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PHYSICS (PHYS)

Surendra Singh, Department Chair, 226 Physics Building, (479) 575-2506

Paul Thibado, Graduate Coordinator, 226 Physics Building, (479) 575-2506, Web: www.uark.edu/depts/physics/

University Professor Salamo • Professors Gea-Banacloche, Gupta, Harter, Lacy, Lieber, Pederson, Singh, Xiao • Research Professor Vickers • Associate Professors Ding, Oliver, Stewart, Thibado, Vyas • Assistant Professors Bellaiche, Filipkowski, Henry • Research Associate Professor Schultz • Research Assistant Professor La Bella

Degrees Conferred:

M.S. in Applied Physics (APHY)

M.A., M.S., Ph.D. (PHYS)

Areas of Concentration: Atomic and molecular, condensed matter, laser, quantum optical physics, surface physics, theoretical physics, and physics education.

Prerequisites to Degree Program: Prospective students must satisfy the requirements of the Graduate School as described in the Graduate School Catalog and have the approval of the Graduate Admissions Committee of the Department of Physics. In addition, to be admitted to graduate study in physics without deficiency, candidates should have an undergraduate degree with the equivalent of a 30-hour major in physics including intermediate-level courses in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum physics and thermal physics, and mathematics through differential equations. Students who present less than the above may be admitted with deficiency dependent on degree track subject to the approval of the department's Graduate Admissions Committee. Students may eliminate deficiencies while concurrently enrolling in graduate courses, provided prerequisites are met. While submission of Graduate Record Examination scores is not required for admission, students who have taken the GRE advanced physics test are urged to submit their test scores to the Physics Department to facilitate advising and placement.

Prospective students from foreign countries in which English is not the native language must submit TOEFL scores of 550 or above. To be considered for a teaching assistantship, a Test of Spoken English score of 50 or above is required.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree: The department offers a Masters of Arts Degree ­ Education concentration. This program is designed for in-service secondary school teachers or students interested in teaching physical sciences in Community Colleges. Students choosing this degree program must notify the Graduate Affairs Committee by April 30 in their first year of study. An advisory committee is then formed consisting of the research adviser as chair, and two other members of the graduate faculty, at least one of whom must be from the Physics Department. It requires 30 semester hours of graduate work. Prospective candidates for the Master of Arts degree - Education concentration are expected to have earned credit in courses equivalent to PHYS 2054, 2074, 3614, and 3113. Deficiencies may be removed either by taking the appropriate courses or by examination.

The candidate's program must include at least six semester hours of physics courses numbered 5000 or above, and at least three hours of 502V. Not more than nine semester hours of credit toward this degree will be allowed from physical science and graduate education courses. All courses selected to apply to this degree must be approved by the student's adviser in accordance with the above requirements. Recommended courses include PHYS 400V, 4113, 4213, 462L, 588V, and 590V.

Each person receiving the Master of Arts degree ­ Education concentration must have at least one hour of Master's Research, satisfied by a written research report based either on the 502V or a 588V project. A final comprehensive oral exam is given by the advisory committee.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree: Students choosing this degree program must notify the Graduate Affairs Committee by November 30 of their first year of study. An advisory committee is then formed consisting of the research adviser as chair, two members of the physics faculty, and one member of the graduate faculty not from the Physics Department. Students in this degree program can choose either a 31 semester hour thesis path or a 37 semester hour non-thesis path.

Both degree paths require that the student complete PHYS 501V Seminar (Introduction to Research), PHYS 5073 Mathematical Methods of Physics I, PHYS 5413 Quantum Mechanics I, and PHYS 5333 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory. The student must complete one of the three courses in the Techniques in Research block: PHYS 5123 Condensed Matter Physics; PHYS 5133 Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics; or PHYS 502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics. Students must also complete at least one of the following three courses: PHYS 5754 Applied Nonlinear Optics, PHYS 5713 Solid State Physics, or PHYS 5513 Atomic and Molecular Physics. Thesis path students must complete at least nine additional hours in elective physics graduate courses and non-thesis path students must complete at least eighteen additional hours in elective physics graduate courses. Students will select electives from physics courses listed in the graduate catalog as appropriate to their field of specialization, with course selection approved by their advisory committee. Students who have had similar courses at another institution may substitute up to 12 credit hours of other courses in lieu of those listed above, on a course-by-course basis, upon petitioning the Graduate Affairs Committee.

The thesis path will require completion of six masters thesis hours under PHYS 600V and will require a written thesis successfully defended in a comprehensive oral exam given by the student's advisory committee. The non-thesis path will require completion of three hours under PHYS 502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics, and will require a written project report successfully defended in a comprehensive oral exam given by the student's advisory committee.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Applied Physics Degree: Students choosing this degree program must notify the Graduate Affairs Committee by November 30 in their first year of study. An advisory committee is then formed consisting of the research adviser as chair, two members of the physics faculty, and one member of the graduate faculty not from the Physics Department. Students in this degree program can choose either a 31 semester hour thesis path or a 37 semester hour non-thesis path.

Both degree paths require that the student complete PHYS 501V Seminar (Introduction to Research), PHYS 5073 Mathematical Methods of Physics I, PHYS 5413 Quantum Mechanics and PHYS 5333, Advanced Electromagnetic Theory. The student must complete one of the three courses in the Techniques in Research block: PHYS 5123 Condensed Matter Physics; PHYS 5133 Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics; or PHYS 502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics. Students must also complete at least one of the following three courses: PHYS 5754 Applied Nonlinear Optics, PHYS 5713 Solid State Physics, or PHYS 5513 Atomic and Molecular Physics. Thesis path students must complete at least nine additional elective hours, with at least one course in physics. Non-thesis path students must complete at least 18 additional elective hours, with at least three courses in physics. Students will select electives from courses listed in the graduate catalog as appropriate to their field of specialization, with course selection approved by their advisory committee. Students who have had similar courses at another institution may substitute up to 12 credit hours of other courses in lieu of those listed above, on a course-by-course basis, upon petitioning the Graduate Affairs Committee. The thesis path will require completion of six masters thesis hours under PHYS 600V and will require a written thesis successfully defended in a comprehensive oral exam given by the student's advisory committee. The non-thesis path will require completion of three hours under PHYS 502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics, and will require a written project report successfully defended in a comprehensive oral exam given by the student's advisory committee.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree: Students choosing this degree program must notify the Graduate Affairs Committee by November 30 of their first year of study. The students must complete a minimum of 40 semester hours in graduate courses. These hours must include PHYS 501V Seminar (Introduction to Research), PHYS 5073 Mathematical Methods of Physics I, PHYS 5413/5423 Quantum Mechanics I and II, PHYS 5333 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory, PHYS 5713 Solid State Physics, PHYS 5513 Atomic and Molecular Physics, PHYS 5103 Advanced Mechanics, and PHYS 5213 Statistical Mechanics. The hours must also include a two semester course sequence in the Research Techniques block: PHYS 5123/6123 Condensed Matter Physics I and II; PHYS 5133/6133 Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics I and II; or PHYS 502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics. Nine additional hours in elective physics graduate courses will be required, and they must be selected from courses listed in the graduate catalog appropriate to the student's field of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee. Students who have had similar courses at another institution may obtain a waiver for up to 21 credit hours, on a course-by-course basis, upon petitioning to the Graduate Affairs Committee. The students must also earn 18 hours of credit in Doctoral Dissertation, submit a dissertation, and defend it successfully in a comprehensive oral examination given by the advisory committee.

To be admitted to candidacy for the degree the student must (a) file a Declaration of Intent with the Graduate School, (b) form an advisory committee, (c) pass the candidacy exam, and (d) be approved by the physics faculty. The advisory committee consists of the research adviser as chair, three members of the physics faculty, and one member of the graduate faculty not from the Physics Department.

The candidacy examination consists of written and oral parts. The written part is taken at the end of the Spring semester of the student's first year; the oral part is taken in the Fall of the student's second year. The written exam covers Quantum Mechanics, Advanced Electromagnetic Theory, and junior level Classical Mechanics; the minimum passing score is 60%. Students failing this part will be allowed to take the exam the following year for the final time.

The oral exam is a presentation of the student's research, and should include a discussion of future research plans. Students judged insufficient in this category may come back for a second and final attempt by the Fall of the following year. The oral exam committee consists of three faculty members in the appropriate research field (inasmuch as this is feasible) and the student's research adviser, although the latter acts only in an advisory capacity to the committee.

COURSES: PHYSICS (PHYS)

PHYS400V Laboratory and Classroom Practices in Physics (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) The pedagogy of curricular materials. Laboratory and demonstration techniques illustrating fundamental concepts acquired through participation in the classroom as an apprentice teacher. Prerequisite: PHYS 3114 and PHYS 3414.

PHYS4103 Physics in Perspective (SP, Odd years) Human implications of physics, including life's place in the universe, the methods of science, human sense perceptions, energy utilization, social impacts of technology, and the effect of physics on modern world views. No credit given toward a B.S. major in physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3603 or PHYS 3614.

PHYS4113 Physics in Perspective (SP, Odd years) Human implications of physics, including life's place in the universe, the methods of science, human sense perceptions, energy utilization, social impacts of technology, and the effect of physics on modern world views. Credit allowed for only one of PHYS 4113 or PHYS 4103. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.

PHYS4203 Physics of Devices (SP, Even years) Principles of physics applied in a selection of technologically important devices in areas including computing, communications, medical imaging, lasers, and energy utilization. Students will utilize technical journals. No credit given toward a B.S. major in physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 3603 or PHYS 3614.

PHYS4213 Physics of Devices (SP, Even years) Principles of physics applied in a selection of technologically important devices in areas including computing, communications, medical imaging, lasers, and energy utilization. Students will utilize technical journals. Credit allowed for only one of PHYS 4203 or PHYS 4213. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.

PHYS4333 Thermal Physics (SP, Even years) Equilibrium thermodynamics, statistical physics, and kinetic energy. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.

PHYS462VL Modern Physics Laboratory (1-3) (FA) Advanced experiments, projects, and techniques in atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics.

PHYS4653 Subatomic Physics (IR) Nuclear structure and nuclear reactions. Nature and properties of elementary particles and resonances, their interactions and decays. Phenomenological theory and discussion of experimental evidence. Prerequisite: PHYS 3614.

PHYS4713 Solid State Physics (SP) Crystal structure, diffraction and symmetry. Lattice vibrations, elasticity and optical properties. Electronic structure, band theory, transport and magnetism. Course emphasizes applications and current topics in semiconduc
tors, optics and magnetism. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 3414 and PHYS 4333.

PHYS4803 Mathematical Physics (IR) Development of mathematics used in advanced physics, including tensors, matrices, group theory, special functions and operators. Prerequisite: MATH 2574.

PHYS501V Seminar (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Regular informal discussions of research reported in journals and monographs.

PHYS502V Individual Study in Advanced Physics (1-3) (FA, SP) Guided study in current literature.

PHYS5073 Mathematical Methods of Physics I (FA) Applications of complex variables, differential equations, special functions, Green's functions, and matrix analysis to problems in physics. Introduction to numerical and statistical techniques used in physics research. (Same as MATH 5073) Prerequisite: MATH 3423.

PHYS5083 Mathematical Methods of Physics II (SP) Applications of matrices, tensors, and linear vector spaces to problems in physics. Introduction to groups and their representations, and symmetry principles in modern physics. (Same as MATH 5083) Prerequisite: PHYS 5073 or MATH 5073.

PHYS5103 Advanced Mechanics (SP) Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Hamilton's equations and canonical variables. Canonical transformations. Small oscillations. Prerequisite: PHYS 5033 and PHYS 5073.

PHYS5123 Research Techniques I: Condensed Matter Physics (SP) Experimental and theoretical approaches to research in condensed matter, with introduction to laboratory equipment and techniques used in MS level researh in these areas. Literature survey of current research topics. This course focuses on basic research techniques available in the department (on campus). Prerequisite: graduate standing

PHYS5133 Research Techniques I: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (SP) Experimental and theoretical approaches to research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with introduction to laboratory equipment and techniques used in MS level research in these areas. Literature surveys of current research topics. This course focuses on basic research techniques available in the department (on campus). Prerequisite: graduate standing.

PHYS5213 Statistical Mechanics (FA) Classical and quantum mechanical statistical theories of matter and radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 4333 and PHYS 5064.

PHYS5333 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory (SP) Electrostatic boundary-value problems, Maxwell's equations, plane waves, waveguides, cavities, radiating systems, special relativity and relativistic electrodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 5073.

PHYS5413 Quantum Mechanics I (FA) Non-relativistic quantum mechanics; the Schrodinger equation; the Heisenberg matrix representation; operator formalism; transformation theory; spinors and Paull theory; the Dirac equation; applications to atoms and molecules, collision theory, semiclassical theory of radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5064.

PHYS5423 Quantum Mechanics II (SP) Non-relativistic quantum mechanics; the Schrodinger equation; the Heisenberg matrix representation; operator formalism; transformation theory; spinors and Paull theory; the Dirac equation; applications to atoms and molecules, collision theory, semiclassical theory of radiation. Prerequisite: PHYS 5064 and PHYS 5413.

PHYS5513 Atomic and Molecular Physics (SP, Even years) Survey of atomic and molecular physics with emphasis on the electronic structure and spectroscopy on 1 and 2 electron atoms, and diatomic molecules. Includes fine and hyperfine structure. Zeeman and Stark mixing of states, collision phenomena, radiative lifetimes, and experimental techniques. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054.

PHYS5523 Theory of Relativity (IR) Conceptual and mathematical structure of the special and general theories of relativity with selected applications. Critical analysis of Newtonian mechanics; relativistic mechanics and electrodynamics; tensor analysis; continuous media; and gravitational theory. Prerequisite: PHYS 5103 and PHYS 5323.

PHYS5713 Solid State Physics (SP, Odd years) Crystalline structure, lattice dynamics. Debye theory, electron theory of metals, band theory of solids, superconductivity, and magnetism. Prerequisite: PHYS 5054.

PHYS5734 Laser Physics (SP) (Formerly PHYS 5613) A combined lecture/laboratory course covering the theory of laser operation, laser resonators, propagation of laser beams, specific lasers such as gas, solid state, semiconductor and chemical lasers, and laser applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 3414 and PHYS 3544.

PHYS574V Internship in College or University Teaching (3-9) (FA, SP, SU) Supervised field experiences in student personnel services, college administration, college physics teaching, institutional research, development, or other areas of college and university work. May be repeated for 3 hours. Pre- or Corequisite: PHYS 400.

PHYS5754 Applied Nonlinear Optics (FA) (Formerly PHYS 5633) A combined lecture/laboratory course. Topics include: practical optical processes, such as electro-optic effects, acousto-optic effects, narrow-band optical filters, second harmonic genera
tion, parametric amplification and oscillation, and other types of nonlinear optical spectroscopy techniques which are finding current practical applications in industry. Prerequisite: PHYS 3414 and PHYS 3544.

PHYS5774 Introduction to Optical Properties of Materials (FA) (Formerly PHYS 5723) A combined lecture/laboratory course covering crystal symmetry optical transmission and absorption, light scattering (Raman and Brillouin) optical constants, carrier mobility, and polarization effects in semi-conductors, quantum wells, insulators, and other optically important materials. Prerequisite: PHYS 3414 and PHYS 3544.

PHYS5794 Lightwave Communication (FA, SP, SU) A laboratory-based course in light propagation in planar and fiber waveguides, optical coupling, operation principles of semiconductor lasers, detectors, and LEDs, hands-on experience with applications in communication systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 3414 or ELEG 3703.

PHYS588V Selected Topics in Experimental Physics (1-3) (IR)

PHYS590V Master of Arts Research (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)

PHYS600V Master of Science Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)

PHYS6123 Research Techniques II: Condensed Matter Physics (FA) Experimental and theoretical approaches to research in condensed matter, with introduction to laboratory equipment and techniques used in PhD level research in these areas. This course concentrates on advanced research techniques, including examination of specific research methods and apparatus at research partner academic and industrial sites. Prerequisite: PHYS 5123.

PHYS6133 Research Techniques II: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (FA) Experimental and theoretical approaches to research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with introduction to laboratory equipment and techniques used for PhD level research in these areas. This course concentrates on advanced research techniques, including examination of specific research methods and apparatus at research partner academic and industrial sites. Prerequisite: PHYS 5133.

PHYS6413 Quantum Mechanics III (FA, Even years) Relativistic quantum mechanics, second quantization, with applications to quantizing electromagnetic fields and to many-body theory. Introduction to Feynman diagrams. Prerequisite: PHYS 5423.

PHYS6613 Quantum Optics (FA, Odd years) Properties of light and its interaction with atoms, particular attention given to the laser and recent experiments. Classical theory of resonance; Optical Bloch Eqs.; 2 level atoms in steady fields; pulse propagation; semiclassical theory of the laser, coherent states and coherent functions; gas, solid, and dye lasers; photon echoes and superradiance; quantum electrodynamics and spontaneous emission. Prerequisite: PHYS 5413 or equivalent.

PHYS6713 Advanced Solid State Theory (IR) Quantum mechanical approach to the theory of solids, including such topics as group theory, crystalline field theory, electron-photon interactions, band theory of solids, transport phenomena, superconductivity, and magnetic properties of solids. Prerequisite: PHYS 5713 and PHYS 5413.

PHYS700V Doctoral Dissertation (1-18) (FA, SP, SU)