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| Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy
Chair Gwo Ching Wang Physics is the source of new concepts about the nature of the universe and is a driving force for new technologies. The fundamental physics research of one generation frequently leads to the applied physics and technology of the next. Rensselaer offers two undergraduate programs in physics, one leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Physics and the other to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. Students in the Applied Physics program are required to declare a concentration in a specific technological area and to take at least four elective courses in that area. Both programs use innovative teaching methods that combine student-faculty interactions, computer-based education, and “hands-on” experience in modern laboratories. The flexible curricula can be tailored to prepare students for technical employment upon graduation or for graduate study in physics, applied physics, or engineering. Physics also serves as an excellent foundation on which to build a nontechnical career. Students in these programs take core curriculum courses, which teach basic scientific principles and emphasize the development of skills in problem solving, scientific thinking, and clear oral and written expression. Students also choose from a broad range of advanced courses in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy and in other science and engineering departments, thereby directing their education toward specific career goals. Student-faculty research projects allow physics undergraduates to collaborate with faculty on a variety of forefront research topics. The Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy’s graduate program leads to the Master of Science in Physics and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics degrees in several research areas summarized below. For graduate students specializing in Astronomy and Astrophysics, the Master of Science degree is available either in Astronomy or in Physics with specialization in Astronomy. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is available in Physics with specialization in Astronomy. Graduate study in physics at Rensselaer prepares students for a variety of careers, including industrial research and development, research at government laboratories, and university research and teaching. Both fundamental and applied research are conducted in the department, often in collaboration with researchers from other Rensselaer departments, industry, or the National Laboratories. The Physics Department’s intellectual climate is characterized by lively interactions between theorists and experimentalists with common research interests. Graduate course work is supplemented through colloquia and several weekly departmental seminars. As an important part of their graduate education, students collaborate with faculty members to make original research contributions in their area of specialization. Areas of Advanced Research and Study The breadth of research being conducted in the department is demonstrated by the following descriptions of ongoing projects. Astronomy and Astrophysics Research in the astrophysics group includes astrobiology and the chemistry of the interstellar medium, as well as many areas of galactic and extragalactic astronomy. Research in astrobiology and interstellar chemistry describes the evolution of interstellar clouds into new solar systems. Current interest focuses on spectroscopic detection of organic molecules in interstellar dust and gas, and their contribution to the organic inventory of protoplanetary disks. Theoretical projects include simulations of protostellar collapse, multifluid magnetohydrodynamic shock waves, and shock chemistry. Research in galactic and extragalactic astronomy includes the structure and formation of the galactic halo, metallicity gradients in the galactic thick disk, properties of stars with strong Balmer absorption, optical properties of quasars, and astronomical data mining. The astrophysics group makes use of ground-based telescopes located at world class observing sites in Hawaii, Australia, Chile, and South Africa. We also have access to data from major satellite facilities, including the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra, and the Infrared Space Observatory; and large ground-based astronomy projects, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS). Biophysics We are currently working with cells in tissue culture. When mammalian cells are cultured on small gold electrodes, it is possible to infer changes in the cells’ morphology and motion from the measured impedance of the electrodes. This method, in addition to study cell behavior in vitro, can be used effectively as a biosensor. We are presently concentrating on cell migration, toxicology, and metastatic potential of cancer cells. Condensed Matter Physics The research program is concentrated in three areas: surfaces, interfaces, and nanostructures; optical and electronic materials; and electronic transport. New concepts, materials, and techniques are developed for high technology applications. Many research projects are interdisciplinary. Experimental and theoretical work on surfaces, interfaces, and nanostructures involves the deposition, growth, and characterization of metals, semiconductors, and insulators from monolayers to multilayers. The phenomena that are studied include homo- and hetero-epitaxy, initial stages of epitaxy, nucleation of thin films, surface phase transitions, and interface (solidsolid and solid-liquid) structure and bonding. Techniques include Auger electron spectroscopy, high-resolution low-energy electron diffraction, reflection high-energy electron diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, ballistic-electron-emission microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and ellipsometry. The department’s major facilities include ultrahigh vacuum evaporation, III-V and group IV molecular beam epitaxy, and the extensive facilities of the Microelectronics Clean Room. The optical and electronic materials under study include wide bandgap semiconductors, polymers, semiconductor nanoparticle composites, dielectrics, and magnetic thin films. Optical characterization facilities include Raman, Brillouin, and Rayleigh scattering, photomodulation spectroscopy, photothermal deflection spectroscopy, magneto-optic Kerr effect, and Faraday rotation. Electron transport in semiconductor and metallic materials are under way. This research is expected to enhance our understanding of transport in nano structures. The experimental work includes studies of ballistic electron transport in ultrathin epitaxial multilayers, electrical resistance of metallic films, and plasma wave electronics in high electron mobility transistors. Other experimental facilities used in these programs include those at the Center for Integrated Electronics and Electronics Manufacturing, the Focus Center for Interconnects, the Center for Advanced Interconnect Science and Technology, the electron microprobe and electron microscope facilities, accelerators at the University at Albany, the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. Educational Research and Development in Physics The Physics Education group at Rensselaer pioneered the use of the “Studio” approach to physics instruction. The defining characteristics of studio physics classes are integrated lecture/laboratory format, a reduced amount of time allotted to lecture, a technology enhanced learning environment, collaborative group work and a high level of faculty-student interaction. The studio physics environment employs activities, computer tools and multimedia materials that allow students to actively participate in their own learning and to construct scientific knowledge for themselves. A high priority is placed on allowing students to learn directly from their interactions with the physical world through “hands-on” activities. Students may participate in programs of the educational development group to fulfill thesis requirements for the M.S. degree. Particle Physics The structure of matter at distances smaller than the nucleus remains one of Nature’s research frontiers. Our faculty members are engaged in experimental and theoretical studies of fundamental hadrons and their interactions and thermodynamic descriptions of strongly interacting systems. Experimental work is under way at Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab). These experiments examine the properties of the proton and its excited states, and search for states of gluonic matter. The instruments for this work are designed and constructed at Rensselaer and other collaborating institutions. A new detector is under design for the Hall D project at JLab. The use of the Standard Model in the elucidation of hadron structure, in particular the role of quantum chromodynamics, is theoretically investigated. Models which approximate quantum chromodynamics are tested against the data for electroweak transition rates. Optical Physics Research in optical physics is directed toward developing new optical materials and devices. Optical characterization of materials such as nanocrystalline metal and semiconductor particles in glass or in organic materials is achieved by using a wide range of experimental techniques. Among them are optical absorption, luminescence, Brillouin scattering, Raman scattering, and photomodulation spectroscopies. Experimental measurements use high pressure, low temperature, and high magnetic fields to gain further understanding of the optical properties of novel materials. Research in optical interconnects is being conducted that focuses on developing and testing polymer and inorganic optical waveguides to address interconnect problems that will arise as computer chips get faster. Ultrafast photonics and optoelectronics involves the generation and detection of picosecond and femtosecond electromagnetic pulses. Of particular interest are time-resolved experiments on THz pulses. THz spectroscopy opens up novel opportunities in material characterization and information technology. One of the current projects is the application of THz pulses for biophotonic imaging. Other projects deal with the switching of semiconductor devices at THz frequencies. Faculty Professors Adams, G.S. Ph.D. (Indiana University); experimental nuclear and particle physics, photonuclear reactions, hadron structure. Associate Professor Newburg, H.J. Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley); astrophysics. Assistant Professors Kersting, R. Ph.D. (University of Aachen); ultrafast spectroscopy and condensed matter physics. Institute Professor Giaever, I. Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); biological physics. Clinical Professor Washington, M.A. Ph.D. (New York University); photonics. Clinical Associate Professors Davidson, R. Ph.D. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); theoretical nuclear physics. Clinical Assistant Professors Cummings, K. Edward P. Hamilton Faculty Fellow, Ph.D. (University at Albany); physics education. Visiting Professors Lee, S. Ph.D. (University of Michigan); thin films. Adjunct Professors Bedrosian, G. Ph.D. (California Institute of Technology); electromagnetic analysis. Research Professors Lee, S. Ph.D. (University of Michigan); condensed matter. Research Assistant Professors Levine, Z. Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania); x-rays. Undergraduate Curricula Undergraduate Curriculum in Physics (1)
1. A Senior Project is required, which consists of a research course, cooperative assignment, or prior research project approval. Undergraduate Curriculum in Applied Physics (1)
1. A Senior Project is required, which consists of a research course, cooperative assignment, or prior research project approval. Optical Physics A concentration in optical physics might include four courses from the following list:
Microelectronics A concentration in microelectronics might include courses from the following list:
* Students cannot receive credit for both ECSE-4250 and MTLE-4160. Graduate Study Electives Students in the physics or applied physics programs, planning to attend graduate school in physics or applied physics, should prepare for their graduate studies by taking some combination of advanced physics courses chosen from the following undergraduate courses:
Astrophysics Electives For students planning to do graduate work in astronomy or astrophysics, the courses listed above are recommended. In addition, it is desirable to include the following astronomy courses:
Dual Majors A dual major in physics and any other degree program offered by the School of Science is possible. A student in such a program will satisfy the requirements of both degrees. In addition, a dual major in physics and philosophy is available. Students satisfy the physics requirements and take ten courses in philosophy. B.S.-M.S. Options A five-year B.S.-M.S. program generally can be planned by qualified students in their junior year. Students may receive a B.S. in Physics and an M.S. In Physics or another science or engineering discipline. Minor Programs Minor in Physics The Physics Department offers a minor in physics for students majoring in other disciplines. To complete the minor in physics a student must take at least 16 credit-hours of physics courses (PHYS prefix) at the 2000 or higher level. Minor in Astronomy The Physics Department offers a minor in astronomy. To complete the minor in astronomy a student should take Quantum Physics PHYS-2510, Intro. to Astr. & Astrophysics ASTR-2050, and two of the following courses: Observational Astronomy ASTR- 4120, Origins of Life, A Cosmic Perspective ASTR-4510, Introduction to Planetary Science ERTH-4600, or Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics ASTR-4960. Minor in Astrophysics The Physics Department offers a minor in astrophysics for students majoring in physics and planning to do graduate work in astronomy or astrophysics. To complete the minor in astrophysics, a student should take Quantum Physics PHYS-2510, Astrophysics (ASTR- 4220), at least one semester of a four-credit research project in astrophysics, and at least three semesters of the one-credit Astrophysics Seminar ASTR-4900. Minor in Astrobiology The Physics Department participates in a multidisciplinary minor in Astrobiology for students majoring in physics or other disciplines. To complete the minor in Astrobiology, a student must take a minimum of 16 credits of course work in this field. These courses include ASTR-4510 Origins of Life: A Cosmic Perspective, and ISCI-4500 Topics in Origins of Life, four credits each, and two semesters of the one-credit course ISCI-4510 Origins of Life Seminar. A further two courses outside the major field of study are also required, selected from the following:
Note the requirement that the two selected courses must be outside the major field of study is reduced to one in the case of a double major, provided both majors are in the primary relevant areas of study (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics). Graduate Programs A student may develop an individual program of study and research in one or more of the research areas. Programs are designed for flexibility. A student may work for a Master of Science in Physics or a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics degree. Graduate Degree Requirements Master of Science The master’s degree requires 30 credits of graduate work, of which a minimum of 21 will be in course work. The course work should meet the needs of the individual student, but must include Quantum Mechanics I and two of the following four courses: Quantum Mechanics II, Advanced Mechanics, Methods of Theoretical Physics, and Electrodynamics. The master’s degree also requires some credits of research, which may culminate in a formally presented thesis (six to nine credits) or a research project (three credits). Some teaching experience is required for the degree. Doctor of Philosophy Ninety credits after the bachelor’s degree or 60 credits after the master’s degree are required, including credits for original research culminating in a formally presented thesis. A manuscript on the thesis research should be prepared for publication. Although the incoming graduate student may specify an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree, admission to the Ph.D. program is granted only after the student has passed a written qualifying examination at the beginning of the third semester of graduate work at Rensselaer. The advanced undergraduate level exam is given in two parts, (i) Mechanics and Electrodynamics and (ii) Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Introduction to Statistical Mechanics in August and January annually. There is no stated minimum number of course credits for the doctorate. The student must take the basic core of six courses (including Advanced Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics I and II, Statistical Mechanics, Methods of Theoretical Physics, and Electrodynamics) and is expected to obtain a grade of at least B in each of these courses. The student must also take at least two courses in his or her area of specialization. In addition, one course not in the area of specialization is to be selected from Theory of Solids I, Nuclear and Particle Physics I, Gravitation and Cosmology, and Astrophysics I. Quantum Mechanics III is strongly recommended for all students; if this course is not taken, a second nonspecialty elective from the above list is to be selected. Finally, two additional graduate-level courses are required; these may be chosen from other curricula germane to the student’s degree program. Once a student has chosen a Ph.D. thesis project and assembled a committee, the student will present a brief written thesis proposal to that committee and then give an oral defense of that proposal. In the oral exam, members of the committee will question the student specifically on the research planned and more generally on the physics germane to that research. This candidacy exam is normally taken at the end of the third year. Some teaching experience also is required for the Ph.D. degree. |
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