Physics Course Catalog
Astronomy Courses (ASTR)
1014 (N)The Solar System
Recent discoveries about the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets; formation and future of the solar system; interplanetary travel, colonization, terraforming, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Offered in the fall semester. No credit for those with credit in 1104.
1024 (N)Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
Recent discoveries about the structure and life cycles of stars, galaxies and the universe; the search for extraterrestrial intelligence; interstellar travel, black holes, wormholes, and tachyons. Offered in the spring semester. No credit for those with credit in 1104.
4010 Observatory Research
1-2 credits, max 8. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2114 and consent of instructor; ASTR 1014 or ASTR 1024 recommended. Team execution of multi-semester observing programs with electronic detectors at OSU's off-campus observatory. Introduction to digital image processing and analysis.
Undergraduate Physics Courses (PHYS)
1001 Frontiers of Physics
Student and faculty discussions of current research topics in physics as presented in popular journals. Graded on pass-fail basis.
1014 (N) Descriptive Physics
A survey course presenting the basic concepts and principles of physics with a minimum of mathematics. Motion, waves, temperature, electricity, magnetism, optics, atomic structure, and nuclear energy. No credit for students with credit in 1114.
1114 (L,N) General Physics
Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): High school algebra and trigonometry or MATH 1483 or MATH 1715. Algebra-based introductory course covering the basic concepts of physics. Practical examples of the role of physics in other disciplines. Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat, thermodynamics, waves, sound.
1214 (L,N) General Physics
Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 1114. Continuation of 1114; electricity, magnetism, optics, quantum physics, atomic and nuclear structure.
1313 (L,N) Inquiry-based Physics
Lab 6. Properties of matter, motion, light and color, electrical circuits and energy conservation. Recommended for elementary education majors as model course to learn and teach science.
2014 (L,N) General Physics
Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): MATH 2144 or concurrent enrollment. Calculus-based introductory course for science, math and engineering majors. Mechanics, waves, heat, and thermodynamics.
2114 (L,N) General Physics
Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 2014 or 2314. Continuation of 2014. Electricity, magnetism, and optics.
2314 General Physics for Science Majors I
Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): MATH 2144. Calculus-based introductory course for science and math majors. Conservation of energy and momentum, energy transfer, Newton's Laws, kinematics, relativity.
2414 General Physics for Science Majors II
Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 2014 or 2314. Continuation of 2314. Electrostatics, electric fields and currents, circuits, waves, physical optics, modern physics, nuclear physics, and thermodynamics.
3013* Mechanics I
Prerequisite(s): 2114 or equivalent, and MATH 2233 or concurrent enrollment. Mechanics of particles, systems of particles and rigid bodies.
3113*
Heat
Prerequisite(s): 1214 or equivalent and MATH 2163 or concurrent enrollment. Thermometry, heat transfer, elementary theory of specific heat and the three laws of thermodynamics.
3213*
Optics
Prerequisite(s): 2114 or 2414 and 3513, or consent of the instructor. Geometrical optics; interference, diffraction, dispersion, absorption, and polarization of light.
3313*
Introduction to Semiconductor Device Physics
Prerequisite(s): 2114 or equivalent. An introduction to crystal structure, the quantum theory of solids, the physics of semiconductor materials and the pn junction, with an emphasis on applications to semiconductor devices.
3322*
Modern Laboratory Methods I
Lab 4. Prerequisite(s): 2014, 2114. Introduction to electric and electronic measurements and computer applications in experimental control, data collection and laboratory computation. Experiments on test instruments, integrated electronics, signal processing, computer interfacing, and data acquisition.
3513*
Mathematical Physics
Prerequisite(s): 1214, 2114 or 2414 and MATH 2163. Physical applications of vectors, vector calculus and differential equations. Fourier analysis. Orbit geometry, coordinate systems and transformation of coordinates. Matrices and determinants.
3622 Modern Laboratory Methods II
Lab 6. Prerequisite(s): 2014, 2114. Introduction to the operating principles and applications of modern physical methods used in research. Laboratory experiments with lasers, wave propagation, thermometry, radiation detection, optical interferometry, and spectroscopy.
3713 Modern Physics I
Prerequisite(s): 2114. Atomic physics, special theory of relativity, and introduction to solid state and nuclear physics.
4003*
Computer Simulation Methods in Physics
Prerequisite(s): 3013, 3113, 3313 or consent of instructor. Introduction to computer simulation methods used in the physical sciences. Linear systems, nonlinear systems, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo methods, cellular automata, simple quantum systems. Some knowledge of either C, FORTRAN, Pascal, or BASIC required.
4010*
Special Problems
1-3 credits, max 9. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. Individual laboratory work of an advanced nature.
4113*
Electricity and Magnetism
Prerequisite(s): 2114 and MATH 2233, or their equivalents. Electrostatic fields, magnetic fields of steady currents, induced EMF's, Maxwell's equations and introduction to electromagnetic wave theory. Vector analysis used.
4213*
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
Prerequisite(s): 2114 and 3713 or consent of instructor. Survey of phenomenological aspects of nuclear and particle physics, photon and charged particle interactions with matter, particle detectors, particle accelerators, electromagnetic, strong and weak interactions, models of the nucleus, quark model of mesons and baryons, elementary particles, and symmetries in the Standard Model.
4263 Introduction to Solid State Physics
Prerequisite(s): 3013, 3713 or consent of instructor. Structure, specific heat, dielectric properties, lattice vibrations, free electron theory, band structure, and superconductivity of solids.
4313*
Molecular Biophysics
Prerequisite(s): 1214 or 2114. Survey of experimental and computational methods for determining the structure and function of biomolecular assemblies such as proteins and membranes. Techniques to be discussed include: X-ray diffraction, nuclear and electron spin resonance, optical spectroscopy, photobiophysics, kinetic modeling, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo and homology modeling.
4413*
Modern Physics II
Prerequisite(s): 3013 and 3713. Atomic and X-ray spectra; one-dimensional Schroedinger equation; nuclear structure; introduction to statistical mechanics and elementary quantum statistics.
4423*
Mechanics II
Prerequisite(s): 3013. Coupled oscillators, propagation of waves in discrete and continuous media, mechanics of discrete and continuous media and acoustics.
4513*
Introductory Quantum Mechanics
Prerequisite(s): 3713. Uncertainty principle, setting up Schroedinger equation (time dependent as well as time independent) and solving it for linear oscillator, hydrogen atom, periodic, and other potentials.
4663*
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
Prerequisite(s): 3313. Natural and artificial radioactivity, decay laws; absorption, detection and measurement of radiations; nuclear transformations.
4712*
Senior Project
Lab 4. Advanced individual experimental projects. Project proposal, formal laboratory report, and oral presentation are required.
4813*
Electromagnetic Radiation
Prerequisite(s): 3213, 3513, 4113. Electromagnetic wave theory, reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves; resonant cavities, wave guides, fiber propagation of electromagnetic waves; radiation sources; relativistic description of electromagnetic fields.
4993 Senior Honors Thesis
Prerequisite(s): Departmental invitation, senior standing, Honors Program participation. A guided reading and research program ending with an honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member, with second faculty reader and oral examination. Required for graduation with departmental honors in physics.
Graduate Physics Courses (PHYS)
5000* Master's Thesis Research or Report
1-9 credits, max 9. Prerequisite(s): Consent of major professor. Thesis research or report for master's degree.
5110*Seminar
1-5 credits, max 20. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in physics. Special topics in physics.
5113* Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
Prerequisite: 3113. Fundamental concepts of thermodynamics: first, second and third laws; thermodynamic potentials. Statistical physics: Maxwell-Boltzman, Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein distribution functions. Kinetic theory: transport phenomena, Boltzman H Theorem, the approach to thermodynamic equilibrium.
5123* Geometrical Optics
Prerequisite(s): 3213 or consent of instructor. Foundations of geometrical optics, geometrical theory of optical imaging, geometrical theory.
5133*
Laser Spectroscopy
Prerequisite(s): 5163. Principles of different types of laser spectroscopy based on fluorescence, absorption, saturated absorption, absorption in a cavity: Infrared, Raman, light scattering, four wave mixing, CARS, phase conjugation, two photon absorption, double resonance, and multiphoton ionization.
5163* Lasers
Prerequisite(s): 4813 or equivalent. Semi-classical description of absorption and emission of light by matter; effects of cavities and optical elements; theory of lasers—gas, liquid, solid state and semiconductor. Electro-optics. Techniques of mode-locking, Q-switching, phase conjugation, Fourier transform optics. An introduction to non-linear optics.
5213* Statistical Mechanics
Prerequisite(s): 5113 and 5613 or consent of instructor. Classical and quantum mechanical distribution functions for independent particles; interacting classical and quantum systems, superfluidity, phase transitions and critical phenomena, approximation methods.
5220* Physics Topics for Teachers
1-6 credits, max 6. Prerequisite(s): Teaching experience or consent of instructor. Special topics for elementary and secondary science teachers to improve their subject matter competence. Content varies, depending on the needs of specific groups of teachers.
5263* Particle Physics
Prerequisite(s): 5613 or consent of instructor. Phenomenology of elementary particles: quark model, electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions of quarks, leptons, and gauge bosons, Feynman diagram techniques, parton model, gauge symmetries, spontaneous symmetry breaking, Standard model, experimental tests.
5303* Physical Optics
Prerequisite(s): 3213 or consent of instructor. Multiple beam interference, diffractions, imaging, near field optical probes of matter, surface plasmons, light scattering from random media, optical coherence tomography - biomedical applications, negative materials, perfect lenses and super resolution. (Same course as ECEN 5823*)
5313* Electromagnetic Theory
Prerequisite(s): 5453. Electric and magnetic fields in free space and in matter. Boundary value problems, Green's functions, stress tensors, multipole expansions, thermodynamics; electromagnetic waves.
5350* Special Problems
1-3 credits, max 3. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in physics. Special problems of experimental or theoretical nature. Largely individual work with written report required.
5413* Classical Mechanics
Prerequisite(s): 4423 or consent of instructor. Generalized coordinates and advanced dynamics; coupled systems, wave motion; theory of elasticity.
5453* Methods of Theoretical Physics
Prerequisite(s): 3513. Introduction to the various methods and techniques used in theoretical physics.
5613* Quantum Mechanics I
Prerequisite(s): 5453. Postulates of quantum mechanics. Operators, commutation relations, eigenfunctions. Schroedinger, Heisenberg and interaction formalisms, angular momentum and central field problems; nondegenerate perturbation theory.
5663* Solid State Physics I
Prerequisite(s): 4513. Crystal structure, cohesive energy of ionic crystals and metals, specific heats, free electron theory of metals, band theory, Brillouin zones, insulators and alloys; magnetic properties, optical properties and thermal and electrical conductivity of solids.
5713*
Solid State Physics II
Prerequisite(s): 5663 or equivalent. Symmetry, dielectric properties, ferroelectrics, magnetic properties, mechanical properties, and defects of solids.
5813* General Relativity
Prerequisite(s): 5453 or consent of instructor. Theory and applications of general relativity: the principle of equivalence, general coordinate invariance, tensors, affine connections, Einstein's field equations, classic tests, application to stellar dynamics, black holes, and cosmology.
5960* Problems in Chemical Physics
3-6 credits, max 6. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. Intermolecular forces, interaction of radiation with matter in bulk form, dielectric properties of matter, polymer physics and quantum theory of biopolymers.
6000* Doctoral Dissertation Research
1-15 credits, max 60. Prerequisite(s): Admission to candidacy and permission of major professor.
6010* Advanced Graduate Seminar
1-3 credits, max 15. Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. Special topics of an advanced nature in physics.
6113*
Advanced Theory of Solids
Prerequisite(s): 5663. Many-body techniques, transport processes, band theoretical techniques, superconductivity, dynamics of electrons in a magnetic field, and alloys.
6213*
Group Theory for Physics
Prerequisite(s): 5453. Group theory and imperfections in crystals. Dislocation theory and color centers.
6243*
Semiconductors I
Prerequisite(s): 5113, 5613, 5663. The first part of a survey of the physics of semi-conductors. Bonding and structure, crystal growth, epitaxial growth, band theory, phonons, photons, defects, intrinsic and extrinsic statistics, trapping and recombination.
6260*
Special Topics in High Energy Physics
1-3 credits, max 9. Prerequisite(s): 5263 or consent of instructor. Advanced topics of current interest in high-energy physics: collider physics, supersymmetry, unification, flavor physics, string phenomenology, extra dimensions.
6313* Quantum Mechanics II
Prerequisite(s): 5613. Scattering theory, many-particle quantum mechanics and application to atomic and molecular systems; degenerate and time-dependent perturbation theory.
6323* Quantum Field Theory
Prerequisite(s): 6313 or consent of instructor. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Klein-Gordon field, path integral formulation of Quantum Mechanics, Feynman diagrams, Quantum Electrodynamics, relativistic scattering radiative corrections, renormalization and critical exponents, non-Abelian gauge theories, spontaneous symmetry breaking.
6343* Semiconductors II
Prerequisite(s): 6243. The second part of the semiconductors sequence. Transport phenomena, junctions, devices, heterostructures, and optical properties.
6413* Nonlinear Optics
Prerequisite(s): 5163, 5313, and 5613. The response of matter at high radiation powers; nonlinear susceptibilities. Wave propagation in nonlinear medium; three wave and four wave interactions; saturated absorption, optical switching and limiting; two photon and stimulated Raman processes; Self focusing; solitons.
6423*
Quantum Optics
Prerequisite(s): 5163, 5613 or consent of instructor. Quantization of Electromagnetic Fields, coherence, quantum entanglement, parametric down conversion, two photon interferometry, Bell's inequalities, quantum teleportation and cryptography, cavity QED.
6513* Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics
Prerequisite(s): 5663 or equivalent. Interaction of radiation and matter, neutron scattering, phase transitions, magnetic resonance and cooperative phenomena.
6613* Advanced Nuclear and Particle Physics
Prerequisite(s): 5263, 6313; or consent of instructor. Renormalization of quantum field theories, spontaneous symmetry breaking, Standard model, flavor physics, grand unification, super-symmetry.
6713* Advanced Electromagnetic Radiation
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor. Radiation theory, wave guides, scattering and dispersion relations; relativity.
Photonics Courses (PHYS)
6803* Photonics I: Advanced Optics
Prerequisite(s): ECEN 3213 or 3813. Advanced optics including spectral and time characteristics of detectors, characteristics of lasers, time, spectral and spatial parameters of laser emission, interferometric techniques, and nonlinear effects such as two-photon absorption and second and third harmonic generations. Ultrashort laser pulses. (Same course as CHEM 6803* & ECEN 6803*)
6810* Photonics II: THz Photonics and THz-TDS
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 6803. THz photonics and THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Concepts and techniques of driving electronic circuitry with ultrashort laser pulses to generate and detect freely propagating pulses of THz electromagnetic radiation using several operational research systems. (Same course as CHEM 6810* & ECEN 6810*)
6820*
Photonics II: Spectroscopy II
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 6803. Operating principles and applications of laser spectroscopy of atoms, molecules, solids and complex fluids. Absorption, emission, photon correlation, coherence, time resolved Fourier transform. Raman spectroscopy and non-linear optical. (Same course as CHEM 6820 & ECEN 6820)
6830*
Photonics II: Spectroscopy III
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 6803. Advanced spectroscopic instruments and methods used for investigation of semi-conductors and solid state material. Stimulated emission characterized both in wavelength and in time. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements. Multiphotonic excitations. Fast measuring techniques including subnanosecond detectors, picosecond streak cameras, and ultrafast four-wave mixing and correlation techniques. Time-dependent photoconductivity measurements. (Same course as CHEM 6830 & ECEN 6830)
6840*
Photonics III: Microscopy I
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 3553 or consent of instructor. The structure and imaging of solid surfaces. Basics of scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Contact and noncontact atomic force microscopy (AFM). Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in air. (Same course as CHEM 6840* & ECEN 6840*)
6850* Photonics III: Microscopy II
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 3553 or consent of instructor. Advanced techniques of scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Magnetic force microscopy, Kelvin force microscopy, scanning, tunneling microscopy (STM) in vacuum. Characterization of materials with SPM. Nanolithography with SPM. Device manufacturing and analysis. (Same course as CHEM 6850* & ECEN 6850*)
6860* Photonics III: Microscopy III and Image Processing
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): ECEN 5793. Digital image processing, including projects. Image acquisition and display, image enhancement, geometric operations, linear and nonlinear filtering, image restoration, edge detection, image analysis, morphology, segmentation, recognition, and coding and compression. (Same course as CHEM 6860* & ECEN 6860*)
6870* Photonics IV: Synthesis and Devices I
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 6803 and 6840. Preparation of functional nanostructures and related optical and electronic devices. Physical and chemical methods of thin film deposition. Engineering of prototypes of light emitting diodes, sensors, optical limiting coatings, lithographic patterns. (Same course as CHEM 6870* & ECEN 6870*)
6880* Photonics IV: Semiconductor Devices, Testing and Characterization
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 6803. Test and characterization of semiconductor and optoelectronic devices. Hall effect, four point probe, CV and IV measurements, optical pump-probe, photoluminescence, and electro-optics sampling. (Same course as CHEM 6880* & ECEN 6880*)
6890* Photonics IV: Semiconductor Synthesis and Devices III
1 credit, max 4, Lab 2. Prerequisite(s): 6803. Processing, fabrication and characterization of semiconductor optoelectronic devices in class 100/10000 cleanrooms. Cleanroom operation including general procedure for material processing and device fabrication. Device processing using a variety of processing such as mask aligner, vacuum evaporators and rapid thermal annealer. Testing using optical and electrical testing apparatus such as I-V, C-V Hall, and optical spectral measurement systems. (Same course as CHEM 6890* & ECEN 6890*)
