Conveners
Poster Session 1: Condensed matter (up to 260), Theoretical, Applied, Space, Astro
- Christo Venter (North-west University, Potchefstroom Campus)
- Ernest van Dyk (NMMU)
- Japie Engelbrecht (NMMU)
Ms
Mirriam Chepkoech
(The National Institute for Theoretical Physics, School of Physics and Mandelstam Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Wits 2050, South Africa.)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The quasi-particle band structure and the optical properties of spin polarized bulk α-MnO2 have been investigated by means of many body perturbation theory within an ab initio framework. As a starting point the electronic band structure obtained from Density Functional Theory with Hubbard correction (DFT+U, U = 2.4 eV) approach show that bulk α-MnO2 is a...
Ms
khomotso Maenetja
(University Of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Metal air batteries have been studies extensively but operation of Na-air batteries has just gained attention recently. Catalytic effect on the performance of sodium air battery has not been an area of interest yet. However, it has been reported that the most stable product in Na-air battery is NaO2 whereas in Li-air battery it has been reported that the major and stable product is...
Christopher Winkelmann
(University of Michigan, USA)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
Traveling ionospheric disturbances are manifestations of atmospheric gravity waves and can be investigated using a number of data sources e.g., ionosonde and GPS receiver networks. Previous studies classified these disturbances as medium scale and large scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) based on their characteristics which include velocities, amplitudes and directions. The...
Ms
Belinda Moyo
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
In this study, a detailed analysis of the electrochemical performance of activated carbon/Nickel-Aluminium layered double hydroxide (AC/NiAl-LDH) composites were investigated as potential electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors. The activated carbon (AC) was prepared via optimization of the carbonization temperature and activating agent (potassium hydroxide) from a tree-bark biomass...
Ms
GLORY BANTAN MAFOR
(UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
As a result of system operation complexity owing to the huge number of dynamic factors influencing the system’s operation, air conditioning (AC) performance monitoring has been a fastidious task. These influencing factors cut across the environmental, human and system behavioural variation. Trying to monitor performance based on predictors from one major influencer will compromise monitoring...
Mr
Julius Stopforth
(University of Cape Town)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D1 - Astrophysics
Poster Presentation
We present a novel summary and comparison of various machine learning methods for morphological classifications of galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We re-implement these methods in an open-source and publicly available repository, and examine the accuracy of these methods in reconstructing ground-truth expert knowledge distributions from previous crowd sourcing work, as well...
Mr
Ross Dix-Peek
(NMMU)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
The models relating current and voltage for a diode and other related devices contain many parameters and the relations often contain multiple terms hindering explicit formulae for specific parameters. Optimisation procedures are useful for fitting a model to a dataset. In this study a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed as the solution to the Parameter Optimisation (PO) of the models used to...
Mr
Anthony Anukam
(University of Fort Hare)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Corn cob is an abundant agricultural by-product of the maize industry, which is one of the largest producers of biomass residues in South Africa. The performance of energy conversion systems such as the gasification systems, among other factors, rely on the characteristics of the feedstock for conversion, which are most often determined by the use of specialized analytical instruments. This...
Dr
Mofuti Mehlape
(University Of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Atomistic simulation was carried out to study the effect of pressure on the structure and elastic properties of pentlandite structures of the form M9S8 sulphides (M = metal). The lattice parameters, bond lengths and elastic constants as a function of pressure are calculated. Pentlandite is a major precious metals-bearing mineral and plays a very important role in mining....
Dr
Malili Matshaba
(University of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Due to its wide band gap Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has variety of applications such as photo-catalysis, dye sensitized, energy storage, etc. In this work amorphous nanoporous structure of TiO2 consisting of 15 972 atoms has been generated and lithiated with different concentration of Lithium atoms for Lithium ion batteries (LIB). Amorphisation and re-crystallisation technique was employed to...
Ms
Nonky Ramohoeba
(University Of KwaZulu-Natal)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Calculations and automatic processes are generally performed by analogue, digital or hybrid computing depending on the problem to be solved. Nowadays the majority of calculations and control systems are executed on digital devices such as computers, microcontrollers and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). In the past other calculation machines such as analogue computer and ternary computer...
Mr
Cuthbert Makosa
(Fort Hare University)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are generally guaranteed to provide up to 85% of their rated power after 25 years of outdoor exposure. However, a number of factors, be it inherent to the PV technology or due to the environment, can result in premature performance degradation and even electrical failure.
In order to monitor the module’s performance, without the influence of the constantly...
Mrs
Moipone Alice Malimabe
(University of the Free State (Qwaqwa))
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Luminescent nanoparticles are used in many fields of applications, such as bio-imaging, nano-sensors as well as in light emitting diodes. Nanoparticles of ZnO and Ce3+ doped ZnO co-doped with Eu3+ are synthesized by the chemical bath deposition method and then embedded in polymer matrixes of PVC, PCL and a PVC-PCL blend via the solution casting method. The optical properties of these...
Dr
Obi Kingsley Echendu
(Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Qwa qwa Campus, Private bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba, 9866, South Africa)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
A comparative study of the performance of thin film glass/FTO/CdS/CdTe/Au solar cells has been carried out for solar cells fabricated with CdTe electrochemically grown using 2-electrode and 3-eletrode set-ups. Structural and optical characterization of the CdTe films prior to solar cell fabrication shows that both electrode set-ups produce CdTe with similar x-ray diffraction patterns and...
Dr
Pierre Cilliers
(SANSA Space Science)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
Ionospheric scintillation is caused by rapid variations in the electron density of the ionosphere. It manifests as rapid fluctuations in the amplitude and phase of radio signals traversing the ionosphere. In the case of navigation signals transmitted from satellites of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) ionospheric scintillation can cause a decrease in the accuracy of position...
Mrs
Annelie Vermeulen
(UCT SpaceLab)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
This paper reports the novel use of a dual-frequency GPS Ionospheric Scintillation and Total Electron Content Monitor (GISTM), located on the polar research vessel SA Agulhas II, to identify instances of ionospheric scintillation in the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA). The SAMA is a region in the South Atlantic Ocean where the Earth's magnetic field is weakest at comparable latitudes...
Dr
Moyahabo Hellen Chuma
(Johnson Matthey)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
One of the main challenges in natural gas engine after treatment is the combustion of methane at lower temperatures. The presence of water and sulphur in the engine exhaust lowers the catalyst performances. With various computational simulations, we are developing models that will assist in understanding the fundamentals of these reactions and making predictions for further improvements of the...
Mr
Tshifhiwa Steve Ranwaha
(University of Venda)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Currently the dye sensitised solar cells have attracted more attention due to its low cost, transparency and flexibility. These types of solar cells uses the dye molecules adsorbed on the TiO2 semiconductor in their architecture with the role of absorbing photon from the sun. The electronic structure and excitation properties of dye sensitizer determine the efficiency of the dye...
Mr
Antonio Peters
(Rhodes University MSc Student)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track G - Theoretical and Computational Physics
Poster Presentation
With the promise of the SKA comes multiple challenges in terms of capturing and cleaning the data. One part of this involves breaking up or tessellating an image so that it can be cleaned of noise for better analysis. While methods to do this are currently in circulation, more can be done to ensure the results are as accurate as possible and are obtained as quickly as possible.
This...
Mr
Tshegofatso Michael Phaahla
(University of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The geometrical structures and electronic properties of transition metal clusters have been extensively studied during the past decades. However, theoretical investigations on titanium metal clusters have not been carried out systematically up to the larger clusters. In this study, density function theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to investigate the lowest energy structures and...
Dr
Fekadu Gashaw Hone
(University of the Free State)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Lead sulphide thin films were deposited on glass substrates by facial chemical bath deposition method at a pH of 13 and cationic concentration 0.2 M. Four samples were prepared by employing different deposition times and the deposited thin films were uniform, well adherent and grey in color. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction,...
Mr
KeChist Obileke
(University of Fort Hare)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Previous designs of biogas fermentation systems have the challenge of cracking that take place especially at the brick structure after a short period of operation. These biogas fermentation systems are usually constructed using bricks and cements. The choice of material, design and size of the system plays an important role in the successful of the fermentation system.
In this study, a 2200...
Mr
Asheal Mutungwazi
(UFH/FHIT)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Biogas technology has a high potential to meet the domestic, medium and large-scale facility energy needs of South Africa. Many digester designs, which include the different models of the fixed dome, balloon and floating drum digesters, have been installed in the country for more than sixty years. The effects of low temperatures during cold seasons and nights, temperature fluctuations, the...
Mr
Jakobus Hoffman
(Necsa)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Density information is crucial in optimizing industrial important processes such as coal processing and there are a plethora of methods to obtain this information. One such accepted method is float-and-sink analysis during the modelling of coal washability which is expensive, time consuming and environmentally hazardous. The density information obtained is also not in real-time and...
Dr
Rudolph Erasmus
(University of the Witwatersrand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Libyan Desert Glass (LDG), discovered in 1933, is a pale green rock of almost pure silica glass loosely scattered over approximately 2500 square kilometres near the Egypt-Libyan border. It has been established that LDG originated during the explosion of an extra-terrestrial agent about 29 million years ago. In 2013 it was reported that a black, diamond-rich, rock fragment discovered in the LDG...
Mr
DONALD DEHIIN HILE
(UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE, QWAQWA CAMPUS)
, Dr
LEHLOHONOLO FORTUNE KOAO
(UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE, QWAQWA CAMPUS)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The advantages of LiFePO4 nanomaterials for use as positive electrode in lithium ion batteries are their excellent cycle life, structural stability, cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Their main limitation however is the low electrical conductivity which can be overcome by synthesizing particles at the nanoscale with homogenous size distribution. This work employs a simple and...
Mrs
Ndeye Maty Ndiaye
(UP)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
In this work, we report the time-dependent synthesis of VO2 microspheres and nanosheets by hydrothermal method with a systematic improvement in physical and electrochemical properties such as specific surface area and specific capacitance at synthesis time of 6 h. VO2 microspheres and nanosheets were characterized by SEM, BET and XRD. The results show that variation of reaction time plays a...
Mr
Jean Jules Mboukam
(University of the Western Cape)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The ferromagnet Nd2Pt2In compound was investigated by means of electrical resistivity, &rho(T), magnetic susceptibility, &chi(T), magnetization, M(µ0H), heat capacity, Cp(T) and magnetocaloric effect (MCE). Powder X – ray diffraction results confirm the tetragonal Mo2FeB2 – type crystal structure with space group P4/mbm (No. 127). At high temperatures, &rho(T) data shows metallic behaviour...
Dr
Edwin Mapasha
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Recently, the two-dimensional (2D) material systems such as graphene, graphane, hexagonal boron nitride and various transition metal dichalconides monolayers have attracted great research interests owing to their peculiar properties. Graphane, a fully hydrogenated graphene, is a wide band gap semiconductor with a large exciton binding energy according to density functional theory...
Mr
Kehinde Tomiwa
(University of the Witwatersrand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
The ATLAS experiment records data from the proton-proton collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The Tile Calorimeter is the hadronic sampling calorimeter of ATLAS in the region |η| < 1.7. It uses iron absorbers and scintillators as the active material. Cosmic ray data are used to validate the energy scale and inter-calibration between different layers and regions of the Tile...
Dr
Nicolas Thantsha
(Tshwane University of Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Power system across the world is in transition from centralized to distributed systems. In South Africa, the life time cost of residential and commercial Photovoltaic (PV) systems is less than the country’s grid power today. In this study, therefore, the feasibility of acquiring a PV asset at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Arcadia campus was conducted. For this, the assessment of the...
Mr
Ibrahim Abdallah
(School of Physics and Mandelstam Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of the Witwatersrand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The stuctural stability, elastic constants, vibrational properties and lattice thermal conductivity of the orthorhombic CH3NH3PbI3 have been investigated using first-principles calculations. These calculations were based on density functional theory and were performed using a generalized gradient approximation parametrized by Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE...
Ms
NOELIARINALA FELANA ANDRIAMBELAZA
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track G - Theoretical and Computational Physics
Poster Presentation
The electronic and optical properties of a two dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials (MoS2, MoSe2, MoTe2, etc.) are usually controllable by tuning their band gaps to meet the requirements of various electronic applications. The band gap of a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer can be tuned by creating alloys either at the molybdenum (Mo) sites...
Mr
Gilbert Osayemwenre
(FHIT)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Potential induced degradation (PID) is expected to cause both morphological and crystallographic damage in polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) solar cells due to its microstructure and inherent grain boundaries. Formation of hotspots is caused, more often than not, from under-performing solar cells connected in series with other cells. This may be a result of mismatching during the batching...
Prof.
Japie Engelbrecht
(NMMU)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The binary InxGa1-xAs alloy finds application as HEMT transistors, laser and photodiodes, triple-junction photovoltaic devices and infrared detectors, due to its advantageous band gap, which varies from 0.36 to 1.425 eV. It is thus important to determine the bandgap of grown layers in order to engineer and control the optical properties of grown epilayers of...
Mr
Olatunbosun Nubi Nubi
(University of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Nanometric powders of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were prepared by the sol-gel synthesis of titanium isopropoxide. With Ag and Cu as dopants, single and double doped samples, at doping levels of 5% molar weight, were achieved. In addition, undoped samples were also prepared. The samples were dried in air at 100°C and post annealing was done at 300°C and 900°C, in order to obtain the...
Mr
Anesan Reddy
(University of KwaZulu-Natal)
, Mr
Shamik Maharaj
(University of KwaZulu-Natal)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon that occurs when the states of individual particles become linked to one another. Thus, performing a measurement on one particle has an immediate effect on its entangled partner/s, irrespective of the distance between the particles. In this experiment, pairs of entangled photons are produced by spontaneous parametric down conversion. The quality of...
Wayne Lester
(SANSA)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
There have been many studies on the relationship between cosmic ray parameters and geomagnetic effects. This was an attempt to see if cosmic ray neutron monitor data can be used as a proxy for determining the space weather events and especially if there is any predictive information in neutron monitor data regarding geomagnetic storms. The premise is that cosmic ray neutron monitor data are...
Ms
zamavezi Kweyama
(iThemba LABS)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
This contribution reports on the synthesis and the main physical properties of Europium (III) oxide (Eu2O3) nanocrystals synthesized for the first time by a completely green physical-chemistry process using Hibiscus sabdariffa flower natural extract as an effective chelating agent. Eu2O3 nanoparticles synthesized via green chemistry process would be beneficial for the...
Ms
Takalani Nethavhanani
(University of the Western Cape)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
ZnO is a wide band-gap semiconductor “~3.7 eV” at room temperature with a wurtzite crystal structure. It has attracted a significant interest worldwide above its initial potentiality as the ideal candidate for blue-UV light emitting diodes applications. Its multifunctionality as a transparent conducting oxide, effective piezoelectric, a selective gas sensor and an efficient catalyst...
Ms
Betony Adams
(UKZN)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track G - Theoretical and Computational Physics
Poster Presentation
Quantum biology, despite scepticism regarding the application of quantum physics to the warm, wet and messy environments of biological systems, is by now a well-established field of research. Two of the predominant topics of this research are photosynthesis and avian magnetoreception. However, while there has been some conclusive experimental evidence that photosynthesis employs quantum...
Mr
Abubakar Khaleed
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Monitoring trace concentrations of harmful gaseous chemical species are increasingly needed in different areas such as indoor, outdoor, vehicle air control, mining, and manufacturing sites. Hence, the fabrication of highly sensitive and selective chemical gas sensors are imperative. Chemi-resistive gas sensors based on semiconducting transition metal oxide are potential candidates due to their...
Mr
Machaba Leanyatsa Abraham Letswalo
(University of Johannesburg)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
A solid state method was used to prepare CaMoO4, CaMoO4:Eu3+, CaMoO4-BO,3:Eu3+,CaMoO4-PO4:Eu3+ and CaMoO4-SO4:Eu3+ powder phosphors. X-ray Powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL)...
Mr
Hlanganani Nyembe
(Centre for HRTEM, Physics Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Zirconium-based alloys (zircaloy and Zirlo) are used as nuclear fuel rod cladding in water-cooled nuclear reactors. Since zircaloy is oxidized by steam, which results in the release of hydrogen and the formation of brittle zirconium hydrides, the application of thin coatings on zircaloy to protect its surface from corrosion and reaction with hydrogen is currently enjoying considerable...
Dr
Christopher Mtshali
(iThemba LABS)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Alloys of Group IV element, C, Si, Ge and Sn, have received significant interest in electronic industries due to unique and intriguing (Opto) electronic properties for these alloys as theory predicts. Significant alteration of the band structure causing indirect-to-direct transition of the band gap and increased mobility in the strained Ge thin film has been theoretically predicted for Ge...
Mr
KAGISO J LEBURU
(NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
The telescope networks rely on high frequency clock tones to be distributed to each antenna for driving the digitizers, time stamping the data, and for monitoring and control functions. Stringent timing signals also find use in organisations like Square Kilometre Array, National Metrology Institute of South Africa, Coordinated Universal Time and Global Positioning System; as well as in areas...
Mr
KAGISO J LEBURU
(NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Telescope networks rely on high frequency clock tones to be distributed to each antenna for driving the digitizers, time stamping the data and for monitoring and control functions. Stringent timing signals also find use in organisations like Square Kilometre Array, National Metrology Institute of South Africa, Coordinated Universal Time and Global Positioning System; as well as in areas of...
Mr
Aiman Bashir
(University of the western Cape)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The compounds Ce8Pd24(Al1−xSnx), (0 < x <1) have been studied by means of electrical resistivity, &Rho(T), thermoelectric power,
S(T), thermal conductivity, &lambda(T), magnetic susceptibility, &Chi(T) and magnetization, M(&mu0H) measurements. All investigated
compositions crystallize in a cubic AuCu3 - type crystal structure with space group Pm3m (No. 221). &Rho(T) data is dominated...
Mr
Mahmoud Mahmoud
(University of the Witwatersrand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track G - Theoretical and Computational Physics
Poster Presentation
Thermoelectric devices can convert heat into an electric current and have immense potential for efficient
use available energy. This includes converting heat energy from internal combustion engines, conventional
power plants and solar cells into usable energy. Research into finding efficient thermoelectric materials has
intensified over the past decade. One of the desired features of...
Mr
Tsele Philemon
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Investigating the magnitude of air temperature variation inside the Lunar Laser Ranger (LLR) telescope tube is important for determining the varying refractive index and divergence angle of the emitted laser beam along the optical axis. Such investigation is important for the operational performance of optical laser telescopes, particularly the LLR one-meter aperture telescope that is under...
Mr
Lehlohonolo Lisema
(Wits)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Previously we have shown that implantation of the hexagonal allotrope of boron nitride with light ions (e.g. He+, Li+, B+) produces a surface layer containing nanoparticles of the much harder cubic allotrope, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. We now show that the irradiated layer is measurably harder when interrogated by micro-indentation which...
Dr
Tshifhiwa Moureen Masikhwa
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Cobalt sulphide (Co9S8) nanoparticles clusters embedded in activated graphene foam (AGF) structure were prepared using microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. Morphological characterization of as-prepared Co9S8/AGF showed that Co9S8 composed of cluster (sphere)-like nanoparticles embedded in the matrix of a porous sheet-like AGF. The synergy between the Co9S8 nanoparticles and AGF in the...
Mr
Iheanetu kelachukwu
(Rhodes University)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D1 - Astrophysics
Poster Presentation
Accurate modeling of the antenna primary beam response is important in many wireless applications, but is particularly crucial for the next generation of radio telescopes, since they offer unprecedented levels of sensitivity, at which even the most subtle instrumental effects become important. Electromagnetic and optical simulations which has often been used to model it can only provide a...
Mr
Mitchell Cox
(University of the Witwatersrand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Mode Division Multiplexing (MDM) is an emerging technology which harnesses the spatial degree of freedom of laser beams to significantly increase the overall capacity of optical communication systems. MDM research is typically carried out using cameras to measure the beam characteristics under various conditions. In high speed digital communication systems, the time domain characteristics of...
Dr
Milton van Rooy
(NMISA)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
The Radioactivity Standards (RS) Section of the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) provides traceability to the national measurement standard for radioactivity through various services offered to the nuclear industry. Services are mainly performed through our calibrated secondary instruments comprised of an ionization chamber, a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector and a...
Mr
Elkana Rugut
(The National Institute for Theoretical Physics, School of Physics and Mandelstam Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Wits 2050, South Africa)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
VSe2 belongs to a group of compounds called transition metal dichalcogenides. This group of compounds have been exploited by several researchers both computationally and experimentally because of their intriguing properties such as low resistance, high chemical and mechanical stability, ease of synthesis among others that suites them for various applications ranging from catalysis,...
Mr
Thokozani Mpanza
(University of Zululand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
There is a considerable desire to control and monitor gas emissions from industries like in mining and energy industries where fossil fuels are used to generate electric power. Most gases emitted from these industries are not environmental friendly since they result in air pollutions, acid rains and global warming. Gas sensors have been reported as promising devices to resolve these issues. In...
Mr
Siphisihle Siphamandla Magubane
(UWC)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Photoactive hybrid films based on inorganic-organic nanocomposites have attracted a lot of attention for fabrication of low cost and environmental friendly off grid photovoltaic devices.1,2 In particular, silicon nanowires (SiNWs), electron accepting materials and poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), electron donor conjugated polymer are promising candidates due to high optical...
Mr
Joel YONGOUA NANA
(Fort Hare Institute of Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Residential air source heat pump (ASHP) water heaters can operate at a coefficient of performance (COP) between 2-4 under standard outdoor conditions. In winter usually at outdoor temperatures below 5°C when their heating function is mostly needed, they tend to under-perform with COP usually close to 1. However, residential ASHP water heaters still offer room for further optimization in a bid...
Mr
KeChrist Obileke
(Fort Hare Institute of Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
A 2.2 cubic metre volume biogas digester was designed, fabricated and tested for its performance using pig dung. The biogas digester was made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. The use of the plastic material was advantageous because the characteristic of defect such as cracks in the brick structure experience in the fixed dome type of biogas digester made of bricks or cement does...
Dr
Mhlambululi Mafu
(Botswana International University of Science and Technology)
, Mr
Stuart Marongwe
(Botswana International University of Science and Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D1 - Astrophysics
Poster Presentation
We report the use of Einstein rings to reveal the quantized and dynamical states of space-time in a region of impressed gravitational field as predicted by the Nexus Paradigm of quantum gravity. This in turn reveals the orbital speeds of objects found therein and the radius of curvature of the quantized space-time. Similarities between the Nexus graviton and the singular isothermal sphere...
Mr
Tshepo Mahafa
(Necsa)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
A process of beam optimization was carried out at Necsa following changes made to the HEBT system of the accelerator. This was done to establish the most optimal beam conditions that ensures adequate beam transport is achieved and maintained during acceleration. The optimization method and work will be presented which will detail the 3 step process followed that involved TRACE 3D simulation,...
Mr
Comfort Sekga
(Department of Physics and Astronomy, Botswana International University fo Science and Technology, Private Bag 16 Palapye, Botswana)
, Dr
Mhlambululi Mafu
(Botswana International University of Science and Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track G - Theoretical and Computational Physics
Poster Presentation
Quantum cryptography or more specifically Quantum key distribution (QKD) is the emerging technology that has shown to be provably secure for transmitting messages between the communicating parties. The security of a QKD protocol is mainly based on the laws of quantum mechanics. In this work, we present a simple security proof for a three party generic QKD protocol. The protocol is implemented...
Mr
Hesham Abdelbagi Ali Abdelbagi
(University of Pretoria)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Migration behavior of silver (Ag) ions implanted into polycrystalline CVD-SiC was investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Silver ions of 360 keV were implanted into CVD-SiC to a fluence of 2×1016 cm-2 at room temperature. Some of implanted samples were irradiated with xenon (Xe) ions of 167 MeV to a fluence of 3.4×1014...
Ms
Carine Buma
(Fort Hare Institute of Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
The sun is the major source of energy on the planet and is at the center of all the other energy sources. The energy generated by the sun is more than enough to take care of the earth’s energy needs. Knowledge of the solar characteristics for a particular location is very important to different fields of study, amongst which are solar photovoltaic systems. The existing literature on solar...
Dominique John
(University of Michigan, USA)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
The SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) is a very sensitive magnetometer that measures magnetic flux using flux quantization and Josephson tunnelling. Compared to traditional fluxgate magnetometers, SQUIDs could detect and measure flux to a femtotesla. SQUIDs are prospective instruments for the use of monitoring geomagnetic storms and predicting space weather due to their...
Mr
Humphry Tlou
(University of the Witwatersrand)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
ATLAS (A Toroidal LHC Apparatus) is one of the two general-purpose detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The Tile Calorimeter (TileCal) is the hadronic calorimeter of the ATLAS experiment, it is made out of iron plates and plastic scintillator. The TileCal is divided into three cylinders along the beam direction, each of which is segmented azimuthally into 64 modules. The photo...
Mr
Nhlakanipho Wiseman Khoza
(Unizulu)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Selective solar absorber coatings based on ZrO2/Zr/ZrO2 multilayered coatings were prepared using Dc magnetron sputtering machine onto microscopic glass, silicon wafers and copper substrates. It was found that ZrO2/Zr/ZrO2 multilayered solar absorber coating exhibited a good spectral selectivity of 0.90/ 0.12. The chemical composition and structures were investigated by scanning electron...
Mr
Luyolo Ntozakhe
(University of Fort Hare)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by pneumatic spray pyrolysis technique (PSP) using zinc ethoxide as a precursor and tetrabutylammonium as a dopant. The morphological, structural and optical properties of PSP synthesized un-doped and C-ZnO NPs were evaluated using SEM, XRD, HRTEM, RS and UV-vis spectroscopy. SEM analysis has revealed that as synthesized NPs have...
Dr
Lehlohonolo Koao
(UFS (Qwa Qwa))
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
LiMn2O4 powders were prepared by modified chemical bath method using citric acid (CA) a catalyst. The ratio of Li and Mn on LiMn2O4 was varied, respectively. The effect of molar ratio of Li and Mn on the thermal analysis, structure, morphology and optical properties of LiMn2O4 nanostructures were investigated, respectively. The thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and differential scanning...
Mr
Kabir Oyedotun
(UP)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Currently, energy storage devices materials with controlled morphology and properties can be prepared using simple and low temperature stirring technique. The technique is relatively simple, cost effective and suitable for sample preparation.
In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of environmentally friendly mixed hydroxide NiCo(OH)2 and NiCoMnO2 electrodes successfully...
Mr
Roger van Rensburg
(Wits)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
This paper conceptualizes a low-power wireless network topology design for application employment to reduce theft of portable computer devices used in educational institutions today. The aim of this study is to design and develop a network topology that can eradicate accessibility of the device's human interface. An embedded system supplied by an energy harvesting source, installed on the...
10.
TESTING THE SCATTERING DISTRIBUTION OF A PHOTON IN A TURBID MEDIUM USING MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS
Mr
Thulani Mabhengu
(SAAPMB)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
The scattering distribution of a photon in an inhomogeneous turbid medium is too complex to be represented by an analytical expression, and therefore requires a numerical solution. Photon propagation may be treated a stochastic process. In this study, a Monte Carlo simulation is used to reproduce the behaviour of photons in turbid media. This is approached by applying random number generation...
Mr
Mpheleki Lupiwana
(University of Fort Hare)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Abstract
In this work, we present a simple electrochemical approach to obtain large-area free-standing TiO2 nanotube (TNT) membranes, via anodic oxidation of pure Ti metal sheets. The highly ordered vertically oriented TNTs were characterized by SEM-EDS, XRD, CRM and AFM. SEM-EDS analysis confirms the presence of Ti and O-species in the as-prepared free-standing TNTs layer in significant...
Dr
Peace Mkhonto
(University of Limpopo)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Ab-initio density functional theory was employed to investigate the interaction of thiol collectors on the nickel-rich pentlandite Fe4Ni5S8 (110) surface, in order to establish an insight into the collecting performances of SEX, SIBX and DEDTP collectors during flotation. The HOMO and LUMO energies of the three collectors were computed from...
Mr
Renier Hough
(North-West University)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
In this research project, aspects of the cosmoclimatology theory are tested for a South African context. It has been suggested that cosmic rays may contribute to the production of condensation nuclei that are needed for cloud formation. To test this, since cloud production could have an effect on temperature, rainfall, and hours of daily sunlight, the periodicities in these locally measured...
Mr
Thabang Johannes Nkosi
(University of Johannesburg)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
The series of Ca3(PO4)2 powder with Gd3+ ion were synthesized using combustion method. The powder phosphor has two sets which are as prepared (at 600±250C) and annealed (1000±50C). The concentration of the Gd3+ ion was varied from 0.0 to 7.0 mol %. The characterization techniques used are X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray...
Prof.
F.B. Dejene
(University of the Free State South Africa)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
This work presents the effect of Zn2+ ion concentration on the optical properties of a newly formulated perovskite with or without a dopant. The Ba1-xZnxZrO3 perovskite was synthesized using the solution combustion technique. The scanning electron micrographs show particles with irregular shapes which agglomerated into a dense structure. The sizes of the particles were in the range 30 to 75...
Ms
Sindisiwe Xhakaza
(Highly Correlated Matter Research Group, Department of Physics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
Polycrystalline samples of Sm3Rh4Ge13 compound was synthesized by arc melting the stoichometric quntities of respective purity elements. The compounds crystallize in the usual cubic structure, space group Pm ̅3n (#223) [1-2]. Our magnetic susceptibility measurements show antiferomagnetic behavour at low temperatures, at TN = 5 K, for...
Mr
Thembinkosi Donald Malevu
(University of The Free State)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track A - Division for Physics of Condensed Matter and Materials
Poster Presentation
We report on a thermal stability of Perovskite solar cells precursors (CH3NH3I and PbI2) synthesized following a simple precipitate method. The structure, morphology, mass loss behavior, thermal behavior and thermal stability of these materials were investigated using X-ray diraction (XRD), Scannig electron microscpoe (SEM), Dierential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared...
Mr
Comfort Sekga
(Department of Physics and Astronomy, Botswana International University fo Science and Technology, Private Bag 16 Palapye, Botswana)
, Dr
Mhlambululi Mafu
(Botswana International University of Science and Technology)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track G - Theoretical and Computational Physics
Poster Presentation
Quantum key distribution (QKD) can be used to securely exchange the secret key between the communicating parties which are conventionally referred to as Alice and Bob. The protocol exploit the laws of quantum mechanics to detect any eavesdropper who tries to gain the knowledge of the key. For most existing QKD protocols, it is essential to have a known reference frame between the communicating...
Mr
George Isoe
(Centre for Broadband Communication,Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track F - Applied Physics
Poster Presentation
Abstract: Current optical access network use on-off keying (OOK) modulation format throughout the network regardless of actual end user demand. We propose the use of two pulse amplitude modulation (2-PAM) and 4-PAM formats to increase the aggregated data rates of optical access networks. In this work, we experimentally evaluate the realization of a high capacity passive optical network using...
Corrinne Florie
(University of Michigan, USA)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) are considered to be one of the major space weather related threats to terrestrial technological systems. The change of magnetic flux and induced geoelectric field along power lines is the key driver of GICs in power distribution systems. The electric field is derived from the local geomagnetic field and the local surface impedance under the power...
Hanna Vanwingen
(University of Michigan, USA)
04/07/2017, 17:10
Track D2 - Space Science
Poster Presentation
Imaging using all-sky lenses of 180° field of view has a long tradition in atmospheric airglow and auroral science. For a vertically mounted camera, the traditional fish-eye lens systems are linear in local zenith and azimuth angle. Hence, they introduce significant radial distortion, especially toward the horizon of the image. Fish-eye optics can be easily implemented using a single convex...
