Department of Physics
Rockefeller Building
Phone 368-4000; Fax 368-4671
Lawrence M. Krauss
The Department of Physics offers programs leading to undergraduate (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, and Bachelor of Science in Physics) and graduate (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy) degrees. All of these programs are concerned with the study of the basic laws of nature and of the properties of matter in its various forms. Those areas of physics which are of great technological relevance form an important aspect of the department's academic and research activity and in some courses of study are especially emphasized.
At the undergraduate level many open electives are available, particularly in the senior year. It is possible, therefore, for the student with the aid of an adviser to develop any of a variety of programs which is best suited to his or her future educational and employment objectives.
A similar flexibility exists in the first few years of graduate study, and several M.S. options are available, including one in applied physics. The research leading to the Ph.D. is normally confined to a specific area of physics. However, even at this stage the broad background and training characteristic of a physics degree are emphasized.
Lawrence M. Krauss, Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Ambrose Swasey Professor of Physics and Chairman of the Department, Professor of Astronomy
Theoretical physics; elementary particles; astrophysics; cosmology
Robert W. Brown, Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Institute Professor
Theoretical physics; elementary particles; physics of imaging
Gary S. Chottiner, Ph.D. (University of Maryland, College Park)
Associate Professor
Experimental condensed matter physics; surface physics
Arnold J. Dahm, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
Professor
Experimental condensed matter physics; electrons on helium films; liquid and solid helium
Thomas G. Eck, Ph.D. (Columbia University)
Professor
Experimental physics; atomic spectroscopy; surface physics
David E. Farrell, Ph.D. (University of London, England )
Professor
Experimental solid state physics; superconductivity; biomagnetism
William J. Fickinger, Ph.D. (Yale University)
Professor
Experimental elementary particle physics
William L. Gordon, Ph.D. (Ohio State University)
Professor
Experimental solid state physics; electrons in metals and alloys; dielectric properties of polymers
Thomas L. Jenkins, Ph.D. (Cornell University)
Professor
Experimental elementary particle physics; cosmic rays
Kenneth L. Kowalski, Ph.D. (Brown University)
Professor
Theoretical physics; nuclear and elementary particle physics
Stefan Machlup, Ph.D. (Yale University)
Associate Professor
Theoretical physics; statistical mechanics
John D. McGervey, Ph.D. (Carnegie Institute of Technology)
Professor
Positron annihilation in solids
Rolfe G. Petschek, Ph.D. (Harvard University)
Associate Professor
Theoretical physics; statistical mechanics
D. Keith Robinson, D.Phil (Oxford University, England)
Professor
Experimental elementary particle physics
Charles Rosenblatt, Ph.D. (Harvard University)
Associate Professor
Experimental condensed matter physics; liquid crystal physics
Donald E. Schuele, Ph.D. (Case Institute of Technology)
Albert A. Michelson Professor of Physics
Experimental solid state physics; mechanical and dielectric properties
Benjamin Segall, Ph.D. (University of Illinois, Urbana)
Professor
Theoretical physics; band structure; optical properties
Kenneth D. Singer, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania)
Associate Professor
Experimental condensed matter physics; nonlinear optics
Cyrus C. Taylor, Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Warren E. Rupp Assistant Professor of Physics
Theoretical physics; elementary particles
Philip L. Taylor, Ph.D. (Cambridge University, England)
Perkins Professor of Physics
Theoretical physics; condensed matter physics
William Tobocman, Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Professor
Theoretical physics; nuclear physics
Richard A. Zdanis, Ph.D. (The Johns Hopkins University)
Professor of Physics, Provost, and University Vice President
Experimental Elementary Particle Physics
Shi-Qing Wang, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Assistant Professor of Macromolecular Science and Physics
Theoretical physics; statistical physics; polymer physics
Wendell S. Williams, Ph.D. (Cornell University)
Professor of Physics and of Materials Science and Engineering
Experimental condensed matter physics; materials science
E. Mark Haacke, Ph.D. (University of Toronto)
Adjunct Associate Professor of Physics and of Radiology
Physics of imaging; experimental biophysics
Thomas Moss, Ph.D. (Cornell University)
Adjunct Professor of Physics, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Experimental Biophysics
Alan Picklesimer, Ph.D. (Indiana University)
Adjunct Associate Professor of Physics; Theoretical Physicist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Theoretical physics; intermediate energy physics
The Department of Physics offers bachelor's degrees in physics, in physics with a mathematics option, and in applied physics. Although each of these programs can lead to immediate employment or to graduate study in physics or in related fields, the student in applied physics will gain more exposure to actual technological problems through special laboratories and projects. The student who is considering theoretical physics as a career will benefit from the opportunity to participate in special projects, seminars, and individual collaborations with faculty in the mathematics option. A variety of electives within and outside the department are available in each of these programs to provide the breadth and flexibility that will considerably enhance the student's opportunities at the best schools and industrial locations.
Employment opportunities at the bachelor's level include research and development in industry, research and technical assistance in government and university laboratories, engineering, computer programming, and management.
Bachelor of Science in Physics degree majors take the Case Core and the following physics courses, usually taken in sequence: in the sophomore year, PHYS 203, 204, 225, 226, 229, and 249; in the junior year, PHYS 301, 302, 311, 333, 334, and 361; in the senior year, PHYS 303, 321, 322, and 335. Also required are 8 open elective courses totaling 24 credit hours, which may be taken in any area after approval of the student's departmental adviser.
The option in mathematical physics is available for students with outstanding academic records who are interested in theoretical physics. Entrance into this program requires committee approval at the completion of the sophomore-level work. It requires the Case Core, PHYS 203, 204, 225, 226, 229, 249, 301, 311, 334, 335, 361, 393, 394, 421, 422, 481, and 482, four approved technical elective courses in mathematics or mathematical physics, and four open elective courses totaling 24 credit hours, subject to approval by the student's departmental adviser.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics degree majors, in addition to the Case Core requirements, must complete the following physics courses: PHYS 203, 204, 225, 226, 229, 249, 305, 306, 307, 308, 311, 321, 322, 333, 334, 335, and 361 and a specialty course. Also required are two open electives and four technical electives, selected with the approval of the student's departmental adviser. A special research project is carried out during the senior year. Emphasis in the applied physics program is on the areas of applied superconductivity and surface physics within the physics department. Work in other areas outside the department is possible by special arrangement. This program provides experience for students who are interested in an industrial career after completing the B.S. or M.S. degree, or who wish to pursue graduate studies in an area of physics or in the applications of physics.
For freshman students entering with sufficient calculus background, an honors sequence is available, PHYS 125, 126, which satisfies the core requirement of PHYS 120. The senior laboratory course, PHYS 303, may be replaced by Senior Honors, PHYS 391 and 392, for students selected by the department.
Bachelor of Arts degree majors in physics are required to complete the Western Reserve Core, PHYS 203, 204, 225, 226, and 229 and a minimum of six 300 level courses, ordinarily including PHYS 301, 311, 321 and 333, 334, 335. MATH 224 or 228 CHEM 113, and CHEM 106 or 108, must be completed.
Students interested in graduate study or in careers in physics will complete the professional major of 28 hours of 300-level courses in physics.
A minor in physics is available and consists of either the sequence PHYS 115, 116, 220 or 120, 205, 219, 220. Additional courses necessary to complete the 15-hour minimum are selected in consultation with the departmental adviser.
The following courses may be applied to the Western Reserve Core science requirement: PHYS 109, 115, 116, 120, 125, 126, and 219.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
FRESHMAN
Fall Semester
CHEM 105, Principles of Chemistry I (3) or
CHEM 107, Properties and Structure of Matter I (3)
CMPS 131, Elementary Computer Programming (3)
MATH 121, Calculus for Science and Engineering I (4)
ENGL 150, Expository Writing (3)
Core Sequence II, III or IV (3)
PHED 101, Physical Education Activities (0)
Spring Semester
CHEM 106, Principles of Chemistry II (3) or
CHEM 108, Properties and Structure of Matter II (3)
CHEM 113, Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (2)
MATH 122, Calculus for Science and Engineering II (4)
PHYS 120, General Physics I (4)*
Core Sequence Il, III or IV (3)
PHED 102, Physical Education Activities (0)
SOPHOMORE
Fall Semester
MATH 223, Calculus for Science and Engineering III (3)
PHYS 203, Laboratory Physics (4)
PHYS 225, Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (4)
PHYS 229, Special Theory of Relativity (1)**
Core Sequence II, III or IV (3)
Spring Semester
MATH 224, Elementary Differential Equations (3)
PHYS 204, Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (3)
PHYS 226, Electromagnetism (4)
Core Sequence Il, III or IV (3)
Core Sequence II, III or IV (3)
JUNIOR
Fall Semester
PHYS 301, Advanced Laboratory I (4)
PHYS 311, Mechanics (3)
PHYS 333, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
Core Sequence II, III or IV (3)
Course in selected minor field (3)
Spring Semester
PHYS 334, Introduction to Subatomic Physics, or
PHYS 335, Solid State Physics (3)
Core Sequence II, Ill or IV (3)
Courses in selected minor field (6)
Elective (3)
SENIOR
Fall Semester
PHYS 321, Electricity and Magnetism I (3)
Course in selected minor field (3)
Electives (9)
Spring Semester
PHYS 335, Solid State Physics, or
PHYS 334, Introduction to Subatomic Physics (3)
Course in selected minor field (3)
Electives (9)
A minimum of six courses in physics at the 300 level are required.
*Selected students may be invited to take PHYS 125, 126, Physics and Frontiers I, II, , in place of an elective and PHYS 120.
**PHYS 229 not required for students who took PHYS 125, 126.
Options
- PHYS 125, 126, 225 or 220, 226, 205.
- PHYS 120, 219, 220, 205, and an elective.
- PHYS 120, 225, 226, 229, 205.
- PHYS 115, 116, 220, approved elective.
FRESHMAN
Fall Semester
Open elective or humanities/social science (3-0-3)a, b
CHEM 105, Principles of Chemistry I (3-0-3) or
CHEM 107, Properties and Structure of Matter I (3-0-3)
CMPS 131, Elementary Computer Programming (2-2-3)
MATH 121, Calculus for Science and Engineering I (4-0-4)
ENGL 150, Expository Writing (3-0-3)
PHED 101, Physical Education Activities (0-3-0)
Total (15-5-16)
Spring Semester
Humanities/social science or open elective (3-0-3)b
CHEM 106, Principles of Chemistry II (3-0-3) or
CHEM 108, Properties and Structure of Matter II (3-0-3)
CHEM 113, Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (1-3-2)
MATH 122, Calculus for Science and Engineering II (4-0-4)
PHYS 120, General Physics I (4-0-4)a
PHED 102, Physical Education Activities (0-3-0)
Total (15-6-16)
SOPHOMORE
Fall Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence I (3-0-3)
MATH 223, Calculus for Science and Engineering III (3-0-3)
PHYS 203, Laboratory Physics (2-4-4)
PHYS 225, Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (4-0-4)
PHYS 229, Special Theory of Relativity (1-0-1)c
Open elective (3-0-3)
Total (16-4-18)
Spring Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence II (3-0-3)
MATH 224, Elementary Differential Equations (3-0-3)
PHYS 204, Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (1-4-3)
PHYS 226, Electromagnetism (4-0-4)
PHYS 249, Mathematical Physics and Computing (3-0-3)
Total (14-4-16)
JUNIOR
Fall Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence III (3-0-3)
PHYS 305, Applied Physics Laboratory I (0-8-4)
PHYS 311, Mechanics (3-0-3)
PHYS 333, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3-0-3)
Technical Elective (3-0-3)
Total (12-8-16)
Spring Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence IV (3-0-3)
PHYS 306, Applied Physics Laboratory II (0-8-4)
PHYS 361, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3-0-3)
PHYS 334, Introduction to Subatomic Physics (3-0-3)d
Technical elective (3-0-3)e
Total (12-8-16)
SENIOR
Fall Semester
Humanities/social science elective (3-0-3)
PHYS 307, Applied Physics Project Laboratory I (0-8-4)f
PHYS 321, Electricity and Magnetism I (3-0-3)
Specialty Course (3-0-3)g
Technical elective (3-0-3)e
Total (12-8-16)
Spring Semester
Humanities or social science elective (3-0-3)
PHYS 308, Applied Physics Project Laboratory II (0-8-4)f
PHYS 322, Electricity and Magnetism II (3-0-3)
PHYS 335, Solid State Physics (3-0-3)d
Technical elective (3-0-3)
Total (12-8-16)
Hours required for graduation: 130
a Selected students may he invited to take PHYS 125, 126, Physics and Frontiers I, II, in place of an open elective and PHYS 120.
b One of these courses must be a humanities/social science elective
c PHYS 229 not required for students who took PHYS 125, 126.
d PHYS 334 and 335 may be taken as either a junior or senior.
e Two or three of the technical electives will generally be taken outside the department.
f PHYS 307, 308 may be replaced by PHYS 391 and 392, Senior Honors, for the students selected by the department.
g Chosen from among such courses as PHYS 337 and 438.
FRESHMAN
Fall Semester
Open elective or humanities/social science (3-0-3)a,b
CHEM 105, Principles of Chemistry I (3-0-3) or
CHEM 107, Properties and Structure of Matter I (3-0-3)
CMPS 131, Elementary Computer Programming (2-2-3)
MATH 121, Calculus for Science and Engineering I (4-0-4)
ENGL 150, Expository Writing (3-0-3)
PHED 101, Physical Education Activities (0-3-0)
Total (15-5-16)
Spring Semester
Humanities/social science or open elective (3-0-3)b
CHEM 106, Principles of Chemistry II (3-0-3) or
CHEM 108, Properties and Structure of Matter II (3-0-3)
CHEM 113, Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (1-3-2)
MATH 122, Calculus for Science and Engineering II (4-0-4)
PHYS 120, General Physics I (4-0-4)a
PHED 102, Physical Education Activities (0-3-0)
Total (15-6-16)
SOPHOMORE
Fall Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence I (3-0-3)
MATH 223, Calculus for Science and Engineering III (3-0-3)
PHYS 203, Laboratory Physics (2-4-4)
PHYS 225, Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (4-0-4)
PHYS 229, Special Theory of Relativity (1-0-1)c
Open elective (3-0-3)
Total (16-4-18)
Spring Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence II (3-0-3)
MATH 224, Elementary Differential Equations (3-0-3)
PHYS 204, Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (1-4-3)
PHYS 226, Electromagnetism (4-0-4)
PHYS 249, Mathematical Physics and Computing (3-0-3)
Total (14-4-16)
JUNIOR
Fall Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence III (3-0-3)
PHYS 301, Advanced Laboratory I (0-8-4)
PHYS 311, Mechanics (3-0-3)
PHYS 333, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3-0-3)
Open elective (3-0-3)
Total (12-8-16)
Spring Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence IV (3-0-3)
PHYS 302, Advanced Laboratory II (0-8-4)
PHYS 361, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3-0-3)
PHYS 334, Introduction to Subatomic Physics (3-0-3)d
Open elective (3-0-3)
Total (12-8-16)
SENIOR
Fall Semester
Humanities/social science elective (3-0-3)
PHYS 303, Advanced Laboratory III (0-8-4)e
PHYS 321, Electricity and Magnetism I (3-0-3)
Open elective (3-0-3)
Open elective (3-0-3)
Total (12-8-16)
Spring Semester
Humanities or social science elective (3-0-3)
PHYS 322, Electricity and Magnetism II (3-0-3)
PHYS 335, Solid State Physics (3-0-3)d
Open elective (3-0-3)
Open elective (3-0-3)
Total (15-0-15)
Hours required for graduation: 129
a Selected students may he invited to take PHYS 125, 126,Physics and Frontiers I, II in place of an open elective and PHYS 120.
b One of these courses must be a humanities/social science elective.
c PHYS 229 not required for students who took PHYS 125, 126.
d PHYS 334 and 335 may be taken as either a junior or senior.
e PHYS 303 may be replaced by PHYS 391 and 392, Senior Honors, for the students selected by the department.
The department offers programs of study and research leading to both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Graduate assistantships are available for the full-time support of qualified students.
All M.S. programs in physics with or without a thesis can normally be completed in less than two years. An M.S. program with a special emphasis on applied physics is available.
The requirements for the Ph.D. in physics include fulfilling a flexible course program which typically can be completed within two years. The student is required to pass a qualifying examination in physics, which is normally taken after the first year of study, and to prepare a dissertation based on the results of independent research. There is no foreign language requirement.
Research pursuant to any of the graduate degree programs in physics can be carried out in five areas:
Cosmic Rays, Astrophysics and Cosmology
The experimental effort in this area includes gamma-ray astronomy, studies of solar neutrons and neutrinos, and neutrino interactions. Theoretical studies include neutrino astrophysics, cosmic microwave background studies, gravitational lensing, dark matter, large scale structure and cosmology.
Elementary Particle Physics
Experimental studies of the strong, weak, and electromagnetic interactions of the elementary particles. Theoretical research in all areas of particle theory, gravitation and cosmology.
Optics and Optical Materials
Both experimental and theoretical programs in nonlinear optics, integrated optics, and the optical properties of fluids, liquid crystals, polymers and crystals.
Solid and Condensed State Physics
An extensive experimental and theoretical program in the electronic properties of solids (including superconductivity), quantum liquids, the physics of polymers, liquid crystals and complex fluids, the equations of state of solids, thin films, and the physics of surfaces.
Imaging Physics and Inverse Problems
An experimental and theoretical program in aspects of nuclear magnetic resonance, computed tomography, ultrasound, and positron-emission tomography.
The Department of Physics maintains research laboratories in cosmic ray and high-energy astrophysics, elementary particle physics, low-temperature physics, optics, condensed matter physics and surface physics.
The astrophysics group performs wire and spark chamber experiments using high altitude balloons and satellites. In collaboration with the Principle Investigator team at the Naval Research Laboratory, we are analyzing data from the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometeer Experiment (OSSE) aboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. Our specific area of interest is high energy neutral radiation (gamma rays and neutrons) from solar flares. Large flares during the June, 1991 period are of particular interest. Study of the high energy radiation from these flares will reveal the mechanism of particle acceleration and storage processes in these events.
Collider physics research is carried out at Fermi National Laboratory using the MiniMax detector which incorporates multiwire proportional chambers, scintillation counters, and various types of high-energy particle calorimetry. Detector design and data analysis software and computing facilities are located in the department. This effort is part of a long-term program for the design and utilization of full-acceptance detectors at future particle accelerators located in Europe and the United States such as the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC).
The optics and optical materials group utilizes facilities for linear, nonlinear, and light scattering studies including gas ion, titanium sapphire, and ring dye lasers for continuous wave studies, a tunable picosecond pulsed laser system and a tunable nanosecond laser system for nonlinear optical studies. Facilities also include video image acquisition and analysis, microscopy, holography, refractometry, and absorption and reflection spectroscopy.
Low-temperature facilities are available for liquid helium and superconductor research. The solid state experimentalists make use of a wide range of techniques and associated instrumentation to study properties of materials in bulk and in thin films and surfaces. Among these techniques are electron-positron annihilation, optical harmonic generation, photoconductivity, magnetic susceptibility, precision dielectric constants, Mossbauer emission spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering studies, Auger electron spectroscopy, and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Among the special facilities available within the department for condensed matter and solid state research are a 15-inch Varian electromagnet, helium 3-helium 4 dilution refrigerators (30 mK and 5 mK), superconducting magnets, including an 8.2 T warm-bore superconducting magnet with optical access, dynamic light scattering and high resolution birefringence apparatus, instrumentation for conducting experiments up to pressures of 225,000 psi at room temperature and to pressures of 30,000 psi with the temperature variable from 4.2K to 400K, ultrahigh vacuum equipment, an Auger spectrometer, a Mossbauer spectrometer, and a Van deGraaf accelerator adapted for Rutherford backscattering measurements.
Extensive computational facilities are available for theoretical analysis and data acquisition and analysis. The department has three micro-VAX computers and three VAX workstations networked with easy access for larger scale computation, as well as other workstations with the capability of high speed computation. In addition, the department has a variety of PCs for data acquisition and analysis and for control of experiments in the advanced undergraduate laboratory as well as in the experimental research groups.
Well-equipped undergraduate laboratory facilities are provided. Experiments in the junior and senior years are selected from a large number of possibilities, with the general level of sophistication increasing as the student advances. Often students participate in the graduate research groups described above through the senior honors program or through special project arrangements.
Physics (PHYS)
PHYS 109. Physics and the Cosmos I (3).
The relations between the laws of physics and the overall structure of the universe are explored, with emphasis on the unifying principles developed in recent years. Topics include special relativity (equivalence of mass and energy, twin paradox), conservation laws and symmetry, quarks and gluons, and asymptotic freedom. Classical concepts such as acceleration , energy, momentum, electromagnetic fields, and wave motion will be developed where needed. Emphasis will be on ideas and principles rather than problem solving, but algebraic and arithmetic problems will be used to illustrate the principles. To be taken before PHYS 115 or 120.
PHYS 110. Physics and the Cosmos II (3).
(Continuation of PHYS 109.) Quantum physics, including probability concepts, tunneling, and quantum devices; nuclear reactions, reactors and weapons; nuclear medicine; production of atomic species in lab and in supernovae; elementary particles, quarks, and gluons; origin of universe, showing connections between elementary particles and earliest second of universe. Applications to archaeology, astronomy (cosmology), chemistry, geology, medicine, and metallurgy. Prerequisite: PHYS 109 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 115. Introductory Physics I (4).
First part of a two-semester calculus-based sequence directed primarily toward students working toward a B.A. in science. Kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; rotational motion; conservation laws; gravitation; simple harmonic motion; mechanical wave; fluids; ideal gas law; heat and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The laboratory for this course will meet for 3.75 hours on alternate weeks. Prerequisite: MATH 121 or 125.
PHYS 116. Introductory Physics II (4).
(Continuation of PHYS 115.) Electrostatics, Coulomb's law, Gauss's law; capacitance and resistance; DC circuits; magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; RC and RL circuits; light; geometrical optics; interference and diffraction; special relativity. Introduction to quantum mechanics; elements of atomic, nuclear and particle physics. The laboratory for this course will meet for 3.75 hours on alternate weeks. Prerequisite: PHYS 115.
PHYS 120. General Physics I-Mechanics (4).
Particle dynamics. Newton's laws of motion, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion, and angular momentum conservation. Prerequisite: MATH 121 or equivalent. Corequisite: MATH 122.
PHYS 125. Physics and Frontiers I (3).
The standard Newtonian dynamics of a particle and of rigid bodies. Energy, momentum, and angular momentum conservation applications. Studies in areas of fractals and chaos theory. Additional special frontier topics as time permits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 126. Physics and Frontiers II (3).
Fluids, oscillations, wave and wave interference, optics, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Studies in special and general relativity. Additional special frontier lectures on subjects such as cosmology, polymers, and superconductivity, as time permits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 196. Energy and Society (3).
Global and national perspectives on the problems of energy supply and demand, global warming, oil cartels, solar, nuclear and wind energy, energy history, politics and economics of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources.
PHYS 203. Laboratory Physics (4).
Elements of both analog and digital electronics from the practical viewpoint of the experimental scientist; AC circuits, linear and non-linear operation of Op-Amps, logic gates, flip-flops, counters, display, memory, transducers, A/D and D/A conversion. Laboratory work involves quantitative investigation of the operation of all these elements, together with projects that explore their combination. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 126.
PHYS 204. Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (3).
Principles of experimental design: limits of resolution via band-width, thermal noise, background signals; data acquisition and control by computer; computer simulation; signal processing techniques in frequency and time domains, FFT, correlations, and other transform methods. Applications include lock-in amplifiers, digitizing oscilloscopes and data acquisition system. Prerequisites: PHYS 203 and 225 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 205. General Physics Laboratory (2).
Experiments in classical and modern physics including mechanical oscillations, rotational moments and two-body collisions, sound and light waves, photo electric effect and radioactive decay. Introduction to digital circuits. Emphasizes the use of oscilloscopes and meters, and the application of computers in data collection and analysis. Intended for students who are currently enrolled in Physics 219 or Physics 220. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125, or consent of instructor.
PHYS 219. General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism (4).
Electricity and magnetism emphasizing the basic electromagnetic laws of Gauss, Ampere, and Faraday. Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves, interference, and diffraction. Prerequisites: PHYS 120 or 125, MATH 122. Corequisite: MATH 223.
PHYS 220. General Physics III - Modern Physics (3).
Concepts in special relativity and quantum mechanics. Particle-wave nature of light and particles, the Schrodinger equation, applications to atomic structure, solid state, nuclear, and elementary particle physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 219.
PHYS 225. Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves (4).
Vibrations and propagation. Mechanical, electromagnetic, sound, water, and quantum wave. Coupled oscillators, normal modes, transmission lines, Fourier analysis, reflection, interferometry, diffraction and polarization. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125.
PHYS 226. Electromagnetism (4).
Electrostatics and steady currents, electromagnetic induction. A microscopic approach to electric and magnetic phenomena including polarization in matter. Special relativity, charge conservation and invariance, and Maxwell's equations. Uses vector calculus. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125, PHYS 229 or equivalent.
PHYS 229. Special Relativity (1).
Reasoning leading to the Lorentz transformations and applications of the transformations including a discussion of various "paradoxes." Relativistic dynamics and the relativistic forms of the conservation laws. Class meetings two days per week: course is completed by mid-semester. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125.
PHYS 249. Mathematical Physics and Computing (3).
Numerical methods, data analysis, and error analysis applied to physical problems. Use of personal computers in the solution of practical problems encountered in physics. Interpolation, roots of equations, integration, differential equations, Monte Carlo techniques, propagation of errors, maximum likelihood, convolution, Fourier transforms. Prerequisite: CMPS 131. Corequisite MATH 224.
PHYS 301. Advanced Laboratory I (4).
Problem solving approach with a range of available experiments in classical and modern physics. Emphasis on experimental technique and data analysis. Prerequisite: PHYS 204 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 302. Advanced Laboratory Physics II (4).
Four projects using research-quality equipment in contemporary fields of experimental physics. Each requires reading appropriate literature, choosing appropriate instrumentation, gathering and analyzing data, and writing a technical paper. Topics include scintillation counting techniques, high vacuum, neutron activation, gamma and beta ray spectroscopy, modern optics, and X-ray analysis of crystal structure. Facilities are available for computer analysis of data. Students may propose experiments of particular interest. Prerequisite: PHYS 301.
PHYS 303. Advanced Laboratory Physics III (4).
(See PHYS 302.)
PHYS 304. Advanced Laboratory Physics IV (4).
(See PHYS 302.)
PHYS 305. Applied Physics Laboratory I (4).
(See PHYS 301.)
PHYS 306. Applied Physics Laboratory II (4).
(See PHYS 302.) Prerequisite: PHYS 305 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 307. Applied Physics Project Laboratory I (4).
Projects selected from a list approved by the Applied Physics Committee and carried out in research labs. May be industrially motivated, i.e., to solve a "real" industrial problem obtained from industrial adviser firms. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 308. Applied Physics Project Laboratory II (4).
(See PHYS 307.) Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 311. Classical Mechanics (3).
Lagrangian formulation of mechanics and its application to central force motion, scattering theory, rigid body motion, and systems of many degrees of freedom. Prerequisites: PHYS 220 or 226, MATH 224.
PHYS 321. Electricity and Magnetism I (3).
First half of a year-long sequence that constitutes a detailed study of the basics of electromagnetic theory and many of its applications. Electrostatics and magnetostatics of free space, dielectrics, conductor and magnetic materials; Maxwell's equations and time-dependent effects; electromagnetic waves and their interaction with manner. Basic theory amply illustrated with applications drawn from condensed matter physics, optics, plasma physics, and physical electronics. Prerequisite: PHYS 219 or 226.
PHYS 322. Electricity and Magnetism II (3).
Second half of a year-long sequence that constitutes a detailed study of the basics of electromagnetic theory and many of its applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 321.
PHYS 326. Physical Optics (3).
Geometrical optics and ray tracing, wave propagation, interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, interference, diffraction, and coherence. Supplementary current topics from modern optics such as nonlinear optics, holography, optical trapping and optical computing. Prerequisite: PHYS 226 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 329. Independent Study (1-4).
An individual reading course in any topic of mutual interest to the student and the faculty supervisor. Prerequisite: Consent of department chairman.
PHYS 333. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3).
Quantum nature of energy and angular momentum, wave nature of matter, Schrodinger equation in one and three dimensions, applications to atomic structure, perturbation calculations, and introduction to quantum statistics. Prerequisite: PHYS 226 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 334. Introduction to Subatomic Physics (3).
Properties of subatomic particles, particle scattering, conservation laws, decay of unstable particles and nuclei, fundamental interactions, models of nuclear and particle structure. Prerequisite: PHYS 333.
PHYS 335. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3).
Characterization and properties of solids; crystal structure, thermal properties of lattices, quantum statistics, electronic structure of metals and semiconductors. Prerequisite: PHYS 333.
PHYS 337. Low-Temperature Techniques and Superconductivity (3).
Thermodynamics of cooling, temperature measurement, cryostat design, storage and transfer techniques, basic phenomenology of superconductivity. Ginzberg-Landau theory, BCS theory, applications of superconductivity. Prerequisite: PHYS 335 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 339. Seminar (1-3).
Conducted in small sections with presentation of papers by students and informal discussion. Students suggest topics in nuclear, solid state, particle, or theoretical physics. Special problems seminar and research seminars offered according to interest and need, often in conjunction with one or more research groups. Prerequisite: PHYS 333 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 341 Teaching Physics Concepts I (2).
This course is intended to develop physics teaching skills as well as understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics. It will involve laboratory experiments, lecture demonstration, and hands-on activities (like those described in String and Sticky Tape Experiments by R. D. Edge). Topics covered will be the major topics of a typical high-school physics course, with emphasis on concepts rather than computations. Nevertheless, the course will be quantitative, emphasizing that one does not understand any natural law unless one can discuss it quantitatively. Prerequisite: Phys 115 or Phys 120 or equivalent and consent of instructor.
PHYS 342 Teaching Physics Concepts II (2).
(Continuation of Teaching Physics Concepts I) Topics will include electricity and magnetism, power generation and consumption, nuclear radiation, thermodynamic principles, the earth and the environment. Prerequisite: Phys 116 or Phys 219 or equivalent and consent of instructor.
PHYS 349. Methods of Mathematical Physics I (3).
Analysis of complex functions, contour integration. Exact and approximate evaluation of sums and integrals; approximation of sums by integrals, generating functions, symmetry arguments, saddle point, stationary phase, and steepest descent methods. Asymptotic series and their integration. Exact and approximate solution of ordinary differential equations; Green's functions, WKBT, special functions. Prerequisites: MATH 224.
PHYS 350. Methods of Mathematical Physics II (3).
(Continuation of PHYS 349.) Solution of partial differential equations: characteristics, separation of variables, special functions, Green's function methods. Calculus of variations. Integral transform methods. Numerical methods. Linear operators and group theory. Integral equations. Prerequisite: PHYS 349 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 359. Seminar (1-3).
(See PHYS 339.)
PHYS 361. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3).
Thermodynamic laws, entropy, and phase transitions from the quantum mechanical viewpoint. Gibbs and Boltzmann Factors. Ideal, degenerate fermion, degenerate boson, photon, and phonon gases. Correlation functions and transport phenomena. Applications ranging from solid state physics to astrophysics. Prerequisite: PHYS 220 or 226.
PHYS 369. Relativity (3).
Special and general relativity; the physics of four-dimensional and curved space times. Exact solutions of Einstein's equations; experimental tests of general relativity, gravitational waves, collapsed stellar states, black holes and cosmology. The necessary mathematical background including differential forms, differential geometry and tensor analysis is developed. Prerequisite: PHYS 311 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 379. Seminar (1-3).
(See PHYS 339.)
PHYS 389. Seminar (1-3).
(See PHYS 339.)
PHYS 391. Senior Honors (4).
Offered to students selected by the department. Replaces PHYS 303 and 304 in the physics curriculum only for students whose outstanding performance in laboratory warrants. Original investigation or selected reading under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
PHYS 392. Senior Honors (4).
(Continuation of PHYS 391.)
PHYS 393. Theoretical Physics Research Project I (3).
First half of a two-semester course required for the mathematical physics option. A search for an appropriate problem under the guidance of an individual faculty member and an oral presentation of the results of that search. Stresses mathematical formulation of physical problems. Extensive computational facilities available for student use. Students are encouraged to propose their own problems. Prerequisite: PHYS 350 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 394. Theoretical Physics Research Project II (3).
Second half of a two-semester course required for the mathematical physics option. A detailed thesis-level report. Stresses mathematical formulation of physical problems. Extensive computational facilities available for student use. Students are encouraged to propose their own problems. Prerequisite PHYS 350 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 411. Classical Mechanics (3).
Mechanics of systems of particles. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Variational calculus and principles. Conservation laws and related symmetries. The two-body orbital problem and scattering theory. Kinematics and dynamics of rigid bodies. Small oscillations. Canonical transformations and Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Poisson brackets. Introduction to mechanics of continuous media. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 421. Classical Electromagnetism I (3).
Advanced mathematical techniques for the solution of electrostatic and magnetostatic problems. Dielectrics and magnetic materials. Solution of Helmholtz and wave equations. Conservation laws: energy, momentum, and angular momentum of fields. Magnetic monopoles. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 422. Classical Electromagnetism II (3).
(Continuation of PHYS 421.) Electromagnetic wave phenomena; radiation, propagation, and diffraction. Transmission lines and wave guides. Plasmas. Fields of accelerated point charges. Motion of point charges in external fields. Multipole fields. Prerequisites: PHYS 421 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 426. Contemporary Physical Optics (3).
(See PHYS 326.) Additional work required. Prerequisite: PHYS 226 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 431. Physics of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3).
Magnetic resonance imaging in the context of Fourier transform theory. Physics content includes: Bloch equations, T1 & T2 relaxation times, chemical shifts, rf penetration, and sequence development for optimal image contrast and speed in data acquisition. Reconstruction techniques covered are: two-dimensional inverse Fourier and matrix transforms with a brief introduction to constrained (parametric) reconstruction. Applications to problems in industry and medicine are discussed. Prerequisite: PHYS 226, EBME 410, or consent of instructor.
PHYS 435. Introduction to Solid State Physics (3).
(See PHYS 335.) Additional work required. For graduate students in engineering and science. (May not be taken for credit by graduate students in the Department of Physics.) Prerequisite: PHYS 333 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 438. Introduction to Surface Science (3).
Geometric, chemical, and electronic structure of surfaces and interfaces between solid, liquid, and gas, contrasting surface properties with those of the bulk. Surface and interface thermodynamics, surface energy and surface tension in liquid and solid systems, surface shape effects, two-dimensional lattice, adsorption phenomena, the interactions of electrons, ions, and photons with a surface, and experimental techniques in surface science. Prerequisite: PHYS 335, CHEM 335, or consent of instructor.
PHYS 441. Physics of Solids I (3).
Crystal structure, X-ray diffraction, band theory and applications. Free electron theory of metals and electrons in magnetic fields. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 442. Physics of Solids II (3).
(Continuation of PHYS 441.) Lattice vibrations, thermal properties of solids, semiconductors, magnetic properties of solids, and superconductivity. Prerequisites: PHYS 441 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 449. Methods of Mathematical Physics I (3).
(See PHYS 349.) Additional work required.
PHYS 450. Methods of Mathematical Physics II (3).
(See PHYS 350.) Additional work required.
PHYS 451. Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics I (3).
Experimental techniques: detectors and accelerators; nuclear models and reactions: nuclear decay; relativistic kinematics; scattering and phase shifts; properties and interactions of leptons and hadrons. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 452. Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics II (3).
(Continuation of PHYS 451.) Interplay between particle physics experiments and theories. Elements of quantum electrodynamic and gauge theories; measurement of electromagnetic properties of particles; flavor SU(3) and properties of the observed particles; quantum chromodynamics and experimental evidence for quark structure of hadrons; experimental developments in weak interactions and the WGS electroweak theory; the standard model; predictions and key experiments in the future. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 462. Statistical Thermodynamics (3).
Derivation of the laws of thermodynamics by the Gibbs method and development of the partition function as a connection between atomic and macroscopic properties of matter. The general theory applied to noninteracting systems, lattice vibrations, liquids and interacting gases, magnetic systems, fluctuation problems, cooperative phenomena, and irreversible processes. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 481. Quantum Mechanics I (3).
Quantum mechanics with examples of applications. Schroedinger method; matrix and operator methods. Approximation methods including JBWK, variational, and various perturbation methods. Applications to atomic, molecular and nuclear physics including both bound states and scattering problems. Applications of group theory to quantum mechanics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
PHYS 482. Quantum Mechanics II (3).
(See PHYS 481.) Prerequisite: PHYS 481 or consent of instructor.
*PHYS 539. Special Topics Seminar (1-3).
Consult the Roster of Courses for specific topics and credit. May include low-temperature physics, liquid helium, group theory in solid state, surface physics, astrophysics, critical phenomena and phase transitions, and nonlinear topics in physics.
PHYS 541. Quantum Theory of the Solid State (3).
Elementary excitations in solids, including lattice vibrations, spin waves, helicons, and polarons. Quasiparticles and collective coordinates. BCS theory of superconductivity. Quasicrystals. Transport properties. Conduction electrons in magnetic fields and the quantum Hall effect. Green function methods of many-body systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 482 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 542. Quantum Theory of the Solid State II (3).
(See PHYS 541.) Prerequisite: PHYS 541 and consent of instructor.
*PHYS 545. Advanced Topics in the Physics of Many Particle Systems I (3).
The matter field; Hartree-Fock approximation; equations of motion for elementary excitations. Ground-state Green functions; spectral representation; perturbation expansion for Green functions; Dyson equation; density-fluctuation propagators and linear response functions. Applications to plasmas, normal Fermi liquids, spin systems, superfluid Bose systems, and superconductors. Prerequisite: PHYS 482 and consent of instructor.
*PHYS 546. Advanced Topics in the Physics of Many Particle Systems II (3).
(See PHYS 545.) Prerequisite: PHYS 545 and consent of instructor.
*PHYS 551. Theoretical Nuclear Physics I (3).
Physical properties of the nucleus, nuclear structure and nuclear models, nuclear scattering, and nuclear transformations from a theoretical viewpoint. Prerequisite: PHYS 482 and consent of instructor.
*PHYS 552. Theoretical Nuclear Physics II (3).
(See PHYS 551.) Prerequisite: PHYS 551 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 559. Special Topics Seminar (3).
(See PHYS 539.)
*PHYS 561. Cosmic Ray and High-Energy Astrophysics (3).
Advanced topics in experimental cosmic ray physics and high-energy astrophysics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
*PHYS 565. General Theory of Relativity (3).
Review of special relativity, principle of equivalence, tensor analysis. Einstein field equations, tests of general relativity, post-Newtonian method, gravitational radiation, relativistic astrophysics, symmetries of space-time. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
*PHYS 566. Cosmology (3).
Homogeneity and isotropy of the universe, Robertson-Walker metric, red shifts and distances, number counts, steady state model, Friedmann models, microwave radiation background, nucleosynthesis, galaxy formation. Prerequisite: PHYS 565 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 579. Special Topics Seminar (3).
(See PHYS 539.)
PHYS 581. Quantum Mechanics III (3).
(Continuation of PHYS 482.) The methods of quantum field theory applied to the nonrelativistic many-body problem, radiation theory, and relativistic particle physics. Second quantization using canonical and path-integration techniques. Constrained systems and gauge theories. Graphical perturbative methods and graph summation approaches. Topological aspects of field theories. Prerequisite: PHYS 482 and consent of instructor.
*PHYS 591. Field Theory I (3).
Quantization of fields. Abelian and Non-Abelian gauge theories. Renormalized perturbation theory and the renormalization group. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Weinberg-Salam model. Quantum chromodynamics. Supersymmetry. Path integrals and functional integration. Solutions and instantons. Prerequisite: PHYS 581 and consent of instructor.
*PHYS 592. Field Theory II (3).
(See PHYS 591.) Prerequisite: PHYS 591 and consent of instructor.
PHYS 601. Research in Physics (credit as arranged).
PHYS 651. Thesis (M.S.) (credit as arranged).
PHYS 701. Dissertation (Ph.D.) (credit as arranged).
PHYS 841 Teaching Physics Concepts I (2).
(See PHYS 341) This course number applies for public school teachers.
PHYS 842 Teaching Physics Concepts II (2).
(Continuation of Teaching Physics Concepts I) (See PHYS 342) This course number applies for public school teachers.
* Reading courses: Interested students should consult the department.
CWRU Provost's Office --
About this server
-- Copyright 1996 CWRU
-- Unauthorized use prohibited
|