M. S. Bawa'aneh

Bio: M. S. Bawa'aneh is an academic researcher from Yarmouk University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Plasma & Magnetic field. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 27 publications receiving 244 citations. Previous affiliations of M. S. Bawa'aneh include Hashemite University & Khalifa University.

Influence of Mn doping on the magnetic and optical properties of ZnO nanocrystalline particles

Abstract: The structural, optical and magnetic properties of Mn doped ZnO nanocrystalline particles, Zn1-xMnxO, with different percentages of Mn content have been studied. XRD and XPS measurements showed that all samples with Mn doping up to x = 0.1 possess typical wurtzite structure and have no other impurity phases. The incorporation of Mn ions into the ZnO lattice was also confirmed by FTIR and UV–Vis. spectroscopy results. Both XRD and SEM results indicated a slight decrease in the grain size with increasing the Mn doping level. The XPS results indicated an increase in the oxygen vacancies concentration with increasing the Mn doping level. The magnetization measurements revealed a weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature and a clear ferromagnetic behavior with relatively large coercive fields at low temperature. The ferromagnetic order is improved by increasing the Mn doping. In addition, we observed an increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies, which is also induced by increasing the Mn doping level. A ferromagnetic coupling of the local moment of Mn dopants through the sp-d exchange interaction and oxygen vacancies, in addition to different magnetic contributions due to different forms of Mn ions that coexist in the Mn doped nanoparticles were presented in order to interpret the observed magnetic behavior. We observed a clear red shift in the direct band gap and an increase in the coercive field and saturation magnetization values with increasing the Mn doping level.

Campus Off, Education On: UAEU Students’ Satisfaction and Attitudes Towards E-Learning and Virtual Classes During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The study aims at investigating the satisfaction level and attitudes of undergraduate students at United Arab Emirates University towards eLearning and virtual classes in exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 Crisis, in view of five demographic independent variables: students’ gender, educational level, residential location, college, and GPA. The researchers adopted and implemented a questionnaire where its validity and reliability for collecting data have been verified. Mean, standard deviations, and one-way ANOVA tests were conducted. The results indicate that the students’ satisfaction level and attitudes towards eLearning and virtual classes are strong in general with varying degrees between items. The results did not show a significant difference at the level (α = 0.05) for the independent variables: students’ gender, residential location, college, and GPA. However, the results imply that there is a statistically significant difference in students’ satisfaction level and attitudes towards eLearning and virtual classes for the independent variable of educational level. The study concluded with few recommendations; supporting the current efforts of the university to provide all the requirements of education via eLearning and virtual classes such as suitable infrastructure and technical support. Besides, there is a need for a continuous update of the teaching and learning platforms in line with continuous development and training for instructors and students.

Photo‐driven Super Absorber as an Active Metamaterial with a Tunable Molecular‐Plasmonic Coupling

Abstract: General information State: Published Organisations: Department of Photonics Engineering, Plasmonics and Metamaterials, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Islamic University of Gaza, Hashemite University Contributors: Keshavarz Hedayati, M., Javaheri, M., Zillohu, A. U., El-Khozondar, H. J., Bawa'aneh, M. S., Lavrinenko, A., Faupel, F., Elbahri, M. Pages: 705-710 Publication date: 2014 Peer-reviewed: Yes

Exposure to radiation from the natural radioactivity in Jordanian building materials

Abstract: The natural radioactivity due to the presence of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in selected building materials used in Jordanian building constructions has been measured using gamma-ray spectrometer with a Hyper Pure germanium detector. The average activity concentrations observed in different building materials ranged from 27.7 +/- 7.5 to 70.4 +/- 2.8, 5.9 +/- 0.67 to 32.9 +/- 3.9 and 30.8 +/- 0.87 to 58.5 +/- 1.5 for (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K, respectively. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra measured in fine aggregates was found to be among the highest values obtained in this work. The ranges of the calculated Ra-equivalent were found to be lower than those values recommended for construction materials (370 Bq kg(-1)). The average internal and external hazard indices were found to be <1. The average of the calculated annual gonadal equivalent dose was found to be 198 microSv y(-1). Results indicate no significant radiological hazards arise from using such materials in building construction.

Photoswitchable molecular dipole antennas with tailored coherent coupling in glassy composite

Abstract: Here, we introduce the first experimental proof of coherent oscillation and coupling of photoswitchable molecules embedded randomly in a polymeric matrix and acting cooperatively upon illumination with UV light. In particular, we demonstrate the specular reflection and Brewster phenomenon alteration of photochromic molecular dipole antennas. We successfully demonstrate the concept of Brewster wavelength, which is based on the dipolar interaction between radiating dipoles and the surrounding matrix possessing a net dipole moment, as a key tool for highly localized sensing of matrix polarity. We also introduce the concept of ‘tailored molecular photonic coupling’ while highlighting the role of interferences for the design of optically active media by adjusting the photonic response of the medium with the real and imaginary refractive index of photoswitchable molecules in the ‘ON’ state. Our results enhance our fundamental understanding of coherent dipole radiation and open a new vein of research based on glassy disordered dipolar composites that act as macroscopic antenna with cooperative action; furthermore, these results have important implications for new design rules of tailored photonics. Polymers doped with photochromic spirooxazine offer switchable reflection and Brewster-like transmission properties in the visible region. These changes in the optical properties can be controlled by applying ultraviolet light, and hence this method could prove useful for fabricating a variety of tunable or switchable optical devices. The researchers behind this research, who are based in Germany, Denmark, Palestine and the United Arab Emirates, believe that the coupling and oscillation of dipoles of the spirooxazine molecules play an important role in inducing this behavior. In particular, significant changes in the reflection and transmission of red light (wavelength of about 600 nanometres) were observed in a doped polymer film coated on a silicon substrate with a spacer layer of silicon oxide. Photochromic fibres (approximately 1 micrometre in diameter) made by electrospinning showed similar changes following ultraviolet exposure.

Getting Under the Hood: How and for Whom Does Increasing Course Structure Work?

Abstract: At the college level, the effectiveness of active-learning interventions is typically measured at the broadest scales: the achievement or retention of all students in a course. Coarse-grained measures like these cannot inform instructors about an intervention’s relative effectiveness for the different student populations in their classrooms or about the proximate factors responsible for the observed changes in student achievement. In this study, we disaggregate student data by racial/ethnic groups and firstgeneration status to identify whether a particular intervention—increased course structure—works better for particular populations of students. We also explore possible factors that may mediate the observed changes in student achievement. We found that a “moderate-structure” intervention increased course performance for all student populations, but worked disproportionately well for black students—halving the black–white achievement gap—and first-generation students—closing the achievement gap with continuing-generation students. We also found that students consistently reported completing the assigned readings more frequently, spending more time studying for class, and feeling an increased sense of community in the moderate-structure course. These changes imply that increased course structure improves student achievement at least partially through increasing student use of distributed learning and creating a more interdependent classroom community.

Switchable metamaterial reflector/absorber for different polarized electromagnetic waves

Abstract: We demonstrate a controllable electromagnetic wave reflector/absorber for different polarizations with metamaterial involving electromagnetic resonant structures coupled with diodes. Through biasing at different voltages to turn ON and OFF the diodes, we are able to switch the structure between nearly total reflection and total absorption of a particularly polarized incident wave. By arranging orthogonally orientated resonant cells, the metamaterial can react to different polarized waves by selectively biasing the corresponding diodes. Both numerical simulations and microwave measurements have verified the performance.

Micro- and Nanostructured Surfaces for Selective Solar Absorption

Abstract: Efficient absorption of solar radiation is desired for the renewable energy sector, such as solar thermophotovoltaics and solar thermal applications. In order to minimize thermal re-radiation, wavelength-selective devices are required. Absorbers with structured surfaces are attractive because they derive their electromagnetic properties to a greater extent from their geometry and to a lesser extent from the intrinsic properties of the constituent materials. Thus, they offer greater flexibility in the design and control of absorber features and can be tailored to suit requirements. This article reviews various classes of patterned structures: photonic crystals, metal-dielectric-metal slab arrays, metamaterials, and nanostructures operating in the visible and infrared wavelength ranges. Operation requirements, design principles and underlying physical phenomena, material and temperature considerations, as well as fabrication methods are discussed. Recent progress in achieving various desirable absorber features, such as broadband and multiband operation, polarization and angle independence, flexibility, and tunability is presented. Suggestions are also given regarding future research directions.

Antireflective Coatings: Conventional Stacking Layers and Ultrathin Plasmonic Metasurfaces, A Mini-Review

Abstract: Reduction of unwanted light reflection from a surface of a substance is very essential for improvement of the performance of optical and photonic devices. Antireflective coatings (ARCs) made of single or stacking layers of dielectrics, nano/microstructures or a mixture of both are the conventional design geometry for suppression of reflection. Recent progress in theoretical nanophotonics and nanofabrication has enabled more flexibility in design and fabrication of miniaturized coatings which has in turn advanced the field of ARCs considerably. In particular, the emergence of plasmonic and metasurfaces allows for the realization of broadband and angular-insensitive ARC coatings at an order of magnitude thinner than the operational wavelengths. In this review, a short overview of the development of ARCs, with particular attention paid to the state-of-the-art plasmonic- and metasurface-based antireflective surfaces, is presented.