PHYSICS 11N:
The Basic Rules of Nature
Preference to freshmen. The development by physicists of descriptions of the behavior of matter on microscopic scales and scales characteristic of the Universe as a whole, including quantum mechanics, particle physics, and general relativity. Promising approaches that physicists are using to shed light on remaining mysteries, including string theory and M theory. Discussions are semiquantitative. Prerequisite: high school physics or equivalent.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
PHYSICS 15:
The Nature of the Universe
The structure, origin, and evolution of the major components of the Universe: planets, stars, and galaxies. Emphasis is on the formation of the Sun and planets, the evolution of stars, and the structure and content of the Milky Way galaxy. Topics: cosmic enigmas (dark matter, black holes, pulsars, x-ray sources), star birth and death, and the origins of and search for life in the solar system and beyond.
Terms: Aut, Sum
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 16:
Cosmic Horizons
The origin and evolution of the universe and its contents: stars, galaxies, quasars. The overall structure of the cosmos and the physical laws that govern matter, space, and time. Topics include the evolution of the cosmos from the origin of the elements and the formation of stars and galaxies, exotic astronomical objects (black holes, quasars, supernovae, and gamma ray bursts), dark matter, inflationary cosmology, and the fate of the cosmos.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 17:
Black Holes
Newton's and Einstein's theories of gravitation and their relationship to the predicted properties of black holes. Their formation and detection, and role in galaxies and high-energy jets. Hawking radiation and aspects of quantum gravity.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 18N:
Revolution in Concepts of the Cosmos
Preference to freshmen. The evolution of concepts of the cosmos and its origin, from the Copernican heliocentric model to the current view based on Hubble's discovery of expansion of the Universe. Recent cosmological observations and the relevance of laboratory experiments in particle physics. One night of observations at the Stanford Observatory.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 19:
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
The principles of physics through familiar objects and phenomena, including airplanes, engines, refrigerators, lightning, radio, TV, microwave ovens, and fluorescent lights. Estimates of real quantities from simple calculations. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 21:
Mechanics and Heat
For biology, social science, and premedical students. Introduction to Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, theory of heat. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry; calculus not required.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 21S:
Mechanics and Heat w/ laboratory
Equivalent to 21 and 22.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 22:
Mechanics and Heat Laboratory
Pre- or corequisite: 21.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 23:
Electricity and Optics
Electric charges and currents, magnetism, induced currents; wave motion, interference, diffraction, geometrical optics. Prerequisite: 21.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 24:
Electricity and Optics Laboratory
Focus is on electrodynamics circuits. Pre- or corequisite: 23.
Terms: Win
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 25:
Modern Physics
Introduction to modern physics. Relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic theory, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear structure, high energy physics, elementary particles, astrophysics, stellar evolution, and the big bang. Prerequisite: 23 or consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 25S:
Modern Physics with Laboratory
Equivalent to 25 and 26.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 26:
Modern Physics Laboratory
Pre- or corequisite: 25.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 28:
Mechanics, Heat, and Electricity
For biology, social science, and premedical students. The sequence 28 and 29 fulfills, in ten weeks, the one-year college physics requirement with lab of most medical schools. Topics: Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, theory of heat, electric charges, and currents. Calculus is used as a language and developed as needed. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 6
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
PHYSICS 29:
Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics
Magnetism, induced currents; wave motion, optics; relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic theory, radioactivity, nuclear structure and reactions, elementary particles, astrophysics, and cosmology. Prerequisite: 28.
Terms: Sum
| Units: 6
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
PHYSICS 41:
Mechanics
Vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, work, energy, momentum, angular momentum; conservation laws; rigid bodies; mechanical oscillations and waves. Discussions based on use of calculus. Corequisite: MATH 19 or 41, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 41N:
Mechanics: Insights, Applications, and Advances
Preference to freshman. Additional topics for students in PHYSICS 41 such as tidal forces, gyroscopic effects, fractal dimensions, and chaos. Corequisite: 41 or advanced placement.
Terms: Win
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 43:
Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics, Coulomb's law, electric fields and fluxes, electric potential, properties of conductors, Gauss's law, capacitors and resistors, DC circuits; magnetic forces and fields, Biot-Savart law, Faraday's law, Ampere's law, inductors, transformers, AC circuits, motors and generators, electric power, Galilean transformation of electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell's equations; limited coverage of electromagnetic fields and special relativity. Prerequisites: 41 or equivialent, and MATH 19 or 41. Corequisite: MATH 20 or 42, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 43N:
Understanding Electromagnetic Phenomena
Preference to freshmen. Expands on the material presented in 43; applications of concepts in electricity and magnetism to everyday phenomena and to topics in current physics research. Corequisite: 43 or advanced placement.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 44:
Electricity and Magnetism Lab
Pre- or corequisite: 43.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 45:
Light and Heat
Reflection and refraction, lenses and lens systems; polarization, interference, and diffraction; temperature, properties of matter and thermodynamics, introduction to kinetic theory of matter. Prerequisites: 41 or equivalent, and MATH 19 or 41, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut, Sum
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 45N:
Advanced Topics in Light and Heat
Preference to freshmen. Expands on the subject matter presented in 45 to include optics and thermodynamics in everyday life, and applications from modern physics and astrophysics. Corequisite: 45 or advanced placement.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 46:
Light and Heat Laboratory
Pre- or corequisite: 45.
Terms: Aut, Sum
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 50:
Astronomy Laboratory and Observational Astronomy
Introduction to observational astronomy emphasizing the use of optical telescopes. Observations of stars, nebulae, and galaxies in laboratory sessions with 16- and 24-inch telescopes at the Stanford Observatory. No previous physics required. Limited enrollment. Lab.
Terms: Aut, Sum
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 59:
Current Research Topics
Recommended for prospective Physics majors. Presentations of current research topics by faculty with research interests related to physics, often including tours of experimental laboratories where the research is conducted. (Staff)
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 61:
Mechanics and Special Relativity
For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. The fundamental structure of classical physics including Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, thermodynamics. Foundations of modern physics including special relativity, atomic structure, quantization of light, matter waves and the Schodinger equation. Diagnostic quiz in calculus and conceptual Newtonian mechanics at first meeting to decide if course is appropriate; some students may benefit more from the 40 series. Prerequisites: high school physics and familiarity with calculus (differentiation and integration in one variable); pre- or corequisite MATH 42.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 63:
Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves
(Second in a three-part series: 61,63,65.) For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. Advanced freshman physics. The fundamental structure of classical physics including Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, thermodynamics. Foundations of modern physics including special relativity, atomic structure, quantization of light, matter waves and the Schrödinger equation. Prerequisites: high school physics and familiarity with calculus (differentiation and integration in one variable). Pre- or corequisite: MATH 52.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 64:
Advanced Electromagnetism Laboratory
Experimental work in mechanics, electricity and magnetism. Corequisite 63. (Staff)
Terms: Win
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 65:
Thermodynamics and Foundations of Modern Physics
(Third in a three-part series: 61,63,65.) For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. Advanced freshman physics. The fundamental structure of classical physics including Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, optics, thermodynamics. Foundations of modern physics including special relativity, atomic structure, quantization of light, matter waves and the Schrödinger equation. Prerequisites: high school physics and familiarity with calculus (differentiation and integration in one variable). Pre- or corequisite: MATH 53.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 67:
Introduction to Laboratory Physics
Methods of experimental design, data collection and analysis, statistics, and curve fitting in a laboratory setting. Experiments drawn from electronics, optics, heat, and particle physics. Intended as preparation for PHYSICS 105, 107, 108. Lecture plus laboratory format. Required for 60 series Physics majors; recommended for 40 series students who intend to major in Physics. Corequisite: 65 or 43.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 2
PHYSICS 70:
Foundations of Modern Physics
Required for Physics majors who completed the 40 series, or the PHYSICS 60 series prior to 2005-06. Special relativity, the experimental basis of quantum theory, atomic structure, quantization of light, matter waves, Schrödinger equation. Prerequisites: 41, 43. Corequisite: 45. Recommended: prior or concurrent registration in MATH 53.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 80N:
The Technical Aspects of Photography
Preference to freshmen and sophomores with some background in photography. How cameras record photographic images on film and electronically. Technical photographic processes to use cameras effectively. Camera types and their advantages, how lenses work and their limitations, camera shutters, light meters and the proper exposure of film, film types, depth of focus, control of the focal plane and perspective, and special strategies for macro and night photography. View cameras and range finder technical cameras. Students take photographs around campus. Prerequisite: high school physics.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 83N:
Physics in the 21st Century
Preference to freshmen. Current topics at the frontier of modern physics. Topics include subatomic particles and the standard model, symmetries in nature, extra dimensions of space, string theory, supersymmetry, the big bang theory of the origin of the universe, black holes, dark matter, and dark energy of the universe. Why the sun shines. Cosmology and inflation.
Last offered: Winter 2008
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 84Q:
The Rise of the Machines
Preference to sophomores. Key experiments in the history of particle physics and astrophysics. Evolution and innovation in detector and accelerator technologies that enabled these experiments. The fundamental structure and interactions of matter. Recommended: some high school or introductory college physics.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
PHYSICS 87N:
The Physics of One: Nanoscale Science and Technology
Preference to freshmen. Contemporary interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and nanotechnology; the manipulation of nature's fundamental building blocks. Accomplishments and questions engendered by knowledge at the discrete limit of matter. Prerequisite: high school physics.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
PHYSICS 100:
Introduction to Observational and Laboratory Astronomy
For physical science or engineering students. Emphasis is on the quantitative measurement of astronomical parameters such as distance, temperature, mass, composition of stars, galaxies, and quasars. Observation using the 0.4m and 0.6m telescopes at the Stanford Observatory. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: one year of college physics; prior or concurrent registration in 25, 65, or 70; and consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 105:
Intermediate Physics Laboratory I: Analog Electronics
Analog electronics including Ohm¿s law, passive circuits and transistor and op amp circuits, emphasizing practical circuit design skills to prepare undergraduates for laboratory research. Short design project. Minimal use of math and physics, no electronics experience assumed beyond introductory physics. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 43 or 63.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 107:
Intermediate Physics Laboratory II: Experimental Techniques and Data Analysis
Experiments on lasers, Gaussian optics, and atom-light interaction, with emphasis on data and error analysis techniques. Students describe a subset of experiments in scientific paper format. Prerequisites: completion of 40 or 60 series, and 70 and 105. Recommended: 130, prior or concurrent enrollment in 120.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 108:
Intermediate Physics Laboratory III: Project
Small student groups plan, design, build, and carry out a single experimental project in low-temperature physics. Prerequisites 105, 107.
Terms: Win, Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 110:
Intermediate Mechanics
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. Principle of least action, Galilean relativity, Lagrangian mechanical systems, Euler-Lagrange equations. Central potential, Kepler¿s problem, planetary motion. Scattering problems, disintegration, Rutherford scattering cross section. Harmonic motion in the presence of rapidly oscillating field. Poisson¿s brackets, canonical transformations, Liouville¿s theorem, Hamilton-Jacoby equation. Prerequisites: 41 or 61, and MATH 53
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 112:
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Theory of complex variables, complex functions, and complex analysis. Fourier series and Fourier transforms. Special functions such as Laguerre, Legendre, and Hermite polynomials, and Bessel functions. The uses of Green's functions. Covers material of MATH 106 and 132 most pertinent to Physics majors. Prerequisites: MATH 50 or 50H series, and MATH 131.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR
PHYSICS 113:
Computational Physics
Numerical methods for solving problems in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Methods include numerical integration; solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations; solutions of the diffusion equation, Laplace's equation and Poisson's equation with relaxation methods; statistical methods including Monte Carlo techniques; matrix methods and eigenvalue problems. Short introduction to MatLab, used for class examples; class projects may be programmed in any language such as C. Prerequisites: MATH 53, prior or concurrent registration in 110, 121. Previous programming experience not required.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-AQR, WAY-FR
PHYSICS 120:
Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
Vector analysis, electrostatic fields, including multipole expansion; dielectrics. Special relativity and transformation between electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell¿s equations. Static magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Electromagnetic radiation, plane wave problems (free space, conductors and dielectric materials, boundaries). Dipole and quadrupole radiation. Wave guides and cavities. Prerequisites: 43 or 63; concurrent or prior registration in MATH 52 and 53. Recommended: concurrent or prior registration in 112.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 121:
Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism
(Second in a two-part series: 120,121.) Vector analysis, electrostatic fields, including multipole expansion. Dielectrics, static magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Maxwell's equation. Electromagnetic radiation. Special relativity and transformation between electric and magnetic fields. Plane wave problems (free space, conductors and dielectric materials, boundaries). Dipole and quadrupole radiation and their frequency and angular distributions. Scattering synchrotron and bremsstrahlung processes. Energy loss in water. Wave guides and cavities. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 120; concurrent or prior registration in MATH 131. Recommended: PHYSICS 112.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 130:
Quantum Mechanics
(First in a two part series: 130,131.) The origins of quantum mechanics, wave mechanics, and the Schrödinger equation. Heisenberg's matrix formulation of quantum mechanics, solutions to one-dimensional systems, separation of variables and the solution to three-dimensional systems, the central field problem and angular momentum eigenstates, spin and the coupling of angular momentum, Fermi and Bose statistics, time-independent perturbation theory. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 70, 110. Pre- or corequisites: PHYSICS 120, 121, and MATH 131.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 131:
Quantum Mechanics
(Second in a two-part series: 130,131.) The origins of quantum mechanics, wave mechanics, and the Schrödinger equation. Heisenberg's matrix formulation of quantum mechanics, solutions to one-dimensional systems, separation of variables and the solution to three-dimensional systems, the central field problem and angular momentum eigenstates, spin and the coupling of angular momentum, Fermi and Bose statistics, time-independent perturbation theory. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 70, 110. Pre- or corequisites: PHYSICS 120, 121, and MATH 131.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 134:
Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics
Variational principle, time-dependent perturbation theory, WKB approximation. Scattering theory: partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Nature of quantum measurement: EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and Schrödinger's cat paradox. Additional topics may include relativistic quantum mechanics or quantum information science. Prerequisites: 130, 131.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 152A:
Introduction to Particle Physics I (PHYSICS 252A)
(Graduate students register for 252A.) Elementary particles and the fundamental forces. Quarks and leptons. The mediators of the electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. Interaction of particles with matter, particle acceleration, and detection techniques. Symmetries and conservation laws. Bound states. Decay rates. Cross sections. Feynman diagrams. Introduction to Feynman integrals. The Dirac equation. Feynman rules for quantum electrodynamics and for chromodynamics. Prerequisite: 130. Pre- or corequisite: 131.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 152B:
Introduction to Particle Physics II (PHYSICS 252B)
Discoveries and observations in experimental particle physics and relation to theoretical developments. Asymptotic freedom. Charged and neutral weak interactions. Electroweak unification. Weak isospin. Gauge theories, spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Quark and lepton mixing. CP violation. Neutrino oscillations. Prerequisites: 152 or 152A, 130, 131.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 160:
Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics
Observed characteristics of stars and the Milky Way galaxy. Physical processes in stars and matter under extreme conditions. Structure and evolution of stars from birth to death. White dwarfs, planetary nebulae, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, binary stars, x-ray stars, and black holes. Galactic structure, interstellar medium, molecular clouds, HI and HII regions, star formation, and element abundances. Prerequisites: 40 or 60 series, and 70.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 161:
Introduction to Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology
Observations of the distances and compositions of objects on cosmic scales: galaxies, galaxy clusters, quasars, and diffuse matter at high red shift. Big bang cosmology, physical processes in the early universe, the origin of matter and the elements, inflation, and creation of structure in the Universe. Observational evidence for dark matter and dark energy. Future of the Universe. Prerequisites: calculus and college physics at the level of the 40 or 60 series, and 70.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 170:
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics
(First in a two-part series: 170,171.) The derivation of laws of thermodynamics from basic postulates; the determination of the relationship between atomic substructure and macroscopic behavior of matter. Temperature; equations of state, heat, internal energy; entropy; reversibility; applications to various properties of matter; absolute zero and low temperature phenomena. Distribution functions, transport phenomena, fluctuations, equilibrium between phases, phase changes, the partition function for classical and quantum systems, Bose-Einstein condensation, and the electron gas. Cooperative phenomena including ferromagnetism, the Ising model, and lattice gas. Irreversible processes. Corequisite: PHYSICS 130.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 171:
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics
(Second in a two-part series: 170,171.) The derivation of laws of thermodynamics from basic postulates; the determination of the relationship between atomic substructure and macroscopic behavior of matter. Temperature; equations of state, heat, internal energy; entropy; reversibility; applications to various properties of matter; absolute zero and low temperature phenomena. Distribution functions, transport phenomena, fluctuations, equilibrium between phases, phase changes, the partition function for classical and quantum systems, Bose-Einstein condensation, and the electron gas. Cooperative phenomena including ferromagnetism, the Ising model, and lattice gas. Irreversible processes. Corequisite: PHYSICS 131.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 172:
Solid State Physics
Crystal structures and bonding in solids. X-ray diffraction. Lattice dynamics and thermal properties. Electronic structure of solids; transport properties of metals; quantum oscillations; charge density waves. Properties and applications of semiconductors. Phenomenology and microscopic theory of superconductivity. Prerequisites: 170, 171.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 190:
Independent Study
Undergraduate research in experimental or theoretical physics under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisites: superior work as an undergraduate Physics major and consent of instructor.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-9
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Blandford, R. (PI);
Cabrera, B. (PI);
Doniach, S. (PI);
Fisher, G. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Kapitulnik, A. (PI);
Kasevich, M. (PI);
Lipa, J. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Susskind, L. (PI);
Tantawi, S. (PI);
Vasy, A. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI)
PHYSICS 204A:
Seminar in Theoretical Physics
Topics of recent interest may include cosmology, black hole physics, and strong-weak coupling duality transformations. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 204B:
Seminar in Theoretical Physics
Topics including quantum computing, Berry phase, and quantum Hall effect. May be repeated for credit.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 205:
Undergraduate Honors Research
Experimental or theoretical project and thesis in Physics under supervision of a faculty member. Planning of the thesis project should begin no later than middle of the junior year. Successful completion of an honors thesis leads to graduation with departmental honors. Prerequisites: superior work in Physics as an undergraduate major and approval of the honors adviser.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-12
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Burchat, P. (PI);
Cabrera, B. (PI);
Cappelli, M. (PI);
Church, S. (PI);
Dimopoulos, S. (PI);
Doniach, S. (PI);
Everitt, C. (PI);
Fisher, I. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Greven, M. (PI);
Kachru, S. (PI);
Kasevich, M. (PI);
Laughlin, R. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
McGehee, M. (PI);
Osheroff, D. (PI);
Peskin, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Roodman, A. (PI);
Scherrer, P. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI);
Yamamoto, Y. (PI)
PHYSICS 210:
Advanced Particle Mechanics
The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics of particles. Beyond small oscillations. Phase portraits, Hamilton-Jacoby theory, action-angle variables, adiabatic invariance. Nonlinear dynamical systems, continuous and discrete. Behavior near the fixed points, stability of solutions, attractors, chaotic motion. Transition to continuum mechanics. Prerequisite: 110 or equivalent.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 211:
Continuum Mechanics
Elasticity, fluids, turbulence, waves, gas dynamics, shocks, and MHD plasmas. Examples from everyday phenomena, geophysics, and astrophysics.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 212:
Statistical Mechanics
Principles, ensembles, statistical equilibrium. Thermodynamic functions, ideal and near-ideal gases. Fluctuations. Mean-field description of phase-transitions and associated critical exponents. One-dimensional Ising model and other exact solutions. Renormalization and scaling relations. Prerequisites: 130, 131, 171, or equivalents.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 216:
Back of the Envelope Physics
Techniques such as scaling and dimensional analysis, useful to make order-of-magnitude estimates of physical effects in different settings. Goals are to promote a synthesis of physics through solving problems, some not included in a standard curriculum. Applications include properties of materials, fluid mechanics, geophysics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Prerequisites: undergraduate mechanics, statistical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and quantum mechanics.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 220:
Classical Electrodynamics
Electrostatics and magnetostatics: conductors and dielectrics, magnetic media, electric and magnetic forces, and energy. Maxwell's equations: electromagnetic waves, Poynting's theorem, electromagnetic properties of matter, dispersion relations, wave guides and cavities, magnetohydrodynamics. Special relativity: Lorentz transformations, covariant, equations of electrodynamics and mechanics, Lagrangian formulation, Noether's theorem and conservation laws. Radiation: dipole and quadrupole radiation, electromagnetic scattering and diffraction, the optical theorem, Liénard-Wiechert potentials, relativistic Larmor's formula, frequency and angular distribution of radiation, synchrotron radiation. Energy losses in matter: Bohr's formula, Cherenkov radiation, bremsstrahlung and screening effects, transition radiation. Prerequisites: 121, 210, or equivalents; MATH 106 and 132.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 221:
Classical Electrodynamics
Electrostatics and magnetostatics: conductors and dielectrics, magnetic media, electric and magnetic forces, and energy. Maxwell's equations: electromagnetic waves, Poynting's theorem, electromagnetic properties of matter, dispersion relations, wave guides and cavities, magnetohydrodynamics. Special relativity: Lorentz transformations, covariant, equations of electrodynamics and mechanics, Lagrangian formulation, Noether's theorem and conservation laws. Radiation: dipole and quadrupole radiation, electromagnetic scattering and diffraction, the optical theorem, Liénard-Wiechert potentials, relativistic Larmor's formula, frequency and angular distribution of radiation, synchrotron radiation. Energy losses in matter: Bohr's formula, Cherenkov radiation, bremsstrahlung and screening effects, transition radiation. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 220 or equivalent.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 230:
Quantum Mechanics
Fundamental concepts. Introduction to Hilbert spaces and Dirac's notation. Postulates applied to simple systems, including those with periodic structure. Symmetry operations and gauge transformation. The path integral formulation of quantum statistical mechanics. Problems related to measurement theory. The quantum theory of angular momenta and central potential problems. Prerequisite: 131 or equivalent.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 231:
Quantum Mechanics
Basis for higher level courses on atomic solid state and particle physics. Wigner-Eckart theorem and addition of angular momenta. Approximation methods for time-independent and time-dependent perturbations. Semiclassical and quantum theory of radiation, second quantization of radiation and matter fields. Systems of identical particles and many electron atoms and molecules. Prerequisite: 230.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 232:
Quantum Mechanics
Special topics. Elementary excitations in solids (the free electron gas, electronic band structure, phonons). Elementary scattering theory (Born approximation, partial wave analyses, resonance scattering). Relativistic single-particle equations. Dirac equation applied to central potentials, relativistic corrections, and nonrelativistic limits.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 252A:
Introduction to Particle Physics I (PHYSICS 152A)
(Graduate students register for 252A.) Elementary particles and the fundamental forces. Quarks and leptons. The mediators of the electromagnetic, weak and strong interactions. Interaction of particles with matter, particle acceleration, and detection techniques. Symmetries and conservation laws. Bound states. Decay rates. Cross sections. Feynman diagrams. Introduction to Feynman integrals. The Dirac equation. Feynman rules for quantum electrodynamics and for chromodynamics. Prerequisite: 130. Pre- or corequisite: 131.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 252B:
Introduction to Particle Physics II (PHYSICS 152B)
Discoveries and observations in experimental particle physics and relation to theoretical developments. Asymptotic freedom. Charged and neutral weak interactions. Electroweak unification. Weak isospin. Gauge theories, spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Quark and lepton mixing. CP violation. Neutrino oscillations. Prerequisites: 152 or 152A, 130, 131.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 260:
Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology
The observed properties and theoretical models of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Physical processes for production of radiation from cosmic sources. Observations of cosmic microwave background radiation. Newtonian and general relativistic models of the universe. Physics of the early universe, nucleosynthesis, baryogenesis, nature of dark matter and dark energy and inflation. Prerequisites: 110, 121, and 171, or equivalents.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 262:
Introduction to Gravitation
Introduction to general relativity. Curvature, energy-momentum tensor, Einstein field equations. Weak field limit of general relativity. Black holes, relativistic stars, gravitational waves, cosmology. Prerequisite: 121 or equivalent including special relativity.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 290:
Research Activities at Stanford
Required of first-year Physics graduate students; suggested for junior or senior Physics majors for 1 unit. Review of research activities in the department and elsewhere at Stanford at a level suitable for entering graduate students.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1-3
PHYSICS 291:
Practical Training
Opportunity for practical training in industrial labs. Arranged by student with the research adviser's approval. A brief summary of activities is required, approved by the research adviser.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 294:
Teaching of Physics Seminar
Required of teaching assistants in Physics in the year in which they first teach. Techniques of teaching physics by means of weekly seminars, simulated teaching situations, observation of other teachers, and evaluation of in-class teaching performance.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 301:
Astrophysics Laboratory
Seminar/lab. Astronomical observational techniques and physical models of astronomical objects. Observational component uses the 24-inch telescope at the Stanford Observatory and ancillary photometric and spectroscopic instrumentation. Emphasis is on spectroscopic and photometric observation of main sequence, post-main sequence, and variable stars. Term project developing observational equipment or software. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 312:
Basic Plasma Physics
For the nonspecialist who needs a working knowledge of plasma physics for space science, astrophysics, fusion, or laser applications. Topics: orbit theory, the Boltzmann equation, fluid equations, MHD waves and instabilities, EM waves, the Vlasov theory of ES waves and instabilities including Landau damping and quasilinear theory, the Fokker-Planck equation, and relaxation processes. Advanced topics in resistive instabilities and particle acceleration. Prerequisite: 210 and 220, or consent of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 321:
Laser Spectroscopy
Theoretical concepts and experimental techniques. Absorption, dispersion, Kramers-Kronig relations, line-shapes. Classical and laser linear spectroscopy. Semiclassical theory of laser atom interaction: time-dependent perturbation theory, density matrix, optical Bloch equations, coherent pulse propagation, multiphoton transitions. High-resolution nonlinear laser spectroscopy: saturation spectroscopy, polarization spectroscopy, two-photon and multiphoton spectroscopy, optical Ramsey spectroscopy. Phase conjugation. Four-wave mixing, harmonic generation. Coherent Raman spectroscopy, quantum beats, ultra-sensitive detection. Prerequisite: 230. Recommended: 231.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 330:
Quantum Field Theory
Quantization of scalar and Dirac fields. Introduction to supersymmetry. Feynman diagrams. Quantum electrodynamics. Elementary electrodynamic processes: Compton scattering; e+e- annihilation. Loop diagrams and electron (g-2). Prerequisites: 130, 131, or equivalents.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 331:
Quantum Field Theory
Functional integral methods. Local gauge invariance and Yang-Mills fields. Asymptotic freedom. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and the Higgs mechanism. Unified models of weak and electromagnetic interactions. Prerequisite: 330.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 360:
Physics of Astrophysics
Theoretical concepts and tools for modern astrophysics. Radiation transfer equations; emission, scattering, and absorption mechanisms: Compton, synchrotron and bremsstrahlung processes; photoionization and line emission. Equations of state of ideal, interacting, and degenerate gasses. Application to astrophysical sources such as HII regions, supernova remnants, cluster of galaxies, and compact sources such as accretion disks, X-ray, gamma-ray, and radio sources. Prerequisites: 121, 171 or equivalent.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 361:
Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics
Astronomical data on stars, star clusters, interstellar medium, and the Milky Way galaxy. Theory of stellar structure; hydrostatic equilibrium, radiation balance, and energy production. Stellar formation, Jean's mass, and protostars. Evolution of stars to the main sequence and beyond to red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Supernovae and compact sources. Structure of the Milky Way: disk and spiral arms; dark matter and the halo mass; central bulge or bar; and black hole. Prerequisite: 221 or equivalent. Recommended: 260, 360.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 363:
Solar and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Structure, mechanisms, and properties of the Sun's interior and atmosphere. Tools for solar observations; magnetic fields and polarimetry. Solar oscillations and helioseismology. Differential rotation and turbulent convection. Solar MHD, Alfven and magneto-acoustic waves. Solar cycle and dynamo. Magnetic energy release, reconnection, particle acceleration. Solar activity, sunspots, flares, coronal mass ejections; UV, X-ray, and high-energy particle emissions. The interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere and its terrestrial effects; space weather. Prerequisite: 221 or equivalent.
Last offered: Winter 2008
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 364:
Advanced Gravitation
Early universe cosmology. Topics at the interface between cosmology and gravity, particle theory, and speculative theories of physics at the Planck scale such as string theory. Inflationary cosmology and generation of density pertubations, models of baryogenesis, big bang nucleosynthesis, and speculations about the Universe at the Planck scale. Experiments in the near future that may extend or revise current notions.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 376:
Superfluidity and Superconductivity
Introduction to superfluid He: two-fluid model, phonons, and rotons, Feynman description, vortices, Bogoliubov theory. Phenomenology of superconductors: London description, Ginzburg-Landau model, type-I vs. type-II materials, Josephson effects, thin films, Kosterlitz-Thouless behavior, electron-phonon coupling. BCS theory: bulk systems, tunneling, strong-coupling materials, dirty and gapless superconductivity, fluctuation effects, Ginzburg criterion. Recommended: APPPHYS 272, 273, or equivalents.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 450:
Particle Physics at the Large Hadron Collider
General properties of proton-proton collisions at 14 TeV. Capabilities of the LHC experiments. QCD predictions for hard-scattering reactions: parton distributions, radiative corrections, jets, parton shower. Methods for computing multijet cross sections. Properties of W, Z, top quarks, and Higgs bosons at the LHC. Methods for discovering new heavy particles. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 331.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 451:
Physics Beyond the Standard Model
Naturalness and the hierarchy problem. Technicolor and extended technicolor. The supersymmetric Standard Model, supersymmetric unification, and dark matter candidates. Large extra dimensions and TeV scale gravity. The cosmological constant problem, Weinberg's solution, and the landscape. Split supersymetry. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 330 and PHYSICS 331.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 452:
Supersymmetry, Supergravity, and Cosmology
Issues in supersymmetry and supergravity related to cosmology. The current status of dark energy in supersymmetric theories. Available cosmological data on the early universe and possible supergravity or string theory models explaining the data. A tension between the light gravitino and known mechanisms of moduli stabilization in string cosmology. Future data in cosmology and from the LHC as tests of fundamental physics. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 262, 330, 331, and 332.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 490:
Research
Open only to Physics graduate students, with consent of instructor. Work is in experimental or theoretical problems in research, as distinguished from independent study of a non-research character in 190 and 293.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-15
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abel, T. (PI);
Allen, S. (PI);
Beasley, M. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Blandford, R. (PI);
Block, S. (PI);
Bloom, E. (PI);
Boxer, S. (PI);
Breidenbach, M. (PI);
Brodsky, S. (PI);
Bucksbaum, P. (PI);
Burchat, P. (PI);
Burke, D. (PI);
Byer, R. (PI);
Cabrera, B. (PI);
Chao, A. (PI);
Chu, S. (PI);
Church, S. (PI);
Dai, H. (PI);
Devereaux, T. (PI);
Dimopoulos, S. (PI);
Dixon, L. (PI);
Doniach, S. (PI);
Fejer, M. (PI);
Fetter, A. (PI);
Fisher, G. (PI);
Fox, J. (PI);
Funk, S. (PI);
Gaffney, K. (PI);
Glover, G. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Greven, M. (PI);
Harris, J. (PI);
Hewett, J. (PI);
Himel, T. (PI);
Huberman, B. (PI);
Inan, U. (PI);
Jones, B. (PI);
Kachru, S. (PI);
Kahn, S. (PI);
Kallosh, R. (PI);
Kamae, T. (PI);
Kapitulnik, A. (PI);
Kasevich, M. (PI);
Kivelson, S. (PI);
Kosovichev, A. (PI);
Kuo, C. (PI);
Laughlin, R. (PI);
Leith, D. (PI);
Levitt, M. (PI);
Linde, A. (PI);
Lipa, J. (PI);
Luth, V. (PI);
Madejski, G. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
Melosh, N. (PI);
Michelson, P. (PI);
Moerner, W. (PI);
Moler, K. (PI);
Nishi, Y. (PI);
Osheroff, D. (PI);
Pande, V. (PI);
Papanicolaou, G. (PI);
Pelc, N. (PI);
Peskin, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Pianetta, P. (PI);
Prinz, F. (PI);
Raubenheimer, T. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Roodman, A. (PI);
Rowson, P. (PI);
Ruth, R. (PI);
Scherrer, P. (PI);
Schindler, R. (PI);
Schnitzer, M. (PI);
Shen, Z. (PI);
Shenker, S. (PI);
Siemann, R. (PI);
Silverstein, E. (PI);
Smith, T. (PI);
Spudich, J. (PI);
Su, D. (PI);
Susskind, L. (PI);
Thomas, S. (PI);
Vuletic, V. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI);
Wagoner, R. (PI);
Wechsler, R. (PI);
Wein, L. (PI);
Wojcicki, S. (PI);
Wong, H. (PI);
Yamamoto, Y. (PI);
Zhang, S. (PI);
Min, S. (GP);
Niu, W. (GP);
Young, M. (GP)
PHYSICS 63N:
Applications of Electromagnetism
Preference to freshmen. Material related to PHYSICS 63 at a more advanced level. Students participate in selecting topics. Corequisite: 63.
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 802:
TGR Dissertation
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Abel, T. (PI);
Allen, S. (PI);
Beasley, M. (PI);
Bhattacharya, J. (PI);
Blandford, R. (PI);
Bloom, E. (PI);
Brodsky, S. (PI);
Bucksbaum, P. (PI);
Burchat, P. (PI);
Cabrera, B. (PI);
Chao, A. (PI);
Chu, S. (PI);
Dai, H. (PI);
Dimopoulos, S. (PI);
Dixon, L. (PI);
Doniach, S. (PI);
Glover, G. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Greven, M. (PI);
Grill-Spector, K. (PI);
Harris, J. (PI);
Hewett, J. (PI);
Inan, U. (PI);
Jones, B. (PI);
Kachru, S. (PI);
Kahn, S. (PI);
Kallosh, R. (PI);
Kamae, T. (PI);
Kapitulnik, A. (PI);
Kasevich, M. (PI);
Kivelson, S. (PI);
Laughlin, R. (PI);
Leith, D. (PI);
Levitt, M. (PI);
Linde, A. (PI);
Luth, V. (PI);
Madejski, G. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
Moler, K. (PI);
Osheroff, D. (PI);
Peskin, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Pianetta, P. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Roodman, A. (PI);
Ruth, R. (PI);
Scherrer, P. (PI);
Schindler, R. (PI);
Shen, Z. (PI);
Shenker, S. (PI);
Siemann, R. (PI);
Silverstein, E. (PI);
Smith, T. (PI);
Spudich, J. (PI);
Su, D. (PI);
Susskind, L. (PI);
Vuletic, V. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI);
Wechsler, R. (PI);
Wojcicki, S. (PI);
Yamamoto, Y. (PI);
Zhang, S. (PI);
Min, S. (GP);
Niu, W. (GP)
PHYSICS 275:
Electrons in Nanostructures
The behavior of electrons in metals or semiconductors at length scales below 1 micron, smaller than familiar macroscopic objects but larger than atoms. Ballistic transport, Coulomb blockade, localization, quantum mechanical interference, and persistent currents. Topics may include quantum Hall systems, graphen, spin transport, spin-orbit coupling in nanostructures, magnetic tunnel junctions, Kondo systems, and 1-dimensional systems. Readings focus on the experimental research literature, and recent texts and reviews. Prerequisite: undergraduate quantum mechanics and solid state physics.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 293:
Literature of Physics
Study of the literature of any special topic. Preparation, presentation of reports. If taken under the supervision of a faculty member outside the department, approval of the Physics chair required. Prerequisites: 25 units of college physics, consent of instructor.
| Units: 1-15
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 323:
Laser Cooling and Trapping
Principles of laser cooling and atom trapping. Optical forces on atoms, forms of laser cooling, atom optics and atom interferometry, ultra-cold collisions, and introduction to Bose condensation of dilute gases. Emphasis is on the development of the general formalisms that treat these topics. Applications of the cooling and trapping techniques: atomic clocks, internal sensors, measurements that address high-energy physics questions, many-body effects, polymer science, and biology. Prerequisite: 231 or equivalent.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 332:
Quantum Field Theory
Theory of renormalization. The renormalization group and applications to the theory of phase transitions. Renormalization of Yang-Mills theories. Applications of the renormalization group of quantum chromodynamics. Perturbation theory anomalies. Applications to particle phenomenology. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 330.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 351:
Standard Model of Particle Physics and Beyond
Group theory, symmetries, the standard model of particle physics, gauge hierarchy and the cosmological constant problem as motivations for beyond the standard model, introduction to supersymmetry, technicolor, extra dimension, split SUSY. Corequisite: 230.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 352:
Neutrino Physics
Neutrino masses and mixing. Kinematics tests for neutrino masses. Neutrino interactions, the number of light neutrino species. Solar and atmospheric neutrino anomalies. Artificial neutrino sources: reactors and particle accelerators. Majorana and Dirac neutrinos. Double-beta decay. Neutrinos in supernovae. Relic neutrinos. Neutrino telescopes.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 362:
Advanced Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology
Observational data on the content and activities of galaxies, the content of the Universe, cosmic microwave background radiation, gravitational lensing, and dark matter. Models of the origin, structure, and evolution of the Universe based on the theory of general relativity. Test of the models and the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Physics of the early Universe, inflation, baryosynthesis, nucleosynthesis, and galaxy formation. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 210, 211, and 260 or 360.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 372:
Condensed Matter Theory I
Fermi liquid theory, many-body perturbation theory, response function, functional integrals, interaction of electrons with impurities. Prerequisite: APPPHYS 273 or equivalent.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 373:
Condensed Matter Theory II
Superfluidity and superconductivity. Quantum magnetism. Prerequisite: 372.
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 475:
Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
Current literature and advanced topics. Journal club format. Content varies depending on interests of participants. May be repeated for credit. Recommended: APPPHYS 272, 273, or equivalents.
| Units: 1-3
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
