200A. Theoretical Mechanics (4)
Lagrange's equations and Hamilton's principle; symmetry and constants of themotion. Applications to: charged particle motion; central forces and scattering theory; small oscillations; anharmonic oscillations; rigid body motion; continuum mechanics. Prerequisite: Phys. 110B or equivalent. (F)
200B. Theoretical Mechanics (4)
Hamilton's equations, canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory; action-angle variables and adiabatic invariants; introduction to canonical perturbation theory, nonintegrable systems and chaos; Liouville equation; ergodicity and mixing; entropy; statistical ensembles. Prerequisite: Physics 200A. (W)
An introduction to mathematical methods used in theoretical physics. Topics include: a review of complex variable theory, applications of the Cauchy residue theorem, asymp totic series, method of steepest descent, Fourier and Laplace transforms, series solutions for ODE's and related special functions, Sturm Liouville theory, variational principles, boundary value problems, and Green's function techniques. (F)
Electrostatics, symmetries of Laplace's equation and methods for solution, boundary value problems, electrostatics in macroscopic media, magnetostatics, Maxwell's equa tions, Green functions for Maxwell's equations, plane wave solutions, plane waves in macroscopic media. Prerequisite: Phys. 100C or equivalent. (W)
Special theory of relativity, covariant formulation of electrodynamics, radiation from current distributions and accelerated charges, multipole radiation fields, waveguides and resonant cavities. Prerequisite: Phys. 203A. (S)
(Same as BIOG 206, Chemistry 206.) Selection of topics of current interest. Examples: primary processes of photosynthesis; membrane biophysics; applications of physical methods to problems in biology and chemistry, e.g., magnetic resonance, X-ray diffrac tion, fluctuation spectroscopy, optical techniques (fluorescence, optical rotary disper sion, circular dichroism). Topics may vary from year to year. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (W)
This course will describe the different steps used in solving for a three dimensional structure of a macromolecule using X-ray crystallography. Topics covered: Theory of X-ray Diffraction by a crystal; X-ray Sources & Detectors; Crystallization of a Protein; Crystal Symmetry; Solutioni of Phase Problem by the Isomorphous Replacement Method; Anomalous Scattering; Molecular Replacement Method; Model building and Phase Improvement; Structure Refinement. Prerequisites: Math 20D, Physics 100A, or BIBC 100, or CHEM 114A, or consent of Instructor. This course is effective Fall 1997. (F)
Thermodynamic potentials; equation of state; cluster expansion for interacting systems. Quantum statistics. Bose condensation. Phase transitions via mean field theory. Ising model and critical phenomena. Prerequisites: Phys. 140A-B, 152, or equivalent; concur rent enrollment in Phys. 212C. (S)
The first of a two-quarter course in solid-state physics. Covers a range of solid-state phenomena that can be understood within an independent particle description. Topics include: chemical versus band-theoretical description of solids, electronic band struc ture calculation, lattice dynamics, transport phenomena and electrodynamics in metals, optical properties, semiconductorphysics. Prerequisite: Phys. 152 or equivalent. (F)
Continuation of 211A. Deals with collective effects in solids arising from interactions between constituents. Topics include electron-electron and electron- phonon interac tions, screening, band structure effects, Landau Fermi liquid theory. Magnetism in met als and insulators, superconductivity; occurrence, phenomenology, and microscopic theory. Prerequisites: Phys. 210A, 211A. (W)
Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics and application to simple systems: states and observables, uncertainty relations and measurements, time evolution, and mixed states and density matrix. Symmetries: commuting reversal, etc.). Prerequisite: Phys. 130B or equivalent. (F)
Time independent perturbation theory: non-degenerate and degenerate cases, Zeeman effect, fine structure, exclusion principle, and many-electron atoms. Time dependent perturbation theory: interaction picture and Dyson series, transition rates. Radiation theory: quantization of EM field, calculation of atomic level transition rates, line width, and spontaneous decay. Prerequisite: Phys. 212A. (W)
Scattering theory: Lippman-Schwinger formalism, Born approximation, partial waves, inelastic processes, and spin dependence. Path integrals: introductions and simple examples, rigid rotator, and Bohm-Aharonov effect. Dirac equation: single particle equation, hydrogen atom, and holes. Prerequisites: Phys. 212A, 212B. (S)
Basic phenomenology of strong interactions; two and three nucleon systems; weak and electromagnetic interactions of nucleons; thermonuclear reactions; nuclear systematics, models of nuclear structure, particle-transfer reactions, fission; introductory BCS pairing and nuclear matter theory. Prerequisites: Phys. 130C or equivalent, Phys. 212C. (not offered 1995-96) (F,W)
Classification of particles using symmetries and invariance principles, quarks and lep tons, quantum electrodynamics, weak interactions, e +p- interactions, deep-inelastic lepton-nucleon scattering, pp collisions, introduction to QCD. Prerequisite: Phys. 215A. (W)
The first quarter of a three-quarter course on field theory and elementary particle phys ics. Topics covered include the relation between symmetries and conservation laws, the calculation of cross sections and reaction rates, covariant perturbation theory, and quantum electrodynamics. (F)
Continuation of 215A. Gauge theory quantization by means of path integrals, SU(3) symmetry and the quark model, spontaneous symmetry breakdown, introduction to QCD and the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model of weak interactions, basic issues of renormalization. Prerequisite: Phys. 215A. (W)
Modern applications of the renormalization group in quantum chromodynamics and the weak interactions. Unified gauge theories, particle cosmology, and special topics in particle theory. Prerequisites: Phys. 215A, 215B. (alternate years) (S)
Structure of atoms, the Hartree-Fock method, correlation energy and relativistic correc tions. Structure of molecules, the Born-Oppenheimer method, the molecular electronic state, the stability and build-up of molecules, molecular orbital theory. The interaction of atoms and molecules with external fields. Atomic and molecular collisions. Prerequisite: Phys.
The pertinent concepts and ideas in the theory of critical phenomena arexplained using the field theory techniques of renormalization and therenormalization group. Modern applications of the renormalization group in quantum chromodynamics and the electroweak model are discussed in part B. Part A is oriented towards condensed matter and particle physics theorists.The focus of part B is on particle physics. Prerequisite: Phys. 212C or consent of instructor. (S,F)
The basic physics of plasmas is discussed for the simple case of an unmagnetized plasma. Topics include: thermal equilibrium statistical properties, fluid and Landau theory of electron and ion plasma waves, velocity space instabilities, quasi-linear theory, fluctuations, scattering or radiation, Fokker-Planck equation. (F)
This course deals with magnetized plasma. Topics include: Appleton-Hartree theory of waves in cold plasma, waves in warm plasma (Bernstein waves, cyclotron damping). MHD equations, MHD waves, low frequency modes, and the adiabatic theory of particle orbits. Prerequisite: Phys. 218A.(W)
This course deals with the physics of confined plasmas with particular relevance to con trolled fusion. Topics include: topology of magnetic fields, confined plasma equilibria, energy principles, ballooning and kink instabilities, resistive MHD modes (tearing, rippling and pressure-driven), gyrokinetic theory, microinstabilities and anomalous transport, and laser- plasma interactions relevant to inertial fusion. Prerequisite: Phys.218B. (S).
A project-oriented laboratory course utilizing state-of-the-art experimental techniques in materials science. The course prepares students for research in a modern condensed matter-materials science laboratory. Under supervision, the students develop their own experimental ideas after investigating current research literature. With the use of sophisticated state-of-the-art instrumentation students conduct research, write a research paper and make verbal presentations. Prerequisite: Physics 211A (for graduate students)
An introduction to the modern theory of dynamical systems and applications thereof. Topics include maps and flows, bifurcation theory and normal form analysis, chaotic attractors in dissipative systems, Hamiltonian dynamics and the KAM theorem, and time series analysis. Examples from real physical systems will be stressed throughout. Prerequisite: Phys. 200B. (alternateyears) (W)
Nonlinear dynamics in spatially extended systems. Material to be covered includes fluid mechanical instabilities, the amplitude equation approach tompattern formation, reaction -diffusion dynamics, integrable systems andmsolitons, and an introduction to coherent structures and spatio-temporal chaos. Prerequisites: Phys. 210B and 221A. (Alternate years) (S)
Energy generation, flow, hydrostatic equilibrium, equation of state. Dependence of stel lar parameters (central surface temperature, radius, luminosity, etc.) on stellar mass and relation to physical constants. Relationship of these parameters to the H-R diagram and stellar evolution. Stellar interiors, opacity sources, radiative and convective energy flow. Nuclear reactions, neutrino processes. Polytropic models. White dwarfs and neutron stars. Prerequisites: Phys. 130C or equivalent, Phys. 140A-B or equivalent. (S/U grades permitted.) (Offered in alternate years.) (F)
Gaseous nebulae, molecular clouds, ionized regions, and dust. Low energy processes in neutral and ionized gases. Interaction of matter with radiation, emission and absorp tion processes, formation of atomic lines. Energy balance, steady state temperatures, and the physics and properties of dust. Masers and molecular line emission. Dynamics and shocks in the interstellar medium. Prerequisites: Phys. 130A-B or equivalent, Phys. 140A-B or equivalent. (S/U grades permitted.) (Offered in alternate years.)
This is a two-quarter course on gravitation and the general theory of relativity. The first quarter is intended to be offered every year and may be taken independently of the second quarter. The second quarter will be offered in alternate years. Topics covered in the first quarter include special relativity, differential geometry, the equivalence principle, the Einstein field equations, and experimental and observational tests of gravitation theories. The second quarter will focus on more advanced topics, including gravitational collapse, Schwarzschild and Kerr geometries, black holes, gravitational radiation, cosmology, and quantum gravitation. (225B offered in alternate years) (F,W)
The structure and dynamics of galaxies. Topics include potential theory, the theory of stellar orbits, self-consistent equilibria of stellar systems, stability and dynamics of stellar systems including relaxation and approach to equilibrium. Collisions between galax ies, galactic evolution, dark matter, and galaxy formation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Offered in alternate years.)
An advanced survey of topics in physical cosmology. The Friedmann models and the large-scale structure of the universe, including the observational determination of H o (the Hubble constant) and qo (the deceleration parameter). Galaxy number counts. A systematic exposition of the physics of the early universe, including vacuum phase transitions; inflation; the generation of net baryon number, fluctuations, topological de fects and textures. Primordial nucleosynthesis, both standard and nonstandard models. Growth and decay of adiabatic and isocurvature density fluctuations. Discussion of dark matter candidates and constraints from observation and experiment. Nucleocosmo- chronology and the determination of the age of the universe. Prerequisite:consent of instructor. (Offered in alternate years.)
The physics of compact objects, including the equation of state of dense matter and stellar stability theory. Maximum mass of neutron stars, white dwarfs, and super-mas sive objects. Black holes and accretion disks. Compact x-ray sources and transient phenomena, including x-ray and g-ray bursts. The fundamental physics of electromag netic radiation mechanisms: synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, thermal and nonthermal bremsstrahlung, pair production. Pulsars. Particle acceleration models. Neutrino production and energy loss mechanisms. Supernovae and neutron star pro duction. Prerequisites: Phys. 130A-B-C or equivalent. (Offered in alternate years.)
Selection of advanced topics in solid-state physics; material covered may vary from year to year. Examples of topics covered: disordered systems, surface physics, strong -coupling superconductivity, quantum Hall effect, low-dimensional solids, heavy fermion systems, high-temperature superconductivity, solid and liquid helium. Prerequisite: Phys. 211B. (alternate years) (S)
Collision theory and its application to atomic and molecular processes. Description of collision processes, scatterings and resonances in composite systems. Rearrangement collisions and the methods of approximation. Prerequisites: Phys. 212A-B. (S/U grades permitted.) (S)
Current problems in elementary particle theory. Prerequisite: Phys. 215A. (S/U grades permitted.) (Not offered in 1995-96) (W)
This course treats the physics of nonneutral plasmas. Topics include equilibrium, stabil ity, transport, linear modes and instabilities, and theeffects of strong correlation and strong magnetization. Prerequisite: Phys.218C or consent of instructor. (alternate years) (F)
This course deals with nonlinear phenomena in plasmas. Topics include: orbitperturbation theory, stochasticity, Arnold diffusion, nonlinear wave-particle and wave-wave inter action, resonance broadening, basics of fluid and plasma turbulence, closure methods, models of coherent structures.Prerequisite: Phys. 218C or consent of instructor. (alternate years) (W)
Effects of interactions in large quantum mechanical systems at zero or finite tempera ture analyzed from a unified viewpoint. Symmetries,conservation laws, perturbation theory, sum rules, inequalities. Applications to Bose, Fermi, normal, superfluid, charged, neutral, degenerate, dilute, etc., systems. Prerequisites: Phys. 210A-B, 212C. (alternate years) (S)
From time to time a member of the regular faculty or a resident visitor will find it pos sible to give a self-contained short course on an advanced topic in his or her special area of research. This course is not offered on a regular basis, but it is estimated that it will be given once each academic year. (S/U grades permitted.)
Discussion of current research in physics of the solid state and of other condensed matter. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research in nuclear physics, principally in the field of elementary particles. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of recent research in plasma physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of recent research in astrophysics and space physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research in theoretical solid-state physics. (S/U grades only.) (Not offered in 1994-95.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research in experimental solid state physics and biophysics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research in high-energy physics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research in astrophysics and space physics. (S/Ugrades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research in biophysics. (S/U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of recent research in physics directed to the entire physics community. (S /U grades only.) (F,W,S)
Discussions of current research conducted by faculty members in the Department of Physics. (S/U grades only.) (W,S)
Discussions of recent research in nonlinear and nonequilibrium physics. (S/Ugrades only.) (F,W,S)
Studies of special topics in physics under the direction of a facultymember. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and departmental vice chair,education. (S/U grades permitted.) (F,W,S)
Research studies under the direction of a faculty member. (S/U grades permitted.) (F,W,S)
Directed research on dissertation topic. (F,W,S)
This course, designed for graduate students, includes discussion of teaching, techniques and materials necessary to teach physics courses. One meeting per week with course instructors, one meeting per week in an assigned recitation section, problem session, or laboratory section. Students are required to take a total of two units of Physics 500. (F,W,S)
