Contact Information
Department of Physics525 Northwestern Avenue
West Lafayette, IN
47907-2036
Map and Directions
Telephone:
(765) 494-2970
Fax:
(765) 494-0706
All Courses
All Courses by Session: Spring 2013 | Fall 2012 | Summer 2012 | Spring 2012 |
Graduate Courses - PHYS
PHYS | ASTRPHYS515 (PHYS51500)
Thermal and Statistical PhysicsOffering
Spring (starting in Spring 2011), Class 3, cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
PHYS 310 and 344. Coreq. 360 and 330Description:
Equilibrium states, the concept of heat, and the laws of thermodynamics; the existence and properties of the entropy and free energies; different thermodynamic potentials and their uses; phase diagrams and phase transitions; introduction to statistical mechanics and its relation to thermodynamics; treatment of ideal gases.PHYS521 (PHYS52100)
Survey of Classical PhysicsOffering
Fall, Cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
NoneDescription:
This course is intended for first-year graduate students in the Department of Physics. It provides an intensive problem solving environment encompassing a broad survey of major topics in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermal physics. The primary objective is to prepare beginning graduate students for continuing on to higher level of work in the physics graduate program.PHYS522 (PHYS52200)
Coherent Optics And Quantum ElectronicsOffering
Spring, 3 CreditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHYS 330, 550; PHYS 322 or 422; or Prerequisite: M E 587. Authorized equivalent courses or consent of instructor may be used in satisfying course pre- and co-requisites.Description:
Recent experimental and theoretical developments in optics emphasizing concepts of coherence. Fourier optics, and the quantum theory of radiation. Applications to lasers and masers, nonlinear optics, holography, and quantum electronics.PHYS526 (PHYS52600)
Quantum Computing (was 570C)Offering
3.000 Credit HoursCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
PHYS 360 or 460 or 550Description:
This course is an introduction to the physics of quantum information science. Starting with the concepts of quantum superposition, it defines and describes qubits (quantum bits) and their manipulation by quantum logic gates. The topics of quantum entanglement and the EPR paradox (the only "true" paradox in physics) are introduced, and their importance for quantum teleportation, communication and quantum cryptography are covered. Quantum computing is described in terms of quantum circuits of logic gates, and in terms of quantum algorithms such as Deutche's algorithm, the quantum fourier transform, Shor's prime factoring algorithm and Grover's search algorithm. The final topic is quantum decoherence and the limits it places on practical implementations of quantum computing.More info: Quantum_Computation.pdf
PHYS536 (PHYS53600)
Electronic Techniques for ResearchOffering
Spring, Class 3, lab. 3, cr. 4Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
PHYS 272, 272HDescription:
A summary of modern electronics currently used in research. The emphasis is on broad coverage of the field rather than an in-depth study of selected topics or applications.PHYS545 (PHYS54500)
Solid-State PhysicsOffering
Sem. 1, 2. Class 3, Cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHYS 416 or equivalent and PHYS 460 or equivalent. Consent of instructor may be used in satisfying course pre- and co-requisites.Description:
Crystal structure; lattice vibrations and electronic band structure of crystals; electrical, optical, and thermal properties of solids; transport and other non-equilibrium phenomena in uniform and nonuniform materials.PHYS550 (PHYS55000)
Introduction to Quantum MechanicsOffering
Fall, Class 3, cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
PHYS 342 or PHYS 344, PHYS 310 or PHYS 410. Not available for students with credit in PHYS 360 or 460.Description:
Brief historical survey of the development of quantum mechanics; waves in classical physics, wave-packets, uncertainty principle, wave functions, operators, expectation values of dynamical observables; Schroedinger equation with application to one-dimensional problems, the hydrogen atom, electrons pin, periodic table; selected topics in perturbation theory, scattering theory, and compounding of angular momenta. Designed for students needing quantum mechanics background for specialty courses such as PHYS 556, PHYS 560, and PHYS 564.PHYS556 (PHYS55600)
Introductory Nuclear PhysicsOffering
Spring, Fall 3 CreditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHYS 550. Authorized equivalent courses or consent of instructor may be used in satisfying course pre- and co-requisites.Description:
Theory of relativity, brief survey of systematics of nuclei and elementary particles, structure of stable nuclei, radioactivity, interaction of nuclear radiation with matter, nuclear reactions, particle accelerators, nuclear instruments, fission, nuclear reactors.PHYS/ASTR 560 (56000)
Stellar EvolutionOffering
Spring, 3 creditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Prerequisites: Graduate status or PHYS 342 or PHYS 344Description:
This course is intended as an introduction to the birth, life, death, and afterlife of stars at the upper division undergraduate/beginning graduate level. Topics covered during the semester include the observational basis of astrophysics, the formation of stars on the main sequence, the physical properties of stellar material, energy generation in stars, nucleosynthesis of the elements, supernovae and their remnants, white dwarf stars, and neutron stars.PHYS/ASTR 561 (56100)
Galaxies and Large Scale StructureOffering
Fall, Spring CR: 3.0Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Graduate status or PHYS 342 or PHYS 344Description:
(ASTR 561) Covers basic observed properties and models of galactic structure, dynamics of stars, physics of interstellar medium, formation of galaxies, properties of clusters of galaxies, and dark matter.PHYS/ASTR 562 (56200)
Introduction to High Energy AstrophysicsOffering
Spring. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Graduate status or PHYS 342 or PHYS 344Description:
(ASTR 562) This course provides an overview of important physical processes in a variety of astronomical settings and of the experimental techniques employed in the field of high energy astrophysics. Covered in more detail are individual systems include black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, supernova remnants, active a galactic nuclei, clusters of galaxies, gamma-ray bursts, and cosmic rays, with a special emphasis on serveral research frontiers. The course is intended for upper-level undergraduate students and beginning graduate students in the colleges of science and engineering.PHYS/ASTR 563 (56300)
Astroparticle PhysicsOffering
Fall, Spring CR: 3.0Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Graduate status or PHYS 342 or PHYS 344Description:
(ASTR 563) An overview of an emerging research frontier in modern physics that lies at the interface of particle physics and astrophysics. Emphasis is on topics that are particularly relevant to both fields, including cosmology, cosmic ray physics, very-high-energy gamma ray astrophysics, neutrino astrophysics, and gravitational wave physics.PHYS564 (PHYS56400)
Introduction To Elementary Particle PhysicsOffering
Sem. 1, Class 3, cr. 3.Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Prerequisite: PHYS 360 or 550; or PHYS 460, 461. Authorized equivalent courses or consent of instructor may be used in satisfying course pre- and co-requisites.Description:
This course brings students up to the current status of research in elementary particle physics. The focus of the course is the construction of the Standard Model with emphasis on the electroweak theory. The seminal experiments that confirmed the predictions of the Standard Model is presented. The solar neutrino problem, the search for nonzero neutrino masses, and the efforts to construct a theory which unifies all interactions, including gravity, is discussed.PHYS565 (PHYS56500)
Introduction to High Energy PhysicsOffering
Spring, cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
PHYS 360, PHYS 460, PHYS 550, PHYS 564Description:
This course is a continuation of PHYS 564. Therefore, it is expected that the students are familiar with particle detection techniques, statistical interpretation of data and with Quantum Electro Dynamics. In 590E we will study the electroweak theory which is the basis of the Standard Model of particles and their interaction. We will focus on spontaneous symmetry breaking and introduce supersymmetry.PHYS566 (PHYS56600)
Introduction to Quantum Chromodynamics (was 590C)Offering
Typically offered Fall Spring. 3.000 Credit HoursCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
(PHYS 330 or 430) and (PHYS 360 or 460 or 550)Description:
An introduction to the fundamental theory of strong interactions, Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD), which describes the interactions of quarks and gluons. The main focus is on a reasonably self-contained approach. All the necessary ingredients will be introduced within the course. Knowledge of graduate-level E&M;and Quantum Mechanics is helpful but not essential.PHYS570 (PHYS57000)
Fundamental Atomic Force MicroscopyOffering
3.000 Credit hoursCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
TBDPHYS570-CSATHY_F10 (PHYS57000)
Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductor StructuresOffering
3.000 CreditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
Specialized topics in physics selected from time to time.PHYS570-NAKHLEH_F10 (PHYS57000)
The Teaching Of Earth And Physical Science In The Secondary SchoolsOffering
2.00 or 3.00Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
The methods and materials needed for the teaching of chemistry, earth-space, physics, and general science in the secondary schools, including field experience. No undergraduate students may be enrolled in any of these undergraduate courses until they have been admitted to teacher education. May be taken for two credits (no field experience) by students who are enrolled in another methods course with field experience. Typically offered Fall.PHYS570A (PHYS57000)
Computational (Bio)molecular PhysicsOffering
Sem. 1, 2, 3. Class 3, Cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Recommended background is Quantum Mechanics as taught in graduate (PHYS 660 or equivalent) or senior undergraduate (PHYS 460 & 461 or equivalent) courses and some familiarity with computer programming. The course is appropriate for students from physics, chemistry, biology, materials/computer science and related disciplines.Description:
First principle (ab initio) methods provide significant insight about the electronic structure (ES) and physical properties of structures of interest in physics, chemistry, biology and materials science. These methods are particularly useful for understanding the electronic structure of molecular systems, such as active sites in metalloproteins or molecular nanostructures, and for interpreting experiments that probe their ground or excited states. This course will offer an introduction to the underlying theory and practical applications of some computational methods of electronic structure:* Hartree-Fock Theory
* Kohn-Sham Density Functional Theory
* Car-Parinello Molecular Dynamics
For more information, please contact Prof. Jorge H. Rodriguez (270 Physics).
PHYS570F (PHYS57000)
Introduction To String TheoryOffering
Spring CR 3.0Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Working knowledge of special relativity, quantum mechanics and electromagnetism.Description:
Classical stringsQuantum strings and string spectrum
Superstring spectrum
Open strings and D-branes
Black holes in string theory
Gauge/string theory duality: AdS/CFT
PHYS570G (PHYS57000)
Introduction to BiophysicsOffering
3 creditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
This course objective is to educate and train individuals to apply the concepts and methods of the physical sciences to the solution of biological problems. Students will be introduced to a physical description of a wide range of phenomena, from molecular and cell mechanisms to the function of the human brain. This introductory overview of frontiers in Photobiophysics, Neurophysics, bioinformatics and Synchrotron based biological spectroscopy will help students to broad their views. This course prepares physics students for research and development work in an interdisciplinary/medical environment.Topics include molecular forces in biological structures, cell organization, structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and biological membranes, flow of genetic information, biological thermodynamic and kinetic (enzymatic reactions), electrostatic interactions in biology, physico-chemical basis of neuron signaling (membrane potentials, action potential generation and propagation, synaptic transmission, sensory receptor function), interaction of biological molecules with light (primary processes in photosynthesis, vision), functional studies of brain.
This course is designed for students at the senior undergraduate or entering graduate student level. The course will be self-contained (i.e. no prior biology courses are required)
PHYS570I (PHYS57000)
Introduction To Elementary Particle Physics IIOffering
Sem. 1, 2, 3. Cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
This course follows PHYS 564 and it continues to present current topics in elementary particle physics. It focuses on gauge symmetries, the theoretical foundation of the Standard Model and the Higgs mechanism. It explores physics beyond the standard model with special attention on supersymmetry and searches for new particles.PHYS570J (PHYS57000)
Biophysics IIOffering
Summer, Fall, SpringCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
Biological systems present a complex environment with many interrelated parts. In this course we will apply quantitative physical models to increasingly complex, biologically interesting materials. The course will be generally divided in three sections: 1) one-dimensional macromolecules, 2) two-dimensional membranes and sheets, and 3) three dimensional cellular mechanics. The course will draw concepts from statistical mechanics, continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics to describe universal and non-universal behavior in these dynamic soft systems.PHYS570K (PHYS57000)
Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductor StructuresOffering
Sem. 1, 2, 3., Class 3, Cr. 3Current Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Phys 545 (Solid-State Physics)Description:
Specialized topics in physics selected from time to time.PHYS570NN (PHYS57000)
Dynamics of Fluids and Granular SolidsOffering
springCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
tbdDescription:
tbdPHYS570P (PHYS57000)
Physics and Material Science of Semiconductor NanostructuresOffering
springCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
This course is designed for MS & PhD students doing semiconductor research (including Engineering students, who are welcome!). A knowledge of elementary quantum mechanics & elementary statistical physics is assumed. Some knowledge of elementary solid state physics would be helpful, but isn't essential. It would be helpful (but it isn't vital) to have had a solid state physics course similar to our Physics 545.Description:
This course will explore the basic physics and material properties of modern semiconductor nanostructures. Particular emphasis will be placed on fabrication techniques for semiconducting quantum wells, wires, and dots. Fundamental and practical aspects of molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition will be covered. State-of-the-art nanomaterial structural characterization techniques will be reviewed. The impact of reduced dimensionality on the electrical and optical properties of nanostructures will be studied. The close connection between fundamental physics and the implementation of new device concepts will be illustrated in some detail with examples from photonic devices.PHYS570R (PHYS57000)
Physics and Materials Science of Semiconductor NanostructuresOffering
3 creditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
N\ADescription:
This course will explore the basic physics and material properties of modern semiconductor nanostructures with particular emphasis placed on fabrication techniques. Topics will include growth and properties of semiconducting quantum wells, wires and quantum dots. The impact of reduced dimensionality on the electrical and optical properties of nanostructures will be studied. The dynamics of several growth techniques including molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition will be covered. The close connection between fundamental physics discoveries and the implementation of new device concepts will be emphasized.PHYS570X (PHYS57000)
Carbon Nanophysics IOffering
3 CreditsCurrent Session:
Not in sessionPrerequisites:
Undergraduate-level electromagnetism, basic knowledge in quantum mechanics, solid state electronics and modern physics also helpfulDescription:
Course flyer (PDF)
Course Wiki: http://phys570x.wikispaces.com/
This course will introduce concepts and experimental methods of modern solid state physics and
nano physics from a "carbon" perspective, focusing on the graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNT).
This is one of a 3-course series which are largely independent from each other (Carbon Nanophysics 0 in Spring 2009 was an overview of material properties and technological applications; Carbon Nanophysics 1 in Spring 2010 will focus on electronic properties and nanoelectronic devices; Carbon Nanophysics 2 in Spring 2011 will focus on optical, thermal, mechanical and other properties). This course will be self-contained --- only minimum background on quantum mechanics and solid state electronics are assumed and you do not have to have taken a previous course on solid state/nanophysics or the previous version of PHYS570X.
Topics for Spring 2010 include:
- Overview of carbon materials: graphite (3D), graphene (2D), carbon nanotubes (1D), buckyballs (0D); fabrication methods and material properties
- Basic concepts of solid state and nanophysics and applications to carbon materials: band structure, density of states, electronic transport, thermoelectrics, effects of lattice, disorder and electron-electron interaction
- Electronic transport of low dimensional systems as illustrated by graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNT): such as quantum Hall effects; localization; interaction effects and many-body physics; experimental techniques for transport measurements
- Local probe of electronic properties: scanning probe microscopies esp. STM
- Carbon nanoelectronic devices: field effect transistors and high-frequency devices
- Optoelectronic properties, carbon based photonic devices and solar cells
- spin-transport, magnetism and superconductivity in carbon nanomaterials
Course structure: lectures; student presentations/projects (review journal papers and/or mini projects/proposals); biweekly homework and in-class quizzes.
Recommended References:
General:
- N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin, Solid State Physics (1976)
- John H. Davies, The Physics of Low Dimensional Semiconductors: An Introduction, Cambridge (1998)
- M.J. Kelly, Low-dimensional semiconductors: materials, physics, technology, devices, Oxford (1995)
- S. Datta, Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems, Cambridge (1997)
- C. Julian Chen, Introduction to Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Oxford (2008)
Graphene and CNTs:
- H. Castro Neto et al., The Electronic Properties of Graphene, Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 109 (2009)
- Ado Jorio (Ed), Gene Dresselhaus (Ed), Mildred S. Dresselhaus (Ed): Carbon Nanotubes: Advanced Topics in the Synthesis, Structure, Properties, Applications (Topics in Applied Physics), Springer (2008)
- Stephanie Reich, Christian Thomsen, Janina Maultzsch: Carbon Nanotubes: Basic Concepts and Physical Properties, Wiley (2004)