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.
Last offered: Winter 2010
| 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.
Last offered: Autumn 2009
| 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
Guided hands-on exploration of concepts in classical mechanics and thermodynamics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. 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
Guided hands-on exploration of concepts in electricity and magnetism, circuits and optics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. Introduction to multimeters and oscilloscopes. 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
Guided hands-on and simulation-based exploration of concepts in modern physics, including special relativity, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics with an emphasis on student predictions, observations and explanations. 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 42:
Classical Mechanics Laboratory
Hand-on exploration of concepts in classical mechanics: Newton's laws, conservation laws, rotational motion. Introduction to laboratory techniques, experimental equipment and data analysis. Pre- or corequisite: 41
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
Hands-on exploration of concepts in electricity and magnetism and circuits. Introduction to multimeters, function generators, oscilloscopes, and graphing techniques. 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
Hands-on exploration of concepts in geometrical optics, wave optics and thermodynamics. 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. Meets one evening per week from dusk until well after dark 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.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 61:
Mechanics and Special Relativity
(First in a three-part series: 61, 63, 65.) Advanced freshman physics. For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. Special theory of relativity and Newtonian mechanics with multi- variable calculus. Postulates of special relativity, simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, the Lorentz transformation, causality, and relativistic mechanics. Central forces, contact forces, linear restoring forces. Momentum transport, work, energy, collisions. Angular momentum, torque, moment of inertia in three dimensions. Damped and forced harmonic oscillators. Recommended prerequisites: Mastery of mechanics at the level of AP Physics C and AP Calculus B/C or equivalent. Recommended corequisite: MATH 51.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 62:
Classical Mechanics Laboratory
Introduction to laboratory techniques, experiment design, data collection and analysis simulations, and correlating observations with theory. Labs emphasize discovery with open-ended questions and hands-on exploration of concepts developed in PHYSICS 61 including Newton's laws, conservation laws, rotational motion. Pre-or corequisite 61
Terms: Aut
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 63:
Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves
(Second in a three-part series: 61, 63 ,65.) Advanced freshman physics. For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. Electricity, magnetism and waves with some description of optics. Electrostatics and Gauss' law. Electric potential, electric field, conductors, image charges. Other theorems of vector calculus. Electric currents, DC circuits. Moving charges, magnetic field, Ampere's law. Solenoids, transformers, induction, AC circuits, resonance. Relativistic point of view for moving charges. Displacement current, Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves, dielectrics. Diffraction, interference, refraction, reflection, polarization. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 61 and MATH 51; Pre- or corequisite: MATH 52.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 64:
Electricity, Magnetism and Optics Laboratory
Introduction to multimeters, breadboards, function generators and oscilloscopes. Emphasis on student-developed design of experimental procedure and data analysis for topics covered in PHYSICS 63: electricity, magnetism, circuits, and optics. Pre- or corequisite: 63
Terms: Win
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 65:
Quantum and Thermal Physics
(Third in a three-part series: 61, 63, 65.) Advanced freshman physics. For students with a strong high school mathematics and physics background contemplating a major in Physics or interested in a rigorous treatment of physics. Introduction to quantum mechanics: matter waves, atomic structure, Schrödinger's equation. Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics: entropy and heat, Boltzmann statistics, quantum statistics. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 61 & 63. 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 modern physics. Lecture plus laboratory format. Required for 60 series Physics and Engineering Physics majors; recommended, in place of PHYSICS 44, for 40 series students who intend to major in Physics or Engineering Physics. Pre- or 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.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 100:
Introduction to Observational and Laboratory Astronomy
Designed for undergraduate physics majors but open to all students with a calculus-based physics background and some laboratory experience. Students make and analyse observations using telescopes at the Stanford Student Observatory. Topics include navigating the night sky, the physics of stars and galaxies, telescope instrumentation and operation, quantitative error analysis, and effective scientific communication. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: prior completion of Physics 40 or 60 series.
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. WIM
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 131P or MATH 173.
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 I
(First in a two-part series: 120,121.) Vector analysis. Electrostatic fields, including boundary-value problems and multipole expansion. Dielectrics, static and variable magnetic fields, magnetic materials. Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 43 or 63; MATH 52 and 53. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 131P or MATH 173. Recommended corequisite: PHYSICS 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.) Conservation laws and electromagnetic waves, Poynting's theorem, tensor formulation, potentials and fields. Plane wave problems (free space, conductors and dielectric materials, boundaries). Dipole and quadruple radiation. Special relativity and transformation between electric and magnetic fields. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 120 and MATH 131P or MATH 173; Recommended: PHYSICS 112.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 130:
Quantum Mechanics
(First in a two part series: 130,131.) The origins of quantum mechanics and wave mechanics. Schrödinger equation and solutions for one-dimensional systems. Commutation relations. Generalized uncertainty principle. Time-energy uncertainty principle. Separation of variables and solutions for three-dimensional systems, application to hydrogen atom. Spherically symmetric potentials and angular momentum eigenstates. Spin angular momentum. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 65 or 70, and 110. Pre- or corequisites: PHYSICS 120, 121, and MATH 131P or MATH 173.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SMA
PHYSICS 131:
Quantum Mechanics II
(Second in a two-part series: 130,131.) Addition of angular momentum. Identical particles; Fermi and Bose statistics. Time-independent perturbation theory. Fine structure, the Zeeman effect and hyperfine splitting in the hydrogen atom. Variational principle. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 130. Pre- or corequisites: PHYSICS 120, 121, and MATH 131P or MATH 173.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 134:
Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics
Time-dependent perturbation theory. Scattering theory, partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Additional topics may include WKB approximation; structure of multi-electron atoms (Hartree-Fock); nature of quantum measurement, EPR paradox and Bell's inequality; relativistic quantum mechanics (Dirac equation); quantum information science. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 130, 131.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 152A:
Introduction to Particle Physics I (PHYSICS 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 I
(First in a two-part series: 170,171.) Basic probability and statistics for random processes such as random walks. 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, equipartition; entropy, Gibbs paradox; equilibrium and reversibility, heat engines; applications to various properties of matter; absolute zero and low temperature phenomena. Distribution functions, fluctuations, the partition function for classical and quantum systems, irreversible processes. Pre- or corequisite: PHYSICS 130.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4
PHYSICS 171:
Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics II
(Second in a two-part series: 170,171.) Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, Debye model and phonons. Transport phenomena, fluctuations, equilibrium between phases, phase changes, Bose-Einstein condensation, and the electron gas. Cooperative phenomena including ferromagnetism, the Ising model, and lattice gas. Irreversible processes. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 170. Pre- or 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 Research and 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: ;
Alonso, J. (PI);
Blandford, R. (PI);
Block, S. (PI);
Burchat, P. (PI);
Cabrera, B. (PI);
Diehn, M. (PI);
Doniach, S. (PI);
Fisher, G. (PI);
Fisher, I. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Kachru, S. (PI);
Kapitulnik, A. (PI);
Kasevich, M. (PI);
Kuo, C. (PI);
Lipa, J. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
Maxim, P. (PI);
Palanker, D. (PI);
Perl, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Roodman, A. (PI);
Susskind, L. (PI);
Tantawi, S. (PI);
Vasy, A. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI);
Wechsler, R. (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:
Senior Thesis Research
Long-term experimental or theoretical project and thesis in Physics under supervision of a faculty member. Planning of the thesis project is recommended to begin as early as middle of the junior year. Successful completion of a senior thesis requires a minimum of 3 graded units of this course completed during the senior year, along with the other formal thesis and physics major requirements. Students doing research for credit prior to senior year should sign up for Physics 190. Prerequisites: superior work as an undergraduate Physics major and approval of the thesis application.
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr, Sum
| Units: 1-12
| Repeatable
for credit
Instructors: ;
Alonso, J. (PI);
Beasley, M. (PI);
Burchat, P. (PI);
Cabrera, B. (PI);
Cappelli, M. (PI);
Church, S. (PI);
Colby, E. (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);
Mabuchi, H. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
McGehee, M. (PI);
Osheroff, D. (PI);
Partridge, R. (PI);
Perl, M. (PI);
Peskin, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Roodman, A. (PI);
Scherrer, P. (PI);
Shen, Z. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI);
Wechsler, R. (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 I
Special relativity: The principles of relativity, Lorentz transformations, four vectors and tensors, relativistic mechanics and the principle of least action. Lagrangian formulation, charges in electromagnetic fields, gauge invariance, the electromagnetic field tensor, covariant equations of electrodynamics and mechanics, four-current and continuity equation. Noether's theorem and conservation laws, Poynting's theorem, stress-energy tensor. Constant electromagnetic fields: conductors and dielectrics, magnetic media, electric and magnetic forces, and energy. Electromagnetic waves: Plane and monochromatic waves, spectral resolution, polarization, electromagnetic properties of matter, dispersion relations, wave guides and cavities. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 121 and 210, or equivalent; MATH 106 or 116, and 132 or equivalent.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 221:
Classical Electrodynamics II
Electromagnetic waves in dielectric and conducting materials, causality and analyticity, negative index of refraction and metamaterials. Waveguides and cavities, nonlinear solitons and optical fibers. Maxwell's equations in fluids: hydromagnetics, bulk and surface plasmons, plasmonics. Non-relativistic radiation: dipole and quadrupole radiation, scattering and diffraction. Spherical solutions for vector wave equation. Energy loss of moving particles in a medium, Cherenkov radiation. Relativistic radiation: Liénard-Wiechert potential, angular and frequency distribution, synchrotron radiation. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 220; MATH 106 or 116, and 132 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 240:
Introduction to the Physics of Energy
Energy as a consumable. Forms and interconvertability. World joule nbudget. Equivalents in rivers, oil pipelines and nuclear weapons. nQuantum mechanics of fire, batteries and fuel cells. Hydrocarbon and hydrogen synthesis. Fundamental limits to mechanical, electrical and magnetic strengths of materials. Flywheels, capacitors and high pressure tanks. Principles of AC and DC power transmission. Impossibility of pure electricity storage. Surge and peaking. Solar constant. Photovoltaic and thermal solar conversion. Physical limits on agriculture.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 241:
Introduction to Nuclear Energy
Radioactivity. Elementary nuclear processes. Energetics of fission and fusion. Cross-sections and resonances. Fissionable and fertile isotopes. Neutron budgets. Light water, heavy water and graphite reactors. World nuclear energy production. World reserves of uranium and thorium. Plutonium, reprocessing and proliferation. Half lives of fission decay products and actinides made by neutron capture. Nuclear waste. Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Molten sodium breeders. Generation-IV reactors. Inertial confinement and magnetic fusion. Laser compression. Fast neutron production and fission-fusion hybrids. PREREQUISITES: Strong undergraduate background in elementary chemistry and physics. PH240 and PH252A recommended but not required. Interested undergraduates encouraged to enroll, with permission of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 252A:
Introduction to Particle Physics I (PHYSICS 152A)
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 all first-year Physics graduate students, plus other Teaching Assistants who are teaching Physics courses for the first time. Weekly seminar/discussions. Techniques for teaching physics, especially through interactive engagement. Review of Physics Education Research results. Simulated teaching situations. In-class observations and practice teaching.
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 301:
Astrophysics Laboratory
Open to all graduate students with a calculus-based physics background and some laboratory experience. Students make and analyze observations using telescopes at the Stanford StudentnObservatory. Topics include navigating the night sky, the physics of stars and galaxies, telescope instrumentation and operation,nquantitative error analysis, and effective scientific communication. The course also introduces a number of hot topics in astrophysics and cosmology. Limited enrollment.
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: Spr
| 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 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.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 351:
Standard Model of Particle Physics
Symmetries, group theory, gauge invariance, Lagrangian of the Standard Model, flavor group, flavor-changing neutral currents, CKM quark mixing matrix, GIM mechanism, rare processes, neutrino masses, seesaw mechanism, QCD confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, instantons, strong CP problem, QCD axion.nnPrerequisite: Physics 330; Physics 331 and 332 recommended.
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
Introduction to quantum fields in curved space-times, with applications to phenomena in cosmology and quantum gravity. Free scalar fields in curved space-time; quantum fields in an expanding universe; de Sitter space and fluctuations in inflationary cosmology; the Unruh effect; Hawking radiation and black hole thermodynamics. Recommended: 330, some familiarity with general relativity.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
PHYSICS 370:
Theory of Many-Particle Systems
Application of quantum field theory to the nonrelativistic, many-body problem, including methods of temperature-dependent Green's functions and canonical transformations. Theory of finite-temperature, interacting Bose and Fermi systems with applications to superfluidity, superconductivity, and electron gas. Prerequisite: 232.
Terms: Aut
| 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: Spr
| Units: 3
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.
| Units: 1
PHYSICS 450:
Primordial Cosmology
Early universe cosmology. Overview of the thermal history of the universe, big bang nucleosynthesis, and the physics of recombination and the CMB. Inflationary cosmology and generation of density pertubations. Ultraviolet sensitivity of inflation and its CMB predictions to Planck-suppressed operators, mechanisms for inflation in the context of string theory, and their observational signatures. Wilsonian naturalness arguments and shift symmetries; axion inflation in field theory and string theory as a case study. Overview of the relevant upcoming measurements from satellite and ground-based detectors. Recommended prerequisites : PHYSICS 262, 330, 331, 332
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 451:
Eternal Inflation
The observational success of inflation, the existence of, and fine tuning of the cosmological constant, and the large landscape of string theories, all point to an eternally inflating multiverse, in which our local universe was produced by a tunneling event from an earlier more energetic vacuum. The course will cover Coleman DeLuccia tunneling, possible observational signals, and the search for a theoretical framework including the so-called "measure problem." Prerequisites: PHYSICS 330, 331, 332, 351
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 452:
Physics Beyond the Standard Model
Grand unification, gauge coupling unification, proton decay; naturalness and the hierarchy problem; technicolor; the supersymmetric Standard Model, supersymmetric unification, SUSY dark matter, SUSY flavor problem; large extra dimensions and TeV scale gravity; the cosmological constant problem, Weinberg's solution and the landscape, atomic principle and split supersymmetry; decaying dark matter as a probe of unification; axiverse and black hole superradiance. nPrerequisites: PHYSICS 330, 331, 332, 351.
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);
Das, R. (PI);
Devereaux, T. (PI);
Dimopoulos, S. (PI);
Dixon, L. (PI);
Doniach, S. (PI);
Fejer, M. (PI);
Fetter, A. (PI);
Fisher, G. (PI);
Fisher, I. (PI);
Fox, J. (PI);
Funk, S. (PI);
Gaffney, K. (PI);
Glover, G. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Graham, P. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Greven, M. (PI);
Harbury, P. (PI);
Harris, J. (PI);
Hewett, J. (PI);
Himel, T. (PI);
Huberman, B. (PI);
Inan, U. (PI);
Jaros, J. (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);
Michelson, P. (PI);
Moerner, W. (PI);
Moler, K. (PI);
Nishi, Y. (PI);
Osheroff, D. (PI);
Pande, V. (PI);
Papanicolaou, G. (PI);
Pelc, N. (PI);
Perl, M. (PI);
Peskin, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Pianetta, P. (PI);
Prinz, F. (PI);
Qi, X. (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);
Senatore, L. (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);
Weis, W. (PI);
Wojcicki, S. (PI);
Wong, H. (PI);
Yamamoto, Y. (PI);
Zhang, S. (PI);
Dam, N. (GP);
Min, S. (GP);
Niu, W. (GP)
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);
Block, S. (PI);
Bloom, E. (PI);
Breidenbach, M. (PI);
Brodsky, S. (PI);
Bucksbaum, P. (PI);
Burchat, P. (PI);
Burke, D. (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);
Funk, S. (PI);
Gaffney, K. (PI);
Glover, G. (PI);
Goldhaber-Gordon, D. (PI);
Gratta, G. (PI);
Graves, E. (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);
Kuo, C. (PI);
Laughlin, R. (PI);
Leith, D. (PI);
Levitt, M. (PI);
Linde, A. (PI);
Luth, V. (PI);
Mabuchi, H. (PI);
Madejski, G. (PI);
Manoharan, H. (PI);
Moerner, W. (PI);
Moler, K. (PI);
Osheroff, D. (PI);
Peskin, M. (PI);
Petrosian, V. (PI);
Pianetta, P. (PI);
Prinz, F. (PI);
Romani, R. (PI);
Roodman, A. (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);
Vuletic, V. (PI);
Wacker, J. (PI);
Wechsler, R. (PI);
Wojcicki, S. (PI);
Yamamoto, Y. (PI);
Zhang, S. (PI);
Niu, W. (GP)
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.
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci
PHYSICS 91SI:
PRACTICAL COMPUTING FOR SCIENTISTS
Essential tools for researchers in the natural sciences. Helping students transition their computing skills from a classroom to a research environment. Topics include UNIX command line scripting, the Python programming language, version control with Mercurial, unit tests, data analysis and regular expressions, with more advanced topics as time allows. We will assume some experience with programming at the CS106A level or equivalent. Enrollment limited.
| Units: 2
PHYSICS 92SI:
Physics of the Circus
Investigate the physics behind circus acts including juggling, unicycling, tightrope walking and slacklining, trapeze swinging, cigar boxes, and diabolo. In addition to learning the math and mechanics behind these arts, students will learn the arts themselves, and for a final project will choose one art to practice and eventually present to the rest of the class. The course seeks to give students an appreciation of the circus from both a physics perspective and firsthand experience
| Units: 2
PHYSICS 169A:
Independent Study in Astrophysics and Honors Thesis: Selection of the Problem
Description of the problem, its background, work planned in the subsequent two quarters, and development of the theoretical apparatus or initial interpretation of the problem.
| Units: 1-9
| Repeatable
for credit
PHYSICS 169B:
Independent Study in Astrophysics and Honors Thesis: Continuation of Project
Substantial completion of the required computations or data analysis for the research project selected.
| Units: 1-9
| Repeatable
for credit
(up to 27 units total)
PHYSICS 169C:
Independent Study in Astrophysics and Honors Thesis: Completion of Project
Completion of research and writing of a paper presenting methods used and results.
| Units: 1-9
| Repeatable
for credit
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 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 463:
Special Topics in Astrophysics: Theoretical Cosmology
The application of general relativity to physical phenomena asso-ciated with spinning black holes and neutron stars to provide illustrations and tests of the theory of strong field gravity. Topics include: stationary axisymmetric metrics and stellar structure, orbits and rays, accretion disks, stellar companions, electromagnetic effects, gravitational radiation. Emphasis is on developing practical calculational techniques. Prerequisite: PHYSICS 262 or equivalent.
| Units: 3
| Repeatable
for credit
| Units: 0
| Repeatable
for credit
