing research and giving presentation.
· * Gaining experience in dealing with research advanced devices in KACST laboratories in contrast to theoretical projects, which is the familiar type of University graduation projects due to the lack of research potentials.
· * Learning how to read scientific papers and using data analysis software skills.
Regarding the final oral examination, a committee of three members was formed, consisting of Dr. Marzouk Al-Shammari (Assistant Professor in KACST), Dr. Raed Al-Hathlool (Assistant Professor in Physics Department), Mr. Yaser Al-Shetwi (Researcher in KACST). The examination was conducted on Thursday, 14/2/1437 AH, corresponding to 26/11/2015. Then, the final report of the graduation projects has been submitted after performing the required modifications. The assessment was done in accordance with by-laws and the internal regulations of the Physics Departmentas set bythe Graduation Project Committee in the Department, and on KACST supervisors assessment.
After completing the project, H.E. Ms. Mervat Al-Zumia, the deputy head of the Physics Department,took the initiative to organize a meeting for all female researchers with H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al-Qaoud (Head of the Department), Dr. Raed Al-Hathlool (Supervisor of the project), and Dr. Kholoud Al-Balawi (Vice Dean of College of Science for Female Students Affairs) on Wednesday, 5/3/1437 AH, corresponding to 16/12/2015 AD. The meeting started with a speech by Dr. Ahmad Al-Qaoud, where he commended the students for their commitment during the program and for being the best representatives of the Department. Then, Dr. Raed Al-Hathlool gave a brief introduction of the program, in addition to the introduction of research details and the followed procedures. Next, Dr. Kholoud Al-Balawi thanked the Physics Department and Physics students for such distinctive project. The meeting concluded with H.E. Ms. Mervat Al-Zumia, Deputy Head of the Physics Department, ensuring that this project was the first of its kind in the College. He also expressed his hope that the project would be of some benefit and help for students to pursue graduate studies and achieve their academic and professional goals. Finally, training certificates and commemorative gifts were distributed to participants.
The Physics Department staff have prayed for this valuable project to be beneficial for everyone, provide students with experience that will open wide horizons for them after graduation, and give opportunities for future students to join similar projects in the coming semesters. In addition, the Department thanked all those who have worked on the program and whoever has contributed to the success of this initiative, especially H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al-Qaoud (Head of the Department), Dr. Mervat Al-Zumia (Deputy Head of the Department), and Dr. Raed Al-Hathlool (Supervisor of the Project) for their encouragement, effort, and overcoming obstacles in order to make this distinctive experience successful. The Department also extended its thanks to the supervisors from KACST, on top of them Dr. Marzouk Al-Shammari, Supervisor of the project, and the researcher, Mr. Yaser Al-Shetwi. Moreover, the Physics Department thanked many researchers of KACST who have contributed to the success of this project: Engr. Muhammad Faraj, Mr. Qadhi Masiri, Mr. Muhammad Al-Khunaifer, Mr. Salman Al-Fhaid, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Ghaihab, Mr. Fahd Al-Ghamdi, Eng. Majed Juma.
Finally, the Department addresses its thanks to the female Physics student researchers for their significant efforts in representing the Department and contributing to its advancement, in addition to their beyond comparison distinctive achievements in the program. The Department also congratulated female graduates and wished them a brilliant future.
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Below are the five completed research projects, briefly:
1- Quantum Well Laser
· * Conduct research about Quantum Well Laser
· * Making/Production of Quantum Well Laser of three layers as shown in the figure below
· * Synthesis of necessary powder of three different materials
· * Mix of amounts if they were doped/grafted with different materials
· * Use of Pulsed Laser Device
· * Control of reactor internal pressure and temperature during making/production
· * X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the outer layer
· * Measurement of thickness by using DEC TAC
· * Knowing how to use cables and light emission experiment
2- Study of the Effect of Oxygen Proportion Change in the Reactor on Cu doped TiO2 thin film
· * Conduct research about Titanium Oxide
· * Synthesis of necessary powder
· * Knowing how to mix 10% of Cu with 90% of TiO2
· * Synthesis of raw material for the deposition reactor
· * Use of Pulsed Laser Device
· * Control of reactor internal pressure and temperature during making/production
· * X-ray diffraction (XRD) of produced/made films
· * Knowing of the possibility of partial or ful solubility of the two materials
· * Measurement of thickness by using.....
· * Knowing how to dope materials and make Nano chips and study its physical properties
· * Study chemical reaction of electrons in SP d orbitals for the used materials on physical properties
3- Study of the Effect of Reactor Temperature Change on Fe2O3 doped ZnO thin film
· * Conduct research about Zinc Oxide
· * Synthesis of necessary powder
· * Knowing how to mix 5% of Fe2O3 with 95% of ZnO
· * Synthesis of raw material for the deposition reactor
· * Use of Pulsed Laser Device for making/production
· * Control of reactor internal pressure and temperature during making/production
· * X-ray diffraction (XRD) of produced/made films
· * Knowing of the possibility of partial or full fusion of the two materials
· * Measurement of thickness by using.....
· * Knowing how to dope materials and make Nano chips and study its physical properties
· * Study of chemical reaction effect of electrons in SP and d orbitals for the used materials on the physical propertiesofthesynthesizedmaterial
4- Study of the Effect of the Change of Orbital Electron on Properties of Mo or Dy2O3 doped In2O3thinfilm
· * Conduct research about Indium Oxide
· * Synthesis of necessary powder
· * Knowing how to mix 5% of Dy2O3 then 5% of Mo with 90% of In2O3
· * Synthesis of raw material for the deposition reactor
· * Use of Pulsed Laser Device to make/produce samples
· * Control of reactor internal pressure and temperature during making/production
· * X-ray diffraction (XRD) of produced/made films
· * Knowing of the possibility of partially or fully solubility of the two materials
· * Measurement of thickness by using.....
· * Knowing how to dope materials and make Nano chips and study its physical properties
· * Study of chemical reaction effect of electrons in Indium SP orbitals with Molybodium d orbital, and Indium SP orbital with Oxide Dysprosium f orbital on properties of the doped/grafted physical materials
5- Study of the Effect of Nickel Oxide Components on Physical Properties of Aluminium Oxide NiO doped ZnO thin film
· * Conduct research about Aluminium Oxide
· * Synthesis of necessary powder
· * Knowing how to mix 10% of NiO with 90% of Al2O3, then 20% with 90%
· * Synthesis of raw material for the deposition reactor
· * Use of Pulsed Laser Device to make/produce samples
· * Control of reactor internal pressure and temperature during making/production
· * X-ray diffraction (XRD) of produced/made films
· * Knowing of the possibility of partially or fully fusion of the two materials
· * Measurement of thickness by using .....
· * Knowing how to dope materials and make Nano chips and study its physical properties
