POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY 2005-2007

PHYSICS PROGRAM
PH 4364 Introduction to the Quantum
Theory 4:0:0:4
Quantitative introduction to the quantum
theory, which describes understanding
light, electrons, atoms, nuclei and solid
matter. Superposition principle, expectation
values, momentum operator and
wave function, duality, current vector,
hermitian operators, angular momentum,
solution of the radial equation, electron in
a magnetic field, perturbation theory,
WKB approximation, identical particles.
Applications include alpha decay, electrons
in a periodic lattice, hydrogen spectrum,
helium atom, neutron-proton scattering,
and quark model of baryons.
Prerequisites: MA 2122 and PH 2344.
PH 4474 Modern Optics 4:0:0:4
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. Prerequisite: PH 3234 or
equivalent.
PH 4902 Introduction to Senior
Project in Interdisciplinary Physics
0:4:0:2
A qualified senior physics student or
several such students work with a faculty
member (and perhaps graduate students
as well) on an advanced problem
in interdisciplinary physics. In this introductory
phase the student(s) and adviser
select a suitable theoretical or experimental
problem in the subject area and
cognizant of resources at hand, make
plans for its solution.
PH 4904 Senior Project in Interdisciplinary
Physics 0:8:0:4
Concluding phase of the project; senior
physics students or several such students
work with a faculty member (and perhaps
graduate students as well) to solve an
advanced problem in interdisciplinary
physics. The conclusion of the project is a
written report and an oral presentation
made to the supervising faculty.
PH 4912 Senior Seminar in Interdisciplinary
Physics 2:0:0:2
Senior physics students, in consultation
with the instructor, study and prepare presentations,
several current research topics
in the general area of interdisciplinary
physics. Students’ performance in this
course is based on the mastery of the
material chosen and also on the quality of
the presentation made to the instructor
and the seminar members.
GRADUATE COURSES
PH 547 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 transforms
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 548 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.
PH 651/652 Introduction to Solid-
State Physics I/II each 2 1 ⁄2:0:0:3
Phenomena and theory of physics of
crystalline solids. Topics from thermal,
magnetic, electrical and optical properties
of metals, insulators and semiconductors.
PH 651 prerequisite: PH 336 or equivalent.
PH 652 prerequisite: PH 651.
PH 667/668 Quantum Mechanics I/II
each 2 1 ⁄2:0:0:3
Quantum mechanics with applications to
atomic systems. The use of
Schroedinger’s equations. Angular
momentum and spin. Problems and
approximation methods. Semi-classical
theory of field-matter interaction. Also
listed under EL 655/656.
PH 801/802 Selected Topics in
Advanced Physics I/II each 2 1 ⁄2:0:0:3
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 999 Research in Physics
each 3 units
An original investigation in some branch
of physics or chemical 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
adviser’s and research director’s consent.
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