Winter

Phys 659. Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

To obtain an active understanding of the principles, the possibilities and the limitations of various experimental techniques. Possible topics include vacuum and low-temperature techniques; transport, thermal, magnetization and de Haas van Alphen measurements; scattering techniques; Mossbauer spectroscopy, NMR, scanning probe microscopy, electron microscopy; surface science methods.

Fall

Phys 534. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
This course will survey selected recent developments in the rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology, with emphasis placed primarily on nanotechnology approaches to biological analysis, biologically inspired nanotechnology and nanoscale control of fluids and polymers. A core theme will be using nanotechnology as a tool for single molecule analysis and manipulation. Topics to be covered include nanofabrication techniques, bottom-up self-assembly of nanostructures, nanochannel based DNA mapping, nanopore detectors, nanofluidic separation devices and nanotechnology approaches for control over surface wettability. Grading will be based on a combination of problem sets, class oral presentations and a written proposal for a nanotech themed research project.
Phys 253. Thermal physics
Energy, work, heat; first law. Temperature, entropy; second law. Absolute zero; third law. Equilibrium, equations of state, gases, liquids, solids, magnets; phase transitions.
Phys 446. Majors Quantum Physics
This course is an introduction to the non-relativistic quantum mechanics of single particles. The course will focus in particular on (1) developing the basic formalism and interpretation of quantum mechanics and (2) exact solutions of model problems. Topics to be covered include: de Broglie waves, solution of Schr�dinger equation in 1D and 3D, wave functions, time evolution of wave functions, observables, one dimensional potentials, Schroedinger equation in three dimensions, angular momentum, hydrogen atom and spin.