Program Description
Physics has always remained and still is at the center of science and technology. The laws of physics that are reached through observations and careful experimentation find applications from the subatomic particles to the astronomic formations such as stars and galaxies. On the other hand, design of advanced technology materials, fabrication of semiconductor devices, the development of optical communication systems have all evolved as applications of physics. Our department has both theoretical and experimental research activites. Quantum information theory, gravitation and condensed matter physics are among our theoretical research interests. On the experimental research side, we have three advanced laboratories where we focus on solid state lasers, optoelectronic and nano-photonic materials and devices. Our M. S. Program aims at teaching fundamental physics at a high level and coupling this knowledge with a research experience in either theoretical or applied physics depending on the interests of the student.
Research areas of interest
- Photonic & Laser Materials
- Microphotonics
- Nanophotonics
- Quantum physics, gravitation
- Quantum optics, atomic, molecular and optical physics
- Statistical mechanics of biophysical systems
Faculty & Research Areas
Tekin Dereli , Professor, Ph.D. METU, 1976
Quantum information theory, phase space quantization, standard electroweak theory and string models, generalized theories of gravitation, gravitational waves.
Ali Mostafazadeh , Professor, Ph.D. U. Texas-Austin, 1994
PT-symmetric quantum mechanics, geometric phase in quantum mechanics, topological quantum symmetries, supersymmetry and parasupersymmetry, quantum cosmologies.
Özgür Mustecaplıoğlu , Assistant Professor, Ph.D. Bilkent U., 1999
Quantum optics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, photonics.
Alkan Kabakçıoğlu , Assistant Professor, Ph.D. MIT, 1999
Statistical mechanics of complex systems, structure and folding of biomolecules.
Regulation of gene expression in cells.
Alper Kiraz , Assistant Professor, Ph.D. U. Calif. Santa Barbara, 2002
Nano-optics, single molecule spectroscopy, optoelectronics.
Alphan Sennaroğlu , Professor, Ph.D. Cornell U. 1994
Development and modelling of solid state lasers, ultrashort optical pulse generation, non-linear optics and spectroscopy.
Ali Serpengüzel , Associate Professor, Ph. D. Yale U. 1992
Photonics, optoelectronics, nanophotonics, biophotonics, non-linear optics, laser diagnostics.
Curriculum
Required core courses (3 credits each):
Phys 501 (Classical Mechanics)
Phys 502 (Classical Electrodynamics)
Phys 503 (Advanced Quantum Mechanics I)
Phys 506 (Statistical Mechanics)
Elective courses (3 credit each):
Phys 504 (Advanced Q. Mechanics II)
Phys 505 (Relativistic Q. Mechanics)
Phys 508 (Optical Spectroscopy)
Phys 509/Phys 409 (Condensed Matter Physics I)
Phys 510 (Condensed Matter Physics II)
Phys 511 (Special Topics in Theo. Phys)
Phys 512 (Special Topics in Appl. Phys)
Phys 513/Math 503 (Applied Mathematics)
Phys 521/Ecoe 521 (Advanced Photonics)
Students who have TA assignments must take TEAC 500: Teaching Experience during the semesters of their assignments. Students must also take ENGL 500: Graduate Writing course.
PHYS 590 Seminar (Non-Credit)
PHYS 595 M.S. Thesis (Non-Credit)
Course Descriptions
Phys 501
Classical Mechanics
Variational principles. Lagrange’s equations of motion. 2-body central force problems. Kinematics of rigid body motion. Rigid body equations of motion. Hamilton’s equations of motion. Canonical transformations. Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Small oscillations.
Phys 502
Classical Electrodynamics
Boundary value problems in electrostatics and magnetostatics. Maxwell equations. Conservation laws. Electromagnetic waves and wave propagation in media. Waveguides and resonant cavities. Radiating systems.
Phys 503
Advanced Quantum Mechanics I
Spin. Complex vector spaces. Quantum dynamics. Bound state perturbation theory. Time dependent perturbation theory. Identical particle systems.
Phys 504
Advanced Quantum Mechanics II
Rotations and angular momentum. Discrete symmetry operations. WKB approximation. Geometric phase. Scattering theory.
Phys 505
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Dirac equation. Lorentz covariance of the Dirac equation. Solutions to the Dirac equation for a free particle. The Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation. Hole theory. Propagator theory and its applications.
Phys 506
Quantum Statistical Mechanics
Introduction to statistical mechanics. Density matrices. Path integrals. Classical systems of N particles. Order-disorder. Creation and annihilation operators. Spin waves. Polarons. Electron gas in a metal. Superconductivity. Superfluidity.
Phys 507
Advanced Photonics and Lasers
Q switching and mode locking of lasers. Quantum theory of light-matter interactions. Optics of anisotropic media. Introduction to non-linear optics. Light detection and noise.
Phys 508
Optical Spectroscopy
Atomic and molecular spestroscopy. Rotations. Vibrations. Non-linear optics. Intensity dependent refractive index. Spontaneous light scattering. Stimulated light scattering. Raman scattering. Brillouin scattering. Electrooptics and photorefractive effects.
Phys 509
Condensed Matter Physics I
Free electron theory of metals. Crystal lattices. Reciprocal lattice. Classification of Bravais lattices. X-ray diffraction and the determination of crystal structures. Electrons in a periodic potential. Tight binding method. Band structures. Semi-classical theory of conduction in metals. Fermi surface. Surface effects.
Phys 510
Condensed Matter Physics II
Classification of solids. Theory of harmonic crystals. Phonons and phonon dispersion relations. Anharmonic effects in crystals. Phonons in metals. Dielectric properties of insulators. Semiconductors. Diamagnetism and paramagnetism. Electron interactions and magnetic structure. Magnetic ordering. Superconductivity.
Phys 513
Applied Mathematics
Vector spaces. Linear algebra. Fourier analysis and partial differential equations. Laplace equation. Wave equation. Heat equation. Special functions. Complex analysis.
Phys 511
Special Topics in Theoretical Physics
Phys 512
Special Topics in Applied Physics
Phys 590
Seminar
A series of lectures given by faculty or outside speakers. Participating students must also make presentations during the semester.
Phys 595
M.S. Thesis
Independent research towards M.S. degree.
TEAC 500
Teaching Experience
Provides hands-on teaching experience to graduate students in undergraduate courses. Reinforces students' understanding of basic concepts and allows them to communicate and apply their knowledge of the subject matter.
ENGL 500
Graduate Writing
This is a writing course specifically designed to improve academic writing skills as well as critical reading and thinking. The course objectives will be met through extensive reading, writing and discussion both in and out of class. Student performance will be assessed and graded by Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
