Physics

Chair: Alexander Lisyansky

Graduate Advisors: For PhD candidates: Igor Kuskovsky; for master’s degree candidates: Lev I. Deych

Department Office: Science Building B334, 997-3350

Department Website: http://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DNMS/Physics

The Physics Department offers a full spectrum of courses in theoretical and experimental physics, as well as research programs leading to the MA degree and the City University of New York PhD degree. Students may participate in research via PHYS 799.

A partial list of research activities includes development of high coercivity magnetic materials having wide application in microelectronics; experimental studies of light propagation and localization in photonic band gap and disordered materials; design, manufacturing, and characterization of periodic and quasiperiodic mutilayered photonic structures, microdisk-based optical resonators, and semiconductor multiple-quantum-well structures with applications in sensing, optical logic elements, and new types of lasers; experimental magneto-optical studies of quantum dots and quantum wires; development of sophisticated diagnostic techniques for studying surfaces, polymer thin films and interfaces; development of photonic nanostructures for biosensing and solar cell applications; theoretical studies of optical properties of resonant photonic crystals, coupled networks of optical microresonators, random lasers, application of methods of condensed matter physics to biophysical problems; theoretical studies of nanoelectromechanical systems.

The department currently has research funding from NSF, DOE, DOD, and other agencies.

Faculty

Lisyansky, Alexander A., Chair, Professor, PhD 1977, Donetsk State University, Ukraine: condensed matter theory, phase transitions, and critical phenomena

Deych, Lev I., Graduate Advisor, Associate Professor, PhD 1991, Kirensky Institute of Physics, Russia: condensed matter theory, optics

Kuskovsky, Igor L., Graduate Advisor, Associate Professor, PhD 1998, Applied Physics, Columbia University: experimental solid state physics, optoelectronic materials

Cadieu, Fred J., Professor, PhD 1970, University of Chicago: experimental solid state physics, rare earth transition metal magnetic systems

Genack, Azriel Z., Distinguished Professor, PhD 1973, Columbia University: experimental solid state physics, light scattering and nonlinear optics

Klarfeld, Joseph, Associate Professor, PhD 1969, Yeshiva University: general relativity, classical and quantum field theory

Menon, Vinod M., Associate Professor, PhD 2001, University of Massachusetts: experimental solid state physics, photonics

Murokh, Lev, Assistant Professor, PhD 1996, Lobachevsky State University, Russia: quantum theory of nanostructures

Saini, Sajan, Assistant Professor, PhD 2004, Massachusetts Institute of Technology: nano- and microphotonic devices

Schwarz, Steven A., Interim Associate Provost, Professor, PhD 1980, Stanford University: secondary ion mass spectrometry, polymer physics.

Program for the Master of Arts Degree

Requirements for Matriculation

These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for admission.

1. Candidate must have a minimum of 16 credits in physics beyond the introductory college course and six credits in mathematics beyond elementary calculus.

2. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who are qualified to attest to the applicant’s character and capacity to do graduate work in physics.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree

These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for the MA degree.

1. All candidates must complete the following courses or their equivalents as determined by the graduate physics committee:

PHYS 625. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (4 cr.)

PHYS 641. Statistical Physics (4 cr.)

PHYS 635. Condensed Matter Physics (4 cr.)

PHYS 637. Modern Optics (4 cr.)

2. In addition, candidates must take at least three courses at the 700 level or above.

3. A minimum grade of B is required in any course taken to fulfill the requirements for the MA degree.

The Master of Arts is the first 30 credits of doctoral work in physics. The CUNY doctoral program is described in the Bulletin of the Graduate Center.

Courses in Physics

PHYS 501. Modern Aspects of Physics.
4 hr.; 4 cr. A course for teachers providing discussion of selected topics in mechanics, electronics, atomic and nuclear physics. Not open to candidates for the MA degree in physics.

PHYS 503. Selected Topics in General Physics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: Matriculation for the MS in education and an undergraduate major in biology, chemistry, or geology. Selected topics in the current high school physics curriculum are studied, with special emphasis on understanding of concepts, including recent developments and research; on lecture demonstrations; and on laboratory experiments.

PHYS 601. Introduction to Mathematical Physics. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: A course in mechanics and an approved mathematics background. Selected topics in mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, magnetostatics, the electromagnetic field, and the restricted theory of relativity. The mathematical methods developed include such topics as linear and partial differential equations, the calculus of variations, normal and curvilinear coordinates, expansion of a function as a series of orthogonal functions, vector, tensor, and matrix analysis.

PHYS 611. Analytical Mechanics. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: An undergraduate course in mechanics and an approved mathematics background. Analytical mechanics of particles and rigid bodies. Free and forced oscillations; coupled systems; vibrating strings and membranes; the top. Use of numerical integration and power series, vector and tensor analysis, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equation. Fourier series and Bessel functions.

PHYS 612. Fluid Dynamics. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 233, 234, or MATH 223 or 224, and PHYS 122 or 146. A macroscopic description of the physical properties of fluids. Topics include fluid equations for inviscid compressible and incompressible flow, wave propagation, shock waves and related discontinuities, stability and turbulence, and other topics.

PHYS 615. Electromagnetic Theory. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: An undergraduate course in electromagnetism and an approved mathematics background. Electrostatic and magnetostatic boundary value problems: systematic derivation of differential form of Maxwell’s equations in vector notation. Plane electromagnetic waves. Wave guides and cavity resonators. Spherical electromagnetic waves. Huyghens’ principle.

PHYS 621. Electronics. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Undergraduate course in electromagnetism and modern physics. Physical principles underlying operation of solid state, vacuum, and gaseous electronic devices; theory of rectifier, amplifier, and oscillator circuits; introduction to digital circuitry.

PHYS 622. Physics of Lasers. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 355 or 312. Principles of operation of solid, liquid, and gas lasers and application of lasers to research.

PHYS 625. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: permission of the department, PHYS 260, or an equivalent course in modern physics, and an approved mathematics background. Planck, Einstein, Compton, and the light quantum. The Bohr atom, Bohr-Sommerfeld quantum conditions, and interpretations by de Broglie waves. Solutions of problems, including the free particle, particle in box, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. Waves and the uncertainty principle. The Schrödinger equation and the solution of the above problems. Transmission through a potential barrier. Spin, identity of particles, exclusion principle, statistics, exchange phenomena.

PHYS 635. Condensed Matter Physics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 260, or an equivalent course in modern physics; coreq.: PHYS 625. An introduction to molecular and solid state phenomena. Molecular structure and spectra of diatomic molecules, quantum theory of chemical bonding and dipole moments, crystal structure, lattice dynamics, free electron theory of metals, band model of metals, insulators, and semiconductors, amorphous solids, polymers, liquid crystals, and phase transition phenomena.

PHYS 636. Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 260, or an equivalent course in modern physics; coreq.: PHYS 625. The experimental facts and elements of the quantum theories pertaining to: natural and artificial radioactivity; interaction of charged particles and gamma rays with matter; nuclear structure; emission of alpha, beta, and gamma rays; nuclear reactions and models; the weak and strong nuclear forces; muons; pions; strange particles, quarks.

PHYS 637. Modern Optics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 260, or an equivalent course in modern physics; coreq.: PHYS 625. Electromagnetic wave propagation in vacuum and in linear media including Fresnel’s equations for reflection and transmission at interfaces, absorption and dispersion, guided waves in waveguides, transmission lines and optical fibers, geometric optics and imaging, matrix methods for complex optical systems, interference, diffraction, coherence, principles of laser operation, Gaussian beams, nonlinear optics, quantum theory of emission and absorption of radiation.

PHYS 641. Statistical Physics. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: Undergraduate courses in advanced mechanics and advanced thermodynamics. Maxwellian distribution of velocities, molecular motion, and temperature; elementary theory of the transport of momentum (viscosity), energy (heat), and matter (diffusion). Entropy and probability; Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, equipartition of energy and classical theory of heat capacity of gases and solids. Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics; quantum theory of paramagnetism.

PHYS 657. Introduction to Astrophysics. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: Undergraduate courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. An introductory study of the spatial positions, movements, and constitutions of the stars, star clusters, and nebulae.

PHYS 661, 662. Computer Simulation of Physical Models. 3 hr.; 3 cr. each sem. Prereq.: A course in differential equations or intermediate methods of mathematical physics. A seminar course in which computer programming will be used to obtain solutions to a wide variety of interdisciplinary problems such as the queuing problem in traffic flow, population dynamics, cell proliferation and death. Fourier optics, radiation shielding and safeguards, atomic motion in crystals and liquids.

PHYS 671, 672. Modern Physics Laboratory. Hr. to be arranged; 1 cr. Experiments selected from among the areas of atomic, nuclear, solid state, molecular, and wave-optics physics. Depending on the experiment, objectives will vary: to learn basic techniques, to measure fundamental constants by repeating classic experiments; to do preliminary reading and planning of procedures which are then to be used in making the measurements.

PHYS 701, 702. Mathematical Methods in Physics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. each sem. Prereq.: For PHYS 701, PHYS 601; PHYS 702 , PHYS 701. Topics in complex variables; perturbation and variational methods of solution of differential equations; Green’s functions; eigenfunction expansions; integral transforms; integral equations; difference equations, linear algebra; Hilbert space; tensor analysis; group theory; higher algebra; numerical methods for solving equations.

PHYS 711. Analytical Dynamics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 601 or coreq.: PHYS 701. The Lagrangian formulation including Hamilton’s principle; Lagrange equations; central force motion; Kepler problems, scattering; rigid body motion; transformation matrices, Eulerian angles, inertia tensor. The Hamiltonian formulation including canonical equations; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Small oscillations. Continuous systems and fields. Relativistic dynamics. Fall

PHYS 715, 716. Electromagnetic Theory. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. each sem. Prereq.: For PHYS 715, PHYS 601 or coreq.: PHYS 701; PHYS 716, PHYS 715. Electrostatics, magnetostatics, and boundary value problems; Maxwell’s equations; multipole radiation; radiation from accelerated charges; scattering theory; special theory of relativity.

PHYS 725, 726. Quantum Mechanics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. each sem. Prereq.: For PHYS 725, PHYS 625, 601 or 701, and 711; PHYS 726, PHYS 725. Historical foundations. The Schrödinger formulation. Wave packets and uncertainty principle. Harmonic oscillator and potential barrier problems. W.K.B. approximation. Operators and eigenfunction. Central forces and orbital angular momentum. Scattering: Born approximation, partial waves. Linear vector spaces. The Heisenberg formulation. Spin and total angular momentum. Perturbation theory: bound state, time-dependent. Systems of identical particles. Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics.

PHYS 730. Atomic Physics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 716 and 725. Spin systems, angular momentum, spectra. Atomic beam resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR), optical pumping, scattering, lasers.

PHYS 731. X-ray Diffraction. 2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 636 and an approved mathematics background. The theory of X-ray diffraction and its application to the study of the structure of matter. Topics to be considered will include the physics of X-rays, the geometry of crystals and of X-ray reflections, the theory of X-ray diffraction, techniques for the production and interpretation of X-ray diffraction data, and crystal structure determination.

PHYS 734. Introduction to Relativity. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 711. A short exposition on the foundation of the special and general theories of relativity. Topics include foundation of special relativity; relativistic particle dynamics in flat space time; differential geometry; the physical and mathematical foundations of Einstein’s theory of gravitation; the Cauchy problem of field equations; the spherically symmetric field and its topology; the classical experimental tests; variational principle and conservation laws; equation of motion; gravitational waves; cosmology and gravitational collapse.

PHYS 735. Nuclear Physics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 725. Properties of stable nuclei; isotopes; mass formula; interactions with matter; methods of detection; nuclear moments. Alpha decay; gamma emission; level structure; nuclear models. Low-energy nucleon-nucleon scattering, the deuteron, photodisintegration, tensor and exchange forces, isotopic spin.

PHYS 736. Particle Physics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 735. Pi mesons, pion nucleon scattering, resonance. Hadron level systematics and decays, effective Hamiltonians, electromagnetic interactions and form factors, higher symmetries. Scattering at very high energies. Weak interactions, beta decay, discrete symmetries, T.C.P. Weak interactions of pions and Kaons. Coherent regeneration, conserved vector current. Leptonic decays of baryons, nonleptonic decays.

PHYS 741. Statistical Mechanics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 641, 725. Probability theory, ensembles, approach to equilibrium, quantum and classical ideal and non-ideal gases, cooperative phenomena, density matrices, averages and fluctuations, and other selected topics, such as time-temperature, Green’s functions, non-zero temperature variational and perturbation methods. Spring

PHYS 745. Solid State Physics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 725. Principles of crystallography; crystal structure; lattice vibrations, band theory, and defects; study of ionic crystals, dielectrics, magnetism, and free electron theory of metals and semiconductors.

PHYS 748, 749. Theory of Relativity and Gravitation. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. each sem. Prereq.: PHYS 711 and 716. An exposition of the fundamentals of the special and general theories of relativity and their applications to cosmology. Topics include foundations of special relativity; formulation of physical theories in flat space-time; relativistic particle and continuum mechanics, electrodynamics and classical field theory, an introduction to differential geometry and topology; foundations of Einstein’s theory of gravity; exact and approximate solutions; observational tests; variational principle; conservation laws; initial-value data and stability; ponderomotive equations; gravitational radiation; introduction to relativistic stars, cosmological models, gravitational collapse, and black holes; other theories of gravity.

PHYS 750, 751. Plasma Physics. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. each sem. Prereq.: PHYS 641 or 741; 711, 715, 716. The first semester will cover such topics as the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields via the guiding center approximation; a discussion of adiabatic invariance and particle motion in fields with spatial symmetry; the Liouville equation and the BBGKY hierarchy in the plasma limit; the Balescu-Lenard equation; the derivation of the Vlasov equation; the plasma moment equations; and plasma transport phenomena. The second semester will deal with waves in cold, uniform plasmas; the application of the Vlasov equation to waves in warm plasmas; Landau damping; instabilities; waves in spatially non-uniform plasmas; and the description of turbulent plasmas and associated transport processes (anomalous diffusion, collisionless dissipation, etc.). The topics of both semesters will be discussed in relation to the problems of achieving controlled thermonuclear fusions and the understanding of geophysical and astrophysical plasma phenomena.

PHYS 760. Cosmology. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 641, 711, and 715.

PHYS 771, 772, 773. Graduate Physics Laboratory. 3 hr.; 2 cr. each course. Prereq.: Permission of the graduate physics committee. Advanced experimental work in one or more fields of physics, including the planning of experiments, the design and construction of apparatus, and the evaluation of experimental results in the fields of optics, X-rays, electronics, and atomic and nuclear physics. A student may obtain from 2 to 6 credits starting with PHYS 771. Two courses of the group may be taken concurrently.

PHYS 781. Theory of Quantum Liquids. 3 hr. plus conf.; 4 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 716 and 741. The theory of liquids covering such topics as neutral Fermi liquids; response and correlation in neutral systems; charged Fermi liquids; response and correlation in homogeneous electron systems, microscopic theory of electron liquid; second quantization, Green’s functions.

PHYS 782. Cryophysics. 2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Prereq.: PHYS 741. A course designed to present and to interpret the quantum effects occurring near the absolute zero of temperature. Topics to be considered include principles and methods of attaining and measuring very low temperatures, thermal and magnetic properties of matter at these temperatures, nuclear paramagnetism, superconductivity, and the phenomena and theories of liquid Helium Four and Three.

PHYS 788. Cooperative Education Placement. Prereq.: Approval by the physics department’s master’s advisor of a detailed project description. Experiential learning through a job placement developed by the Queens College Cooperative Education Program.

PHYS 788.1. 1 hr.; 1 cr.

PHYS 788.2. 2 hr.; 2 cr.

PHYS 788.3. 3 hr.; 3 cr.

PHYS 788.4. 4 hr.; 4 cr.

PHYS 788.5. 5 hr.; 5 cr.

PHYS 791. Colloquium. 1 hr.; 1 cr. Prereq.: permission of the department. Attendance at all of the physics colloquia for one semester is required. A report, discussing the topics selected by the supervisor, must be submitted. This course may be taken in 2 different semesters for credit.

PHYS 798. Thesis. 3 hr.; 3 cr. Prereq.: 20 credits at the master’s level. Preparation and oral defense of a thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

PHYS 799. Graduate Research. Prereq.: Permission of the graduate physics committee. A course requiring investigation in depth of a field approved by the graduate physics committee. Units of this course may be repeated to a maximum of 12 credits.

PHYS 799.1. 1 hr.; 1 cr.

PHYS 799.2. 2 hr.; 2 cr.

PHYS 799.3. 3 hr.; 3 cr.

PHYS 799.4. 4 hr.; 4 cr.

PHYS 799.5. 5 hr.; 5 cr.

PHYS 799.6. 6 hr.; 6 cr.

Course in Astronomy

ASTR 501. Modern Aspects of Astronomy. 4 hr.; 4 cr. Prereq.: permission of the department. A course for teachers providing an introduction to general astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of the universe. Not open to candidates for the MA in physics.