DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

This research focuses on the design and implementation of a wireless resistivity meter using discrete components. The system addresses the limitations of traditional wired resistivity meters by integrating a wireless transmitter and receiver for efficient data acquisition and portability. The transmitter processes sinusoidal and square wave signals from a signal generator and wirelessly transmits the data to the receiver for analysis. The wireless resistivity meter was evaluated through experimental tests to validate its accuracy, reliability, and operational range. Results demonstrate that the system effectively captures and transmits geophysical data with high precision, making it a significant advancement over conventional wired systems. Key features of the system include real-time data storage and export capabilities, compatibility with modern software tools like LabVIEW Signal Express, and robust performance across varying field conditions.

This study has used the recently established combination between EAM and
the TB-SMA scheme to determine the n, p, q parameters values needed for the
calculation of total energy of the three FCC metals which include Ag, Pd and Pt. The EAM and TB-SMA was established to replace the old approach of determining parameters for calculating total energy because of its improved computational efficiency and accurate results. The Microsoft excel programming language has been employed in this study to reproduce results with good accuracy as compared with previous studies using other programming software.

This study examined the use of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to investigate the subsurface lithology in Ugbogiobo, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The research aimed to determine the variation in subsurface materials and identify geological structures that may influence groundwater potential, engineering suitability, and environmental conditions in the study area. The study adopted a geophysical survey approach using the ERT method, where resistivity measurements were taken along selected profiles to generate two-dimensional subsurface images. Data obtained were processed and interpreted using standard inversion software to produce resistivity models that reveal variations in lithological units. The results showed distinct subsurface layers characterized by varying resistivity values, indicating differences in soil composition, moisture content, and degree of weathering. The near-surface layer was generally composed of lateritic and sandy materials with relatively high resistivity values, while deeper zones exhibited lower resistivity indicative of clayey formations and possible water-bearing zones. The study also identified potential fracture zones and areas of structural weakness, which are important for groundwater accumulation and civil engineering planning. The study concludes that Electrical Resistivity Tomography is an effective non-invasive geophysical tool for subsurface investigation in Ugbogiobo. It provides reliable information on lithological variations and groundwater potential. The research recommends the integration of ERT surveys in site investigation studies before construction and borehole drilling to improve decision-making, reduce failure rates, and enhance sustainable groundwater development in the area.

2-D survey of a part of Ugbogiobo community and its environs has been carried out successfully and this research has helped in providing information about the subsurface of the study area. This information is of utmost importance as it gives the necessary constituents of the profile of the study area. The subsurface of a study area is related to various geological parameters such as mineral and fluid content, porosity and degree of water saturation in the rock. Major resistivity structures were delineated in both profile which is seen to be generally characterized by moderate resistivity values, at the top layers we can inferred from the low resistivity that is characterize by Clayey and Alluvium soil having a resistivity range between 200 Ωm– 800 Ωm profile 7 and 8 respectively. The major mineral occurrence in profile 7 and 8 are majorly compose of sedimentary Rocks ranging from Limestone, Shale and Sandstone with a resistivity range for Limestone between 2000 Ωm– 3000 Ωm, Shale with a resistivity range 3200 Ωm– 4000 Ωm Sandstone between resistivity range 4000 Ωm– 5000 Ωm, it will be noticed from the profiled line that all inferred mineral types fall between a depth of 2 m to 39 m. which form the lithological mineral occurrence of the both profiles. The development of two dimensional inversion resistivity algorithms has aided the processing and interpretation of complex data. Due to the inferred rock types and mineral occurences (Alluvium, Clayey soil, limestone, sandstone, and clay) gotten from the lithological interpretation of the 2-D data inversion, it can be concluded that the lithology of the study area is good for engineering purpose and construction work.

Radon is an odourless, invisible, radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soils and water. Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. Over time, breathing in high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. Radon-222 is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that accounts for approximately half of the human annual background radiation exposure globally. Chronic exposure to radon and its decay products is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking (WHO, 2009; UNSCEAR 2000). Ionizing radiation emitted as a result of much energy from radon and its progeny can induce variety of cytogenetic effects that can be biologically damaging and results in an increased risk of carcinogenesis (The process in which normal cell are transformed into cancer cell). Suggested effects of alpha particle emission from Radon include mutation, chromosome aberrations, generation of reactive oxygen species, modification of cell cycle, up or down regulation of cytokines and the increased production of proteins associated with cell- cycle regulation and the transformation of normal cell into cancer cells. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends 148 Bq/m3 as the action level. On the other hand, International Commission for Radiation Protection (ICRP) recommends 200 Bq/m3 as the action level, while WHO recommended 100Bq/m3 as action level. The main objective of this study is focuse on how radon is established as a health hazard, its effects on cellular metabolism and energy production, and the potential of radon as a therapeutic agent for metabolism disorder, way of radon detection and measurements, methods of reducing and controlling high indoor radon concentration, and what are the recommended international action levels of radon concentrations. It mainly focuses on the health perspective of radon studies because it is a crucial and hot issue in the world today. In most developing countries like Nigeria, radon studies are not well investigated and the high mortality rate of lung cancer is of the increase.

This study examines the structural, mechanical, optical, and electronic properties of sodium niobate (NaNbO₃) perovskite using first-principles calculations within Density Functional Theory (DFT). The Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and pseudopotentials in Quantum ESPRESSO were used for all computations. The optimized lattice parameters confirmed that NaNbO₃ crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure with space group Pbnm. The calculated elastic constants and related moduli met Born’s criteria for mechanical stability. The Pugh and Poisson ratios show that the compound is near the brittle–ductile boundary. Band structure results indicate an indirect band gap of about 0.4 eV, with the valence band maximum at the Γ point and the conduction band minimum at the X point. The density of states revealed strong interaction between Nb-4d and O-2p orbitals, confirming covalent bonding within the Nb–O octahedra. These findings show that NaNbO₃ is a stable indirect semiconductor with potential use in optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.

In my work the mechanical, structural, vibration, and electronic properties of knbo3 perovskite using density functional theory (DFT). the aim of this research is to provide understanding of its characteristics and potential applications in felToelectlic devices.
In agreement with previously published theoretical values, Phonon dispersion analysis was conducted to assess the dynamical stability and vibrational behaviour of the crystal. In addition, the electronic band structure and density of states (DOS) were anaIyzed to understand the nature of its bonding and band gap. This work gave explanation to the computational techniques used and offer a rigid understanding of the structural, mechanical, and electrical properties of K
Nb03 perovskite.

As technology improves, it has slowly and efficiently been embedded into every part of life. With the advent of communication protocols, organizations have turned to building gadgets that can interact with one other over communication protocols. This has extended into the homes and how we can use these communication protocols to build a smart home where appliances and energy consumption can be controlled remotely. This project focuses on the Smart Room Control System with Temperature DisplayusingArduino is a project that aims to create an automated and efficient solution for controlling various appliances like bulbs, fans, and an air conditioner (AC) within a room. The system will also provide real-time temperature monitoring for better comfort and energy management. The core of this project is an Arduino microcontroller that communicates with the appliances and temperature sensors to enable seamless automation and control.

The Digitally Programmable Temperature/Time-Based Control System puts forth a system which enables users to choose the preferred temperature for the water to be heated while the device is in the temperature mode. The design is built with the objective of implementing a digital temperature monitoring circuit that will collect the temperature of water and send the value, digitally to a microcontroller and to create an alerting mechanism that will be in the form of an audio alarm and a visual display to alert the operator that an operation is done. By also providing precise temperature regulation and accurate timing the water heater will turn on when the user sets the desired temperature via the input switches, and the screen will begin counting down from the chosen time to zero. A signal from the microcontroller will be sent to the transistor's base through the resistor when the water reaches the specified temperature, cutting off the power to the heater. In order to activate the relay, the transistor must become saturated. Given that the heater is linked to the relay's typically open contact, the water heater will be turned off. The flow chart were established, which helped with the proper circuit diagram design and simulations utilizing electrical simulation software like PROTEUS ISIS. The MIDE-written assembly language program was translated to machine code using TOPWIN6, and then burnt into the microcontroller IC using a universal programmer. The 555 timer, which is connected in the Astable mode, will be activated at the same moment by the microcontroller depending on the written program stored in its ROM. This will enable the buzzer to pulse and an alarm to sound with an LED flashing. The complete system operates on a 5 volts power supply which is
obtained from the public mains. This design makes use of an efficient and low-cost technology for controlling the appliances thus minimizing the power wastage. The results showed that the developed system provided accurate temperature control with a deviation of less than 1°C, and precise timing control with a deviation of less than 5 seconds.

The Digitally Programmable Temperature/Time-Based Control System puts forth a system which enables users to choose the preferred temperature for the water to be heated while the device is in the temperature mode. The design is built with the objective of implementing a digital temperature monitoring circuit that will collect the temperature of water and send the value, digitally to a microcontroller and to create an alerting mechanism that will be in the form of an audio alarm and a visual display to alert the operator that an operation is done. By also providing precise temperature regulation and accurate timing the water heater will turn on when the user sets the desired temperature via the input switches, and the screen will begin counting down from the chosen time to zero. A signal from the microcontroller will be sent to the transistor's base through the resistor when the water reaches the specified temperature, cutting off the power to the heater. In order to activate the relay, the transistor must become saturated. Given that the heater is linked to the relay's typically open contact, the water heater will be turned off. The flow chart were established, which helped with the proper circuit diagram design and simulations utilizing electrical simulation software like PROTEUS ISIS. The MIDE-written assembly language program was translated to machine code using OPWIN6, and then burnt into the microcontroller IC using a universal programmer. The 555 timer, which is connected in the
Astable mode, will be activated at the same moment by the microcontroller depending on the written program stored in its ROM. This will enable the buzzer to pulse and an alarm to sound with an LED flashing. The complete system operates on a 5 volts power supply which is obtained from the public mains. This design makes use of an efficient and low-cost technology
for controlling the appliances thus minimizing the power wastage. The results showed that the developed system provided accurate temperature control with a deviation of less than 1°C, and precise timing control with a deviation