Students wishing to enter the M.S. or the Ph.D. programs in Physics must have an undergraduate degree in physics or its equivalent. Their undergraduate program of studies must have included courses in thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and classical mechanics.
The department also offers the M.S. and the Ph.D. degree in Physics with a concentration in Biomedical Physics. For details, refer to our website at http://panda.unm.edu.
The Optical Science and Engineering (OSE) M.S. and Ph.D. programs are multidisciplinary and assume an undergraduate background in physics, optics or a related engineering discipline.
There is no foreign language requirement for graduate degrees in physics or OSE. Proficiency in at least one computer language is encouraged.
Under the terms of an agreement between the University of New Mexico and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), candidates for a doctoral degree in Physics or Optical Science and Engineering may conduct research for the dissertation at LANL. Certain conditions have been specified by LANL for the acceptance of students for research at Los Alamos, and each case is considered on an individual basis. See Center for Graduate Studies at Los Alamos in the General Information Section of this catalog.
Additional information, specific admission criteria, application forms and directions are available online at: http://panda.unm.edu.
The Master of Science in Physics is offered under either Plan I (with thesis) or Plan II (without thesis). Under Plan I, a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate work in physics and mathematics (exclusive of thesis) is required. Under Plan II, 32 semester hours of graduate work in physics and mathematics are to be taken. Included in this 32 hours must be at least 4 semester hours in research problems courses (551, 552, 650).
Under both plans, the graduate work offered for the master’s degree must include PHYC *466, 503, 505, 511 and 521. In addition, if material equivalent to one of the advanced labs (PHYC *476L, *477L or *493L) is not included in the student’s prior education, one of these courses must also be taken for the graduate degree. Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
A master’s degree program in physics is also offered at the Los Alamos Center for Graduate Studies.
The Optics Program is jointly administered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. It features an internship option under which a student can apply qualified industrial/government laboratory research along with successfully completed course work toward the degree.
Current research areas: advanced materials, atom optics, biomedical optics, fiber optics, laser physics, lithography, nanostructures, nonlinear optics, optical imaging, optical sensors, optoelectronics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum optics, spectroscopy, and ultra-fast phenomena.
See the Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies section of the catalog for degree requirements. Other program information is available at http://www.optics.unm.edu.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Physics requires a minimum of 48 semester hours of graduate work exclusive of dissertation. These hours must include PHYC *466, 503, 505, 511, 521, 522/ASTR 537, four seminars (PHYC 500 and/or 501), and four electives chosen from a list of courses specified on the Department’s website at: http://panda.unm.edu/Acadadv/ handbk.html. Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
The Optics Program is jointly administered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Considerable interactions occur with the Center for High Technology Materials and the optical research groups at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory and other organizations in Albuquerque that offer extensive opportunities for research work toward the degree.
Current research areas: ultra-fast optics and photonics, laser physics and engineering, optical imaging, quantum optics, optoelectronic devices, fiber lasers and amplifiers, optical communication, optical materials, optical lithography, nonlinear optics, integrated optics, quantum computing, bio-optics, non-photonics, and laser cooling.
See the Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies section of the catalog for degree requirements. Other program information is available at http://www.optics.unm.edu.
This department participates in the interdisciplinary NSMS program; for more information, see the Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies section of this catalog.
Courses
ASTR 101. Introduction to Astronomy. (3)
Conceptual description of our fascinating universe: early astronomy, Newtonian synthesis, Earth, Moon, planets, asteroids, comets, the sun, our solar system, stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy and cosmological mysteries.Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
ASTR 101L. Astronomy Laboratory. (1)
Intended as an adjunct to ASTR 101, this course deals with elementary techniques in astronomical observations. Two hours lab. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
Pre- or corequisite: ASTR 101
ASTR 109. Selected Topics in Astronomy. (3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Designed as a follow-up course to 101. This course will focus on one topic in astronomy for an in-depth investigation of its core concepts and implications. May be repeated, but topics must be substantially different from semester to semester.
Prerequisite: 101
{Offered upon demand.}
ASTR 270. General Astronomy. (3)
Concepts of astronomy with emphasis on the solar system.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 150 or 162 and any physics course numbered 150 or higher.
{Fall}
ASTR 270L. General Astronomy Laboratory I. (1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 270
{Fall}
ASTR 271. General Astronomy. (3)
Stellar astronomy, the galaxy, extra-galactic systems, cosmology.
Pre- or corequisite: (MATH 150 or 162) and any physics course numbered 150 or higher.
{Spring}
ASTR 271L. General Astronomy Laboratory I. (1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 271
{Spring}
ASTR *421. Concepts of Astrophysics I. (3)
Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution.
Prerequisite: PHYC 330
{Fall}
ASTR *422. Concepts of Astrophysics II. (3)
Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.
Prerequisite: 421
{Spring}
ASTR *423. Radio Astronomy. (3)
Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.
Prerequisite: PHYC 330
{Alternate Springs}
ASTR *424. Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology. (3)
Distribution, properties and interactions of galaxies and quasars; large scale clusterings of matter, formation and evolution of the universe; physical cosmology.
{Offered upon demand}
ASTR *426. Optics and Instrumentation. (3)
Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing.
{Offered upon demand}
ASTR *427. Topics in Planetary Astronomy. (3)
Planetary physics; planetary investigation using space vehicles; optical properties of planetary atmospheres.
{Offered upon demand}
ASTR *445. Introduction to Cosmic Radiation. (3)
Primary cosmic radiation, Stormer theory, production and detection of secondary cosmic radiation, meteorological and environmental effects, temporal variations, heliospheric transport, extensive air showers and origin of cosmic rays.
{Offered upon demand}
ASTR *455. Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
ASTR 456. Honors Problems. (1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
(Also offered as PHYC 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
ASTR 534. Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as CHNE, PHYC, ECE 534)
Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.
{Fall}
ASTR 536. Advanced Astrophysics I. (3)
(Also offered as PHYC 536)
Astrophysical problems as illustrations of classical and statistical mechanics, as well as E&M: expansion of the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; interiors of white dwarfs and neutron stars; supernova explosions; formation of galaxies.
{Alternate Falls}
ASTR 537. Advanced Astrophysics II. (3)
Astrophysical problems as illustrations of quantum mechanics; hydrogen and other atoms; molecules; spectral lines in the astrophysical environment; Doppler effect; ionized regions surrounding stars; centers of active galaxies; Lyman alpha forest; non-Keplerian rotation of galaxies.
Prerequisite: PHYC 521
{Alternate Springs}
PHYC 102. Introduction to Physics. (3)
Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in physics, in various applications to ordinary life. Energy, momentum, force, wave phenomena, electric charge and light are discussed; also basic properties of gravitational, electromagnetic and nuclear forces. Selections from relativity, quantum theory, atoms and molecules will be included. See PHYC 102L for an optional laboratory. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
PHYC 102L. Physics Laboratory. (1)
Students involve themselves in experiments and projects showing basic concepts related to the atom, the environment and the universe. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science. Two hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 102
PHYC 105. Physics and Society. (3)
Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in classical and quantum physics as a basis to discuss the interrelationships of society and physics. Examples where energy, momentum, special relativity, thermal physics, quantum and nuclear physics have important roles are discussed; these could include meteorology, aviation weather, fission and fusion reactors, science policy and ethics, alternative energy sources.
{Spring}
PHYC 106. Light and Color. (3)
Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in classical and quantum physics, in the context of a study of light and color. Light as flow of energy, propagating rays, vibrating waves and as photons; interactions with matter; in rainbows, sunsets, iridescence; in technology and art: cameras, telescopes, the human eye, color and color perception; lasers and holography. See PHYC 106L for an optional laboratory.
{Fall}
PHYC 106L. Light and Color Laboratory. (1)
Students involve themselves in experiments and demonstrations with optical phenomena: lenses, mirrors, the eye, interference, polarization, lasers, holography. Two hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 106
{Fall}
PHYC 107. Problems for Introduction to Physics. (1)
Instructor-led study session for PHYC 102, including problem solving and demonstrations.
Corequisite: 102
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 108. Introduction to Musical Acoustics. (3)
Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in physics, in the context of a study of sound, acoustics and music. Energy and force involved with the physical nature of sound waves; application to harmonics, tone quality, pitch. Sound production, propagation, detection and perception are demonstrated and illustrated by many different musical instruments, building acoustics and the behavior of the voice and the ear. See PHYC 108L for an optional laboratory.
{Spring}
PHYC 108L. Musical Acoustics Laboratory. (1)
Student involvement in experiments and demonstrations with sound waves, measurements of properties of musical instruments and electronic equipment measuring musical and acoustic properties. Two hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 108
{Spring}
PHYC 110. Introduction to Applied Physics. (3)
Preparatory course to review skills needed for PHYC 151/160. Reviews math skills (vectors, trigonometry, word problems, solving equations, etc.) through applications of physics principles to examples such as cell phones, musical instruments, CD players, driving, tools, projectiles, athletics, and electrical circuits.
Prerequisite: MATH 121 or SAT=>570 or ACT=>25.
{Second half of Fall and Spring}
PHYC 151. General Physics. (3)
Mechanics, sound, heat, fluid, waves. The sequence (151, 151L, 152, 152L) is required of pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-optometry students. Only 151 and 152 are required of pharmacy students. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
Prerequisite: (MATH 123 or Compass Trig Test=>60) and (MATH 150 or MATH 162 or MATH 180 or ACT>27 or SAT>630).
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
PHYC 151L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics, sound, heat. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114). Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 151
PHYC 152. General Physics. (3)
Electricity, magnetism, optics. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1124).
Prerequisite: 151
PHYC 152L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity, magnetism, optics. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1124). Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 152
PHYC 157. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 151.
Corequisite: 151
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 158. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 152.
Corequisite: 152
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 160. General Physics. (3)
Mechanics, sound. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1214).
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 162
PHYC 160L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics, sound. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1214). Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 160
PHYC 161. General Physics. (3)
Heat, electricity, magnetism. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1224).
Prerequisite: 160
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 163
PHYC 161L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity and magnetism. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1224). Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 161
PHYC 167. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 160.
Corequisite: 160
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 168. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 161.
Corequisite: 161
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 262. General Physics. (3)
Optics, modern physics.
Prerequisite: 161
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 264
PHYC 262L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Optics, modern physics. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 262
PHYC 267. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 262.
Corequisite: 262
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 290. Computational Physics. (3)
Application of computational techniques to problems in physics and astronomy. Topics include: matrices, interpolation, fitting of data, Runge-Kutta techniques, complex math, Fourier techniques.
Prerequisite: 262
Pre- or corequisite: Math 316
{Spring}
PHYC **300. Topics in Physics & Astronomy. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Advanced study of concepts of physics and astronomy, designed especially for science teachers and other non-traditional students. Cannot be used to satisfy major or minor program requirements for physics or astrophysics degrees.
Prerequisite: 102 or ASTR 101 or NTSC 261L
PHYC **301. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (3)
Concepts of heat and thermodynamics; large numbers and probability distributions; spin, oscillator, and gas systems; simple interacting systems, Fermi and Bose statistics.
Prerequisite: 330
{Fall}
PHYC **302. Introduction to Photonics. (3)
Geometrical optics; wave optics; lasers, nonlinear optics.
{Alternate Years}
PHYC **302L. Optics Lab. (3)
Laboratory experiments in geometrical optics, diffraction, prisms, gratings, microscopy and imaging, polarization, interference and interferometry, and laser operation.
{Spring}
PHYC **303. Analytical Mechanics I. (3)
Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, harmonic motion, gravitation, Lagrange's & Hamilton's equations, moving coordinate systems.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and MATH 316
{Fall}
PHYC **304. Analytical Mechanics II. (3)
Mechanics of continuous media, rotations of rigid bodies, small oscillations, nonlinear and chaotic motions.
Prerequisite: 303 and MATH 312
{Spring}
PHYC **307L. Junior Laboratory. (3)
Experiments in modern physics and experimental methods. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
{Fall}
PHYC **308L. Junior Laboratory. (3)
Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
{Spring}
PHYC 311. Problems in Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 301.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 313. Problems in Analytical Mechanics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 303.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and 316
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 314. AProblems in Analytical Mechanics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 304.
Prerequisite: 303 and MATH 312
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC **327. Geophysics. (3)
(Also offered as EPS 427)
Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology, heat flow to the structure, constitution and deformation of earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration.
Prerequisite: 161 and MATH 163 and (EPS 101 or ENVS 101)
PHYC **330. Introduction to Modern Physics. (3)
Special relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and subatomic physics; instruments of modern physics.
Prerequisite: 262
{Spring}
PHYC 331. Problems in Introduction to Modern Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 330.
Prerequisite: 262
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC *400. Seminar. (1 to a maximum of 3 Δ)
Student presentations, both extemporaneous and prepared, of undergraduate physics problems.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC *405. Electricity and Magnetism I. (3)
Electrostatics, magnetostatics; theory of dielectric materials; direct and alternating circuit theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and MATH 316
{Spring}
PHYC *406. Electricity and Magnetism II. (3)
Maxwell's equations; propagation, reflection and refraction of plane waves; wave guides; dipole radiation; stress-energy of the fields; relativistic fields.
Prerequisite: 405 and MATH 312
{Fall}
PHYC *410. Chemistry and Physics at the Nanoscale. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 410/510)
Students study chemical and physical concepts necessary to understand nanoscale materials: Quantum properties, charge confinement, and nanoscale thermodynamics, surface and interfacial forces, nanomachines and nanostructures, self-organization, and scaling. Emphasis on problem-solving skills development.
{Fall}
PHYC 415. Problems in Electricity and Magnetism I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 405.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and MATH 316
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 416. Problems in Electricity and Magnetism II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 406.
Prerequisite: 405 and MATH 312
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC *430. Introduction to Solid State Physics. (3)
Free electron gas, energy bands, crystals, semiconductors, metals, elementary excitations, superconductivity.
Prerequisite: 330
{Alternate years}
PHYC *450. Introduction to Subatomic Physics. (3)
Introductory topics in elementary-particle physics and nuclear physics, with examples and applications to high-energy physics and astrophysics such as cosmic rays, fixed-target experiments, lepton and hadron colliders, stellar physics, supernovae and cosmology.
Prerequisite: 491
{Alternate Springs}
PHYC 451 / 551. Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC *452. Research Methods. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
PHYC 456. Honors Problems. (1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
(Also offered as ASTR 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
{Fall, Spring}
PHYC *463. Advanced Optics I. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 463)
Electromagnetic theory of geometrical optics, Gaussian ray tracing and matrix methods, finite ray tracing, aberrations, interference.
{Fall}
PHYC *464. Laser Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 464)
Resonator optics. Rate equations; spontaneous and stimuated emission; gas, semiconductor and solid state lasers, pulsed and mode-locked laser techniques.
{Fall}
PHYC *466. Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (3)
Complex variables and analysis; differential equations, including Green's functions; transform methods; special functions; linear algebra; matrix analysis; linear integral equations.
{Fall}
PHYC *467. Methods of Theoretical Physics II. (3)
Methods of theoretical physics such as tensor analysis, group theory, calculus of variations, and elementary statistics. The actual topic areas will vary and will be defined by the instructor.
{Alternate Springs}
PHYC 468. Problems in Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 466.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 469. Problems in Methods of Theoretical Physics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 467.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC *476L. Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
{Spring}
PHYC *477L. Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
{Spring}
PHYC 480. Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Special topics beyond our standard curriculum, usually involving new areas. The actual topic areas will vary and will be defined by the instructor.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
PHYC *491. Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I. (3)
Schrödinger Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum; H-Atom.
Prerequisite: 330 and MATH 321
{Fall}
PHYC *492. Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
Spin; Pauli principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite: 491
{Spring}
PHYC *493L. Contemporary Physics Laboratory. (3)
Spectrographic methods; lasers, atomic structure; high Tc superconductivity; natural and artificial radioactivity; cosmic rays. One lecture, 5 hours lab.
{Spring}
PHYC *495. Theory of Special Relativity. (3)
Relativistic kinematics and dynamics, relativistic electromagnetism, application to subatomic physics and astrophysics.
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 496. Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 491.
Prerequisite: 330 and MATH 321
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 497. Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 492.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 500. Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 501. Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
PHYC 503. Classical Mechanics I. (3)
Review of Lagrangian dynamics; two-body central force; rigid-body motion; small oscillations; Hamilton’s equations; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
{Fall}
PHYC 505. Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics. (3)
Review of thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory; quantum statistical mechanics with examples.
{Spring}
PHYC 511. Electrodynamics. (3)
Review of electro- and magneto-statics; E&M waves and radiation; covariant electrodynamics; scattering; relativity and covariant collisions.
{Spring}
PHYC 521. Graduate Quantum Mechanics I. (3)
Review of 1-dim. potentials; Dirac formalism; postulates; symmetries and conservation laws; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum and spin; central potentials; approximation methods.
{Fall}
PHYC 522. Graduate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
More on angular momentum; scattering; identical particles; spectra of atoms and molecules; symmetry and conservation laws; approximation methods; special topics.
Prerequisite: 521
{Spring}
PHYC 523. Quantum Field Theory I. (3)
Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics and quantum field theory with applications drawn from quantum electrodynamics and high-energy physics.
Prerequisite: 522
{Alternate Years}
PHYC 524. Quantum Field Theory II. (3)
A continuation of 523.
Prerequisite: 523
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 529. Condensed Matter I. (3)
Band concepts; Bloch functions; phonons and their interactions; superconductivity.
{Alternate Falls}
PHYC 531. Atomic and Molecular Structure. (3)
One-, two-, and many-electron atoms; interactions with E&M radiation; fine and superfine structure; external fields; molecular structure and spectra; collisions; applications of atomic and molecular physics.
{Alternate years}
PHYC 534. Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as ASTR, CHNE, ECE 534)
Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.
{Fall}
PHYC 535. Plasma Physics II. (3)
Derivation of fluid equations; CGL, MCD; equilibrium in the fluid plasma; energy principle; Rayleigh-Taylor, two-stream, and firehose instabilities; applications to lCF and open- and closed-line magnetic confinement systems; nonlinear instability theory.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
{Alternate Springs}
PHYC 536. Advanced Astrophysics I. (3)
(Also offered as ASTR 536)
Astrophysical problems as illustrations of classical and statistical mechanics, as well as E&M: expansion of the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; interiors of white dwarfs and neutron stars; supernova explosions; formation of galaxies.
{Alternate Falls}
PHYC 538. Selected Methods of Theoretical & Computational Physics. (3-4 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Selected topics in methods of theoretical and computational physics.
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 542. Particle Physics I. (3)
Overview of the standard model, including electroweak interactions, gauge theories, QCD, other selected topics.
{Alternate Falls}
PHYC 545. Introduction to Cosmic Radiation. (3)
Galatic cosmic rays, Stormer theory, secondary cosmic rays in earth's atmosphere and environmental effects, time variations, particle detectors, heliopheric transport, extensive air showers, origin of cosmic rays.
Prerequisite: 406 and 491
Restriction: permission of instructor.
PHYC 551 / 451. Problems. (1-4 to a maximum of 16 Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 552. Problems. (1-4 to a maximum of 16 Δ)
PHYC 554. Advanced Optics II. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 554)
Diffractions theory, coherence theory, coherent objects, and incoherent imaging, and polarization.
Prerequisite: 463
{Spring}
PHYC 556. Optical Coherence Theory. (3)
Time dependence of coherent and incoherent light beams, intensity fluctuations of chaotic light, fringe intensity, first order correlation function, higher order correlation functions, photo-electron statistics.
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 559. Internship in Optical Science and Engineering. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 559)
Students do research and/or development work at a participating industry or government laboratory in any area of optical science and engineering.
Restriction: permission of department.
PHYC 564. Laser Physics II. (3)
Semiclassical laser theory, mode problems, pulse propagation, self-induced transparency, phase conjugate optics, photon statistics. May include semiconductor lasers, ultrafast phenomena, waveguides.
Prerequisite: 464
{Alternate Springs}
PHYC 566. Quantum Optics. (3)
Study and manipulation of quantum coherence with electromagnetic fields. Quantum coherent spectroscopy; photon statistics and nonclassical light; open quantum systems; decoherence; special topics.
{Alternate Years}
PHYC 568. Nonlinear Optics. (3)
General concepts, microscopic approach, nonlinear optical effects and devices.
{Alternate Springs}
PHYC 569. Advanced Topics in Modern Optics. (3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Possible topics include dye lasers, solid-state lasers, novel lasers, interaction between intense lasers and matter, advanced nonlinear optics, spectroscopy.
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 570. Theory of Relativity. (3)
Einstein’s theory of general relativity both as a theoretical model for gravitational forces via curved space times and as applied to various realistic astrophysical situations such as neutron stars, black holes and gravitational waves.
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 571. Quantum Computation. (3)
(Also offered as CS, NSMS 571)
This course explores the concepts and mathematical techniques underlying quantum computation. Topics include quantum entanglement, quantum cryptography, teleportation, models for quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, and fault-tolerant quantum computation.
PHYC 572. Quantum Information Theory. (3)
Concepts, applications and mathematical techniques of quantum information theory. Topics include classical information, Hilbert-space formulation of quantum mechanics, quantum states, quantum dynamics and measurements, quantum information, and quantum entanglement.
PHYC 573. Classical Mechanics II. (3)
Introduction to methods and topics of current interest in classical mechanics, particularly methods of advanced Hamiltonian mechanics and topics related to nonlinear dynamics and chaos in Hamiltonian and dissipative systems.
Prerequisite: 503
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 576. Advanced Statistical Mechanics. (3)
Introduction to topics and methods of current areas of interest in statistical mechanics, particularly the area of cooperative phenomena and the area of nonequilibrium (time-dependent) statistical mechanics.
Prerequisite: 505
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 580. Advanced Plasma Physics. (3)
(Also offered as CHNE, ECE 580)
Plasma kinetics equations, Vlasov theories of plasma waves and microinstabilities, Landau damping, nonlinear evolution of instabilities, turbulence, applications, transport in fluid plasmas; Fokker-Planck, Krook collision model.
Prerequisite: 534, 535
{Offered upon demand}
PHYC 581. Advanced Topics in Physics and Astrophysics. (3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
PHYC 599. Master’s Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Only 6 hours will count toward the program of studies.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
PHYC 650. Research. (1-12 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
May be repeated with any single faculty member.
PHYC 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
