Module PHYS4221 : ADVANCED PHYSICS 4

Department: Physics

PHYS4221 : ADVANCED PHYSICS 4

Prerequisites

• Foundations of Physics 3A (PHYS3621) AND Foundations of Physics 3B (PHYS3631).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Advanced Physics 3 (PHYS3641).

Aims

• This module is designed primarily for students studying Department of Physics or Natural Sciences degree programmes.
• It illustrates the relevant physics utilised in state-of-the art atomic clocks, explores the interaction of light with solids and introduces students to the topic of soft condensed matter physics.
• It develops transferable skills in researching a topic at an advanced level and making a written presentation on the findings.

Content

• The syllabus contains:
• Modern Atomic and Optical Physics: Revision of fine structure: adding atomic angular momenta; term symbols; hyperfine structure; the F quantum number; atomic transitions and selection rules. The hyperfine structure of hydrogen and alkali-metal atom ground states. Electric and magnetic dipole interactions. The electron distribution of a superposition of states. Spontaneous emission. The Einstein A coefficient. Interaction of a 2-level atom with a resonant field. The Rabi solution. Stimulated emission. The Ramsey technique. Transit-time broadening. The Zeeman effect. The Breit-Rabi diagram for hydrogen and the alkali-metal atoms. Light forces. Photon momentum. Laser cooling. The atomic fountain clock. Frontiers of metrology.
• Optical Properties of Solids: Optical coefficients, complex refractive index, dielectric constant, classification of optical materials; Optics in the solid state: crystal symmetry, electronic bands, vibronic bands, density of states; Propagation of light in an optical medium: atomic, vibrational and free electron oscillators; The dipole oscillator model: Lorentz oscillator, Kramers-Kronig equations; Dispersion, anisotropy, birefringence; Interband absorption: transition rates, joint density of states, electric field (Franz-Keldysh) and magnetic field effects, indirect band absorption; Exciton states: binding energy, Frenkel excitons: alkali halides, organic molecules; Light emission in solids: interband luminescence emission, spontaneous emission rates, solid state optical devices (LEDs); Free electron effects in solids: plasma reflectivity, plasmons; Optical properties of molecules: electronic-vibrational coupling, configuration coordinate diagrams, Franck-Condon principle, stokes shift; Vibrational states: optically active phonons, polariton coupled optical-vibrational states, polarons, inelastic light scattering; Nonlinear optics: nonlinear susceptibility, resonant non-linearities, frequency mixing.
• Soft Condensed Matter Physics: An overview of soft matter and the length scales, time scales and forces that are relevant. Polymer structure, dynamics and elasticity. Phase transitions in soft condensed matter. Equilibrium phase diagrams and liquid-liquid demixing. The kinetics of phase separation. Self assembly of amphiphilic molecules through aggregation and phase separation. Polymer and block copolymer self-assembly.

Learning Outcomes

• Having studied this module, students will have an understanding of atom-field interactions, and an appreciation of the different hierarchy of frequency-broadening mechanisms in the context of modern metrology.
• They will be familiar with a range of optical phenomena in materials, and the techniques used to measure them, and will understand the physical phenomena which have led to the development of solid state light sources and lasers in today’s optoelectronics industry.
• They will understand polymer structure, dynamics and elasticity, liquid-liquid demixing and phase separation and self-assembly.

• In addition to the acquisition of subject knowledge, students will be able to apply the principles of physics to the solution of complex problems.
• They will know how to produce a well-structured solution, with clearly-explained reasoning and appropriate presentation.

• Students will have developed skills in researching a topic at an advanced level and making a written presentation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching will be by lectures and examples classes.
• The lectures provide the means to give a concise, focused presentation of the subject matter of the module. The lecture material will be defined by, and explicitly linked to, the contents of recommended textbooks for the module, thus making clear where students can begin private study. When appropriate, the lectures will also be supported by distribution of written material, or by information and relevant links on DUO.
• Regular problem exercises and example classes will give students the chance to develop their theoretical understanding and problem solving skills.
• Students will be able to obtain further help in their studies by approaching their lecturers, either after lectures or at other mutually convenient times.
• Lecturers will provide a list of advanced topics related to the module content. Students will be required to research one of these topics in depth and write a dissertation on it. Some guidance on the research and feedback on the dissertation will be provided by the lecturer.
• Student performance will be summatively assessed through an examination, problem exercises and the dissertation. The examination and problem exercises will provide the means for students to demonstrate the acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem-solving skills. The dissertation will provide the means for students to demonstrate skills in researching a topic at an advanced level and making a written presentation.
• The problem exercises and example classes provide opportunity for feedback, for students to gauge their progress and for staff to monitor progress.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Examples classes and problems solved therein.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University