Laboratory experiments include single-photon interference and tests of local realism. An emphasis is placed on how quantum systems differ from their classical counterparts. It then uses these concepts to explore topics in quantum information science. This course begins by applying quantum mechanics to simple optical systems consisting of small numbers of photons. Prerequisites: Mathematics 201 and 202 and Physics 201 and 202. In laboratory, students construct He-Ne lasers and utilize them to investigate laser physics. Topics include ray propagation through optical components, interference, diffraction, polarization, Gaussian beam propagation, optical resonators, and atom-light interactions. This course examines theories of light and laser physics. Topics include radiation from point charges and dipoles propagation of electromagnetic plane waves in vacuum and in matter reflection, refraction, and dispersion and the relativistic formulation of electrodynamics. A continuation of Physics 321, this course emphasizes time-varying electric and magnetic fields. Prerequisite: Physics 201 and 202 and Mathematics 201 and 202. Mathematical methods introduced include multivariable calculus and the solution of partial differential equations by separation of variables. Electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum and in matter, electromagnetic induction, force and energy in electrodynamics, Maxwell’s equations. Prerequisite: Physics 201 and 202 and Mathematics 201 and 202. Applications to the motion of rigid bodies, systems of coupled oscillators, and celestial mechanics are treated as time permits. Careful examination of the foundations and limitations of Newtonian mechanics leads to development of the Lagrangian formulation, variational principles, and Hamiltonian mechanics.
Weekly laboratories include an introduction to computational physics, the Millikan oil drop experiment, measurement of the speed of light, determination of Planck’s constant, the charge-to-mass ratio of the electron, and blackbody radiation. Introduction to thermal physics, special relativity, and quantum mechanics, with applications to atomic, nuclear, condensed matter, and particle physics as time permits. Prerequisite: Physics 101 and 102 and Mathematics 111 (or equivalent) and 112. Weekly laboratories provide an introduction to basic electronics, from filters and voltage dividers to transistors and operational amplifiers. Related mathematical methods are introduced: complex numbers, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, and Fourier analysis. Damped and driven vibrations, coupled oscillators, and waves. Labs will consist of both evening telescope observation to collect data and computer labs to analyze these data and other publicly available data sets. Topics covered will include stellar structure and energy sources, stellar evolution, binary star systems, and exoplanetary systems. This course provides an introduction to the physics and astronomy of stars and stellar systems from an observational perspective. The physics underlying each of these topics will be emphasized, and students will learn to quantitatively analyze and clearly communicate scientific information. Topics include the use of energy in daily life-transportation, heating, food, and electricity sources and storage of energy-batteries, fuels, wind, solar, and nuclear energy environmental impacts-air, water, and climate and assessment of sustainability. This course will focus on the fundamental concept of energy, and its role in human society. Prerequisite: Physics 101 and Mathematics 111 or equivalent. Calculus-based introduction to electricity and magnetism, optics, and other topics at the discretion of the instructor. Corequisite: Mathematics 111 or equivalent. Calculus-based introduction to the classical mechanics of particles and systems-kinematics, laws of motion, conservation principles, rotational dynamics, oscillators.
0 kommentar(er)
