Applied Physics (APHY)

* APHY 050a or b / ENAS 050a or b / PHYS 050a or b, Science of Modern Technology and Public PolicyDaniel Prober

Examination of the science behind selected advances in modern technology and implications for public policy, with focus on the scientific and contextual basis of each advance. Topics are developed by the participants with the instructor and with guest lecturers, and may include nanotechnology, quantum computation and cryptography, renewable energy technologies, optical systems for communication and medical diagnostics, transistors, satellite imaging and global positioning systems, large-scale immunization, and DNA made to order. Enrollment limited to first-year students. Preregistration required; see under First-Year Seminar Program.  SC
HTBA

* APHY 100b / ENAS 100b / EPS 105b / EVST 100b / PHYS 100b, Energy, Environment, and Public PolicyDaniel Prober

The technology and use of energy. Impacts on the environment, climate, security, and economy. Application of scientific reasoning and quantitative analysis. Intended for non–science majors with strong backgrounds in math and science.  QR, SC
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

APHY 110b / ENAS 110b, The Technological WorldOwen Miller

An exploration of modern technologies that play a role in everyday life, including the underlying science, current applications, and future prospects. Examples include solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), computer displays, the global positioning system, fiber-optic communication systems, and the application of technological advances to medicine. For students not committed to a major in science or engineering; no college-level science or mathematics required. Prerequisite: high school physics or chemistry.  QR, SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

APHY 151a or b / ENAS 151a or b / PHYS 151a or b, Multivariable Calculus for EngineersStaff

An introduction to multivariable calculus focusing on applications to engineering problems. Topics include vector-valued functions, vector analysis, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, vector calculus, and the theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss. Prerequisite: MATH 115 or equivalent.  QR
HTBA

APHY 194a or b / ENAS 194a or b, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations with ApplicationsStaff

Basic theory of ordinary and partial differential equations useful in applications. First- and second-order equations, separation of variables, power series solutions, Fourier series, Laplace transforms. Prerequisites: ENAS 151 or MATH 120 or equivalent, and knowledge of matrix-based operations.  QR
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APHY 293a / PHYS 293a, Einstein and the Birth of Modern PhysicsA Douglas Stone

The first twenty-five years of the 20th century represent a turning point in human civilization as for the first time mankind achieved a systematic and predictive understanding of the atomic level constituents of matter and energy, and the mathematical laws which describe the interaction of these constituents. In addition, the General Theory of Relativity opened up for the first time a quantitative study of cosmology, of the history of the universe as a whole. Albert Einstein was at the center of these breakthroughs, and also became an iconic figure beyond physics, representing scientist genius engaged in pure research into the fundamental laws of nature. This course addresses the nature of the transition to modern physics, underpinned by quantum and relativity theory, through study of Einstein’s science, biography, and historical context. It also presents the basic concepts in electromagnetic theory, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, special theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics which were central to this revolutionary epoch in science. Prerequisites: Two terms of PHYS 170, 171, or PHYS 180, 181, or PHYS 200, 201, or PHYS 260, 261, or one term of any of these course with permission of instructor.   QR, SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

APHY 320a / EENG 320a, Introduction to Semiconductor DevicesMengxia Liu

An introduction to the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices. Topics include crystal structure; energy bands in solids; charge carriers with their statistics and dynamics; junctions, p-n diodes, and LEDs; bipolar and field-effect transistors; and device fabrication. Additional lab one afternoon per week. Prepares for EENG 325 and 401. Recommended preparation: EENG 200. PHYS 180 and 181 or permission of instructor  QR, SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

APHY 322b, Electromagnetic Waves and DevicesRobert Schoelkopf

Introduction to electrostatics and magnetostatics, time varying fields, and Maxwell's equations. Applications include electromagnetic wave propagation in lossless, lossy, and metallic media and propagation through coaxial transmission lines and rectangular waveguides, as well as radiation from single and array antennas. Occasional experiments and demonstrations are offered after classes. Prerequisites: PHYS 180, 181, or 200, 201.  QR, SC
TTh 9am-10:15am

APHY 418b / EENG 402b, Advanced Electron DevicesMengxia Liu

The science and technology of semiconductor electron devices. Topics include compound semiconductor material properties and growth techniques; heterojunction, quantum well and superlattice devices; quantum transport; graphene and other 2D material systems. Formerly EENG 418. Prerequisite: EENG 320 or equivalent.  QR, SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* APHY 420a / PHYS 420a, Thermodynamics and Statistical MechanicsNicholas Read

This course is subdivided into two topics. We study thermodynamics from a purely macroscopic point of view and then we devote time to the study of statistical mechanics, the microscopic foundation of thermodynamics. Prerequisites: PHYS 301, 410, and 440 or permission of instructor.  QR, SC
MW 2:30pm-3:45pm

APHY 439a / PHYS 439a, Basic Quantum MechanicsRobert Schoelkopf

The basic concepts and techniques of quantum mechanics essential for solid-state physics and quantum electronics. Topics include the Schrödinger treatment of the harmonic oscillator, atoms and molecules and tunneling, matrix methods, and perturbation theory. Prerequisites: PHYS 181 or 201, PHYS 301, or equivalents, or permission of instructor.  QR, SC
MW 1pm-2:15pm

APHY 448a / PHYS 448a, Solid State Physics IYu He

The first term of a two-term sequence covering the principles underlying the electrical, thermal, magnetic, and optical properties of solids, including crystal structure, phonons, energy bands, semiconductors, Fermi surfaces, magnetic resonances, phase transitions, dielectrics, magnetic materials, and superconductors. Prerequisites: APHY 322, 439, PHYS 420.  QR, SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

APHY 449b / PHYS 449b, Solid State Physics IISohrab Ismail-Beigi

The second term of the sequence described under APHY 448.  QR, SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

APHY 458a / PHYS 458a, Principles of Optics with ApplicationsHui Cao

Introduction to the principles of optics and electromagnetic wave phenomena with applications to microscopy, optical fibers, laser spectroscopy, and nanostructure physics. Topics include propagation of light, reflection and refraction, guiding light, polarization, interference, diffraction, scattering, Fourier optics, and optical coherence. Prerequisite: PHYS 430.  QR, SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* APHY 469a or b, Special ProjectsDaniel Prober

Faculty-supervised individual or small-group projects with emphasis on research (laboratory or theory). Students are expected to consult the director of undergraduate studies and appropriate faculty members to discuss ideas and suggestions for suitable topics. This course may be taken more than once, is graded pass/fail, is limited to Applied Physics majors, and does not count toward the senior requirement. Permission of the faculty adviser and of the director of undergraduate studies is required.
HTBA

* APHY 470a, Statistical Methods with Applications in Science and FinanceSohrab Ismail-Beigi

Introduction to key methods in statistical physics with examples drawn principally from the sciences (physics, chemistry, astronomy, statistics, biology) as well as added examples from finance. Students learn the fundamentals of Monte Carlo, stochastic random walks, and analysis of covariance analytically as well as via numerical exercises.  Prerequisites: ENAS 194, MATH 222, and ENAS 130, or equivalents.   QR, SC
TTh 1pm-2:15pm

* APHY 471a and APHY 472b, Senior Special ProjectsDaniel Prober

Faculty-supervised individual or small-group projects with emphasis on research (laboratory or theory). Students are expected to consult the director of undergraduate studies and appropriate faculty members to discuss ideas and suggestions for suitable topics. This course may be taken more than once and is limited to Applied Physics majors in their junior and senior years. Permission of the faculty adviser and of the director of undergraduate studies is required.
HTBA