CURRENT COURSE LIST AND DESCRIPTIONS PH 5343 Physical Basis of Nanotechnology, 3:0:0:3
This course focuses on the underlying physical basis of nanotechnology. Introduction to nanotechnology, examples of nanoscale systems. Systematics in miniaturization from the mm to the nm scale. Limits to miniaturization. Quantum concepts and elementary Schrodinger theory. Quantum effects in the behavior of chemical matter. Examples of self-assembled nanosystems from nature and from contemporary industrial products. Prerequisite: PH2004 Introductory Physics II
PH 5443 Physical Techniques and Applications of Nanotechnology, 3:0:0:3
This course focuses on physical techniques and applications of nanotechnology. Scanning probe microscopes for observation and fabrication. Photolithographic methods of patterning, deposition techniques. Dense memory based on arrays of cantilevers. Magnetic Tunnel Junctions as elements of magnetic disc memory read heads and in Magnetic Random Access Memory. Nanoscale high-electric-field devices. Nanoscale confinement techniques and devices. Applications of carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires. Assembly methods for nanoscale objects. Prerequisite: PH 2004 Introductory Physics II
PH 5473 Modern Optics, 3:0:0:3
The physics of optics using both classical and semi-classical descriptions. The classical and quantum interactions of light with matter. Diffraction of waves and wave packets by obstacles. Fourier transform optics, holography, Fourier transform spectroscopy. Coherence and quantum aspects of light. Geometrical optics. Matrix optics. Crystal optics. Introduction to electro-optics and nonlinear optics. Prerequisites: MA 2122, PH 3234 equivalents.
PH 5481 Modern Optics Lab, 0:3:0:1
The modern optics laboratory includes experimental investigations into laser modes, velocity of light by time-of-flight, Fourier optics, holography, Fourier transform spectroscopy, crystal optics and nonlinear optics. Co-/Prerequisite: PH 547 or equivalent.
PH5493/EL5533 Physics of Nanoelectronics, 3:0:0:3
Limits to the ongoing miniaturization (Moore's Law) of the successful silicon device technology imposed by physical limitations of energy dissipation, quantum tunneling and discrete quantum electron states. Quantum physical concepts and elementary Schrodinger theory. Conductance quantum and magnetic flux quantum. Alternative physical concepts appropriate for devices of size scales of 1 to 10 nanometers, emphasizing role of power dissipation. Tunnel diode, resonant tunnel diode, electron wave transistor; spin valve, tunnel valve, magnetic disk and random access memory; single electron transistor, molecular crossbar latch, quantum cellular automata including molecular and magnetic realizations. Josephson junction and 'rapid single flux quantum' computation. Photo- and x-ray lithographic patterning, electron beam patterning, scanning probe microscopes for observation and for fabrication; cantilever array as dense memory, use of carbon nanotubes and of DNA and related biological elements as building blocks and in self-assembly strategies. Prerequisites: PH2004 Introductory Physics II
PH5553/EL5553 Physics of Quantum Computing, 3:0:0:3
Limits to the performance of binary computers, traveling salesman and factorization problems, security of encryption. The concept of the quantum computer based on linear superposition of basis states. The information content of the qubit. Algorithmic improvements enabled in the hypothetical quantum computer. Isolated two-level quantum systems, the principle of linear superposition as well established. Coherence as a limit on quantum computer realization. Introduction of concepts underlying the present approaches to realizing qubits (singly and in interaction) based on physical systems. The systems in present consideration are based on light photons in fiber optic systems; electron charges in double well potentials, analogous to the hydrogen molecular ion; nuclear spins manipulated via the electron-nuclear spin interaction, and systems of ions such as Be and Cd which are trapped in linear arrays using methods of ultra-high vacuum, radiofrequency trapping and laser-based cooling and manipulation of atomic states. Summary and comparison of the several approaches. Prerequisites: PH2004 Introductory Physics II
PH5663/EL5663 Physics of Alternative Energy, 3:0:0:3
Non-petroleum sources of energy include photovoltaic cells, photocatalytic generators of hydrogen from water, and nuclear fusion reactors. The advanced physics of these emerging technical areas will be introduced in this course. Semiconductor junctions, optical absorption in semiconductors, photovoltaic effect. Energy conversion efficiency of the silicon solar cell. Single crystal, polycrystal, and thin film types of solar cells. Excitons in bulk and in confined geometries. Excitons in energy transport within an absorbing structure. Methods of making photocatalytic surfaces and structures for water splitting. Conditions for nuclear fusion. Plasmas and plasma compression. The toroidal chamber with magnetic coils as it appears in recent designs. Nuclear fusion by laser compression (inertial fusion). Small scale exploratory approaches to fusion based on liquid compression and electric field ionization of deuterium gas. Prerequisites: PH2004 Introductory Physics II
PH 6513/6523 Introduction to Solid-State Physics I/II, each 3:0:0:3
Phenomena and theory of physics of crystalline solids. Topics from thermal, magnetic, electrical and optical properties of metals, insulators and semiconductors. PH 6513 Prerequisite: PH 336 or equivalent. PH 6523 prerequisite: PH 6513
PH 6553 Advanced Quantum Computing, 3:0:0:3
Advanced topics in quantum computation. Prerequisites: PH 5553.
PH 6673/6683 Quantum Mechanics I,II, each 3:0:0:3
Quantum mechanics with applications to atomic systems. The use of Schrodinger's equations. Angular momentum and spin. Semi-classical theory of field-matter interaction.
Prerequisites: MA 2122, PH 3234 equivalents. PH 6683 prerequisite: PH 6673
PH 8013/8023 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics, each 3:0:0:3
Current or advanced topics of particular interest to graduate students. Subject matter determined each year by students and faculty. May be given in more than one section. Consult department office for current offerings. Note: this course is not offered every semester.
PH 9993 Research in Physics, each 3 credits
An original investigation in some branch of physics, which may serve as basis for the MS or PhD degree, to be performed under the direction of a member of the department. The number of research credits registered for each semester should realistically reflect the time devoted to research. Prerequisites: degree status and graduate advisers and research director's consent.
|
Current Course List and Descriptions 
