PHYSICS 231: Quantum Mechanics
Basis for higher level courses on atomic solid state and particle physics. Problems related to measurement theory and introduction to quantum computing. 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:
PHYSICS 230.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Shenker, S. (PI)
;
Van Tilburg, K. (TA)
PHYSICS 234: Advanced Topics in Quantum Mechanics (PHYSICS 134)
Scattering theory, partial wave expansion, Born approximation. Additional topics may include nature of quantum measurement, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality, and topics in quantum information science; path integrals and applications; Berry's phase; structure of multi-electron atoms (Hartree-Fock); relativistic quantum mechanics (Dirac equation). Undergraduates register for
PHYSICS 134 (4 units). Graduate students register for
PHYSICS 234 (3 units); graduate students required to complete additional assignments in a format determined by the instructor. Prerequisites:
PHYSICS 130,
PHYSICS 131.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-4
Instructors:
Hartnoll, S. (PI)
PHYSICS 240: Introduction to the Physics of Energy
Energy as a consumable. Forms and interconvertability. World joule nnbudget. Equivalents in rivers, oil pipelines and nuclear weapons. nnQuantum 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
Instructors:
Laughlin, R. (PI)
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. PHYS 240 and PHYS 252 recommended but not required. Interested undergraduates encouraged to enroll, with permission of instructor.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Laughlin, R. (PI)
PHYSICS 252: Introduction to Particle Physics I (PHYSICS 152)
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. Undergraduates register for
PHYSICS 152. Graduate students register for
PHYSICS 252. (Graduate student enrollees will be required to complete additional assignments in a format determined by the instructor.) Prerequisite:
PHYSICS 130. Pre- or corequisite:
PHYSICS 131.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Peskin, M. (PI)
PHYSICS 260: Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics (PHYSICS 160)
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. Undergraduates register for
PHYSICS 160. Graduate students register for
PHYSICS 260. (Graduate student enrollees will be required to complete additional assignments in a format determined by the instructor.) Pre or corequisites:
PHYSICS 130.nSame as
Physics 260.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Petrosian, V. (PI)
PHYSICS 261: Introduction to Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology (PHYSICS 161)
Big bang theory, cosmic inflation, expansion of space. Composition of the universe. Origin of matter and the elements. The cosmic distance ladder. Observational evidence for dark matter and dark energy. Geometry of space and the standard model of cosmology. Formation of galaxies and large scale structure. Ultimate fate of the universe. Undergraduates register for
Physics 161. Graduates register for
Physics 261. (Graduate student enrollees will be required to complete additional assignments in a format determined by the instructor). Pre or corequisites:
PHYSICS 121
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Roodman, A. (PI)
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:
PHYSICS 121 or equivalent including special relativity.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Graham, P. (PI)
;
Wiser, T. (TA)
PHYSICS 270: Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics I (PHYSICS 170)
Foundations of statistical mechanics. Thermodynamic variables and basic thermodynamics. Ideal gases (including Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution). Bose and Fermi gases; examples including blackbody radiation, Debye theory of phonons, Sommerfeld theory of electrons in metals. Thermodynamic functions. Undergraduates register for
Physics 170 (4 units). Graduates register for
Physics 270 (3 units). (Graduate student enrollees will be required to complete additional assignments in a format determined by the instructor.) Recommended prerequisite:
PHYSICS 130.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 3-4
Instructors:
Kivelson, S. (PI)
PHYSICS 271: Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics II (PHYSICS 171)
Mean-field theory of phase transitions; critical exponents. Ferromagnetism, the Ising model. The renormalization group. Dynamics near equilibrium: Brownian motion, diffusion, Boltzmann equations. Other topics at discretion of instructor. Prerequisite: PHYS 170/270. Undergraduates register for
Physics 171 (4 units). Graduate students register for
Physics 271 (3 units). (Graduates student enrollees will be required to complete additional assignments in a format determined by the instructor.) Recommended pre- or corequisite: PHYS 130. Same as
Physics 271.
Terms: Win
| Units: 3-4
Instructors:
Zhang, S. (PI)
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