David D. Reid

RESEARCH INTERESTS

 

Causal Sets

The approach to quantum gravity that I am interested in is that of the causal set hypothesis. The idea behind this approach is that the small scale structure of space-time is discrete and has the form of a causal set. A causal set is a locally finite, partially ordered set of events. The ordering of these events corresponds to our macroscopic notion of causal connectivity. This work is being carried out in consultation with one of the founders of this approach, Rafael D. Sorkin of Syracuse University and the Perimeter Institute.

Electron- and Positron-Gas Scattering

Current research focuses on electron and positron scattering from atoms and molecules. The emphasis of this work, performed with J. M. Wadehra of Wayne State University, is on calculating the elastic, inelastic, and total scattering cross sections using our own polarization and absorption interaction potentials.

Presently, for scattering in atomic gases, we are conducting work on electron and positron scattering from alkaline-earth atoms (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra). Projects for scattering in molecular gases concern both electron and positron scattering from diatomic molecules of the interstellar medium (H2, C2, CO, CS, CN, CH, NO, NS, SO, SiO, SiS). Some of our work in this area focuses on the use of Gaussian to model the molecular target.

Physics/Science Education

I have an on-going interest in physics education as well as science education in general. I am particularly interested in computer applications for improved visualization in the science classroom as well as methods for improving the way physics topics are taught. I also have an interest in interdisciplinary approaches to conceptual (non-mathematical) science education, and theme-based teaching.

I currently organize a seminar series on pedagogical issues in physics.

Other On-going Projects

 

Publications

ARTICLES

  1. Raluca Ilie, Gregory B. Thompson, and David D. Reid, A numerical study of the correspondence between paths in a causal set and geodesics in the continuum, Classical and Quantum Gravity, vol. 23, 3275 - 3285 (2006); also see gr-qc/0512073.
  2. David D. Reid, William B. Klann, and J. M. Wadehra, Scattering of low- to intermediate-energy positrons from molecular hydrogen, Physical Review A, vol. 70, 062714 (2004); also see physics/0401088.
  3. David D. Reid, Manifold Dimension of a Causal Set: Tests in conformally flat spacetimes, Physical Review D, vol. 67, 024034 (2003); also see gr-qc/0207103.
  4. David D. Reid, Daniel W. Kittle, Eric E. Arsznov, and Gregory B. Thompson, The Picture of Our Universe: A view from modern cosmology, Available online at the Caltech cosmology database as The Picture of Our Universe; and on the eprint archive at astro-ph/0209504.
  5. David D. Reid, Discrete quantum gravity and causal sets, Canadian Journal of Physics, vol. 79, pp. 1 - 16 (2001). An early draft of this paper is available at gr-qc/9909075.
  6. David D. Reid and J. M. Wadehra, Scattering of intermediate-energy positrons by C, N, O atoms and the corresponding diatomic molecules: Elastic and total cross sections, Chemical Physics Letters, vol. 311, pp. 385 - 389 (1999).
  7. Natthi L. Sharma and David D. Reid, Rolling as a frictional equilibration of translation and rotation, European Journal of Physics, vol. 20, pp. 129-136 (1999).
  8. David D. Reid and J. M. Wadehra, Scattering of intermediate- to high-energy positrons by alkali-metal atoms, Physical Review A, vol. 57, p. 2583-2589 (1998).
  9. Natthi L. Sharma and David D. Reid, Does electrostatic shielding work both ways?, Physics Education, vol. 33, pp. 319-322 (1998).
  10. David D. Reid and J. M. Wadehra, A quasifree model for the absorption effects in positron scattering by atoms, Jounal of Physics B, vol. 29, p. L127-133 (1996); vol. 30, p. 2318 (1997).
  11. David D. Reid and J. M. Wadehra, Low-energy differential scattering of electrons and positrons from noble gases, Physical Review A, vol. 50, p. 4859-4867 (1994).
  12. David D. Reid and J. M. Wadehra, Differential cross section surfaces for low energy scattering of electrons and positrons from rare gas atoms, Hyperfine Interactions, vol. 89, p. 435-444 (1994).

BOOKS AND OTHER WORKS

  1. David D. Reid, Student Study Guide with Selected Solutions, 3rd. ed., for the textbook by James S. Walker, Prentice Hall Inc. (Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2007); go to these links if you wish to purchase volume 1 or volume 2 .
  2. David D. Reid, Student Study Guide with Selected Solutions, for the textbook by Fishbane, Gasiorowicz, and Thornton, Prentice Hall Inc. (Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2004). Go to these links if you wish to purchase volume 1 or volumes 2&3.
  3. David D. Reid and David H. Bush, Mechanics, Sound, and Heat: Physics 221 Laboratory Manual, Hayden-McNeil Publishing (Plymouth, MI. 1996).
  4. David D. Reid and David H. Bush, Mechanics, Sound, and Heat: Physics 223 Laboratory Manual, Hayden-McNeil Publishing (Plymouth, MI. 1996).
  5. David H. Bush and David D. Reid, Electricity and Light: Physics 222 Laboratory Manual, Hayden-McNeil Publishing (Plymouth, MI. 1996).
  6. David H. Bush and David D. Reid, Electricity and Light: Physics 224 Laboratory Manual, Hayden-McNeil Publishing (Plymouth, MI. 1996).