S. W. Pierson | Searcharxiv

arXiv2001

Improving the effectiveness of introductory physics service courses: Bridging to engineering courses

A simple model to help students see the connections between a physics course and their engineering major is described. "Bridging" had positive effects on performance, attitude, and motivation, as measured by grade analyses, surveys, and student and faculty comments. In addition to the improved performance, enrollment in the physics course was also found to increase considerably during the two years of the bridging. The bridging model can be applied to a variety of courses and suggested components are discussed here.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv1999

Dynamic scaling for 2D superconductors, Josephson junction arrays and superfluids

The value of the dynamic critical exponent $z$ is studied for two-dimensional superconducting, superfluid, and Josephson Junction array systems in zero magnetic field via the Fisher-Fisher-Huse dynamic scaling. We find $z\simeq5.6\pm0.3$, a relatively large value indicative of non-diffusive dynamics. Universality of the scaling function is tested and confirmed for the thinnest samples. We discuss the validity of the dynamic scaling analysis as well as the previous studies of the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Berezinskii transition in these systems, the results of which seem to be consistent with simple diffusion ($z=2$). Further studies are discussed and encouraged.

cond-mat.supr-con↗