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Physics and Astronomy |
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Chair: Dorian M. Hatch
Graduate Coordinator: Jean-Franois S. Van Huele
263 FB
Provo, UT 84602-4607
(801) 378-5387
(801) 378-4481
THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES
The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to excellence in scholarship. It is actively engaged in scholarly research, contributing to the worldwide development of its scientific disciplines. It integrates those activities into the graduate programs, allowing its graduate students to experience first-hand the excitement of discovering new knowledge.
Three degrees are offered through the Department of Physics and Astronomy: Physics—MS, Physics—PhD, and Physics and Astronomy—PhD.
The average number of MS and PhD students in the department is fifteen and twenty, respectively. The expected time to complete a degree is two years for the MS and five years for the PhD.
Physics—MS
The master of science degree is sometimes sought by those who intend to continue on for the PhD, but it also serves as a terminal degree for those who intend to work in industrial or governmental research or teaching.
Admission and Entry.
Requirements for Degree.
Before admission to candidacy, a student must be accepted as a research student by a member of the faculty of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and submit a proposed study list. The study list is normally completed by the beginning of the second semester of graduate study.
Physics, Physics and Astronomy—PhD
The PhD program prepares students for professional careers in physics and astronomy. These careers include faculty positions at universities and work in research laboratories. Most students who intend to receive the PhD do not enter the MS program.
Admission and Entry.
Requirements for Degree.
Physics Degree: Phscs 517, 518, 621, 641, 642, 651, 652.
Physics and Astronomy Degree: seven courses from Phscs 517, 518, 527, 528, 621, 641, 642, 651, 652, subject to department's approval.
Option 1: 18 hours of approved course work with a B- grade or better. Refer to department graduate handbook for specific suggestions.
Option 2: demonstrate competence equivalent to 18 hours of course work. The department involved must certify competence.
Option 3: professional internship. Professional certification of competence is needed.
Option 4: combinations of the above.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Qualified graduate students receive financial aid that may take the form of one or more of the following: teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships (including the John Einar Anderson Scholarship), internships, university-sponsored fellowships, or tuition awards. The amount of financial aid given depends on individual merit.
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Within the department there are currently six recognized research specialties: acoustics; astrophysics and astronomy; atomic, molecular, and optical physics; condensed matter physics; plasma physics; theoretical and mathematical physics.
Acoustics. The acoustics research program at BYU is strongly cross-disciplinary in character and focuses on the following areas: musical acoustics, speech acoustics, active noise and vibration control, and sound-structure interaction. The research in acoustics is both experimental and computational in nature and includes simulation and measurement of physical systems, as well as signal processing. Computer facilities are readily available with a number of powerful software packages. In addition, the laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic measurement equipment and an anechoic chamber that can be used for experimental verification studies.
Astrophysics and Astronomy. Most research in astrophysics and astronomy
is observational. Much of it conducted with the BYU twenty-four-
inch telescope
at West Mountain Observatory, twenty miles southwest of campus, which,
at 6,800 feet elevation, is a relatively dark, haze-free site. There is
also frequent use of observatories in Arizona, California, and Chile. Topics
of current or recent research include the evolutionary status of variable
stars, especially classical and dwarf Cepheids; the reliability of secondary
photometric standards; population II stars; interstellar reddening; the
development status of both old and young galactic star clusters; globular
star clusters; the galaxian luminosity function; and the photometry of
rich galaxy clusters and of galaxies in or near cosmic voids.
Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. This group is involved in cross-
disciplinary
applied research in X-ray laser development and spectral diagnosis of the
gain medium; X-ray optics development using multilayers and structures
with nanometer dimensions; the study of extremely high-
intensity laser
interactions; the use of particle-induced X-ray emission for analysis of
trace elements present in material samples; investigations of sonoluminescence
where bubbles in liquid metals collapse violently, producing short flashes
of visible and UV light; and accurate numerical computation of the interaction
of electromagnetic and acoustic waves with resonant-sized objects.
Condensed Matter Physics. Condensed matter physics includes a wide range of topics relating to solids and liquids. Nationally, this is the largest and most active area of physics research. Our interests at BYU center on the optical, structural, and dynamic properties of solids, using experimental, theoretical, and computational methods. Our current activities include ultrafast laser studies and nonlinear optics in semiconductors; group-theoretical methods applied to phase transitions in crystals; motion and structure of defects in crystals; and phase transitions at high pressure.
Plasma Physics. Plasma physics research, both experimental and theoretical, centers on the relatively new area of nonneutral plasmas. New experimental techniques are being developed to measure the distribution function of these plasmas in both configuration and velocity space. The response of the plasma to both static and time-dependent perturbations is being studied. The theoretical work being done attempts to extend the mathematical description of these plasmas beyond the simple approximate geometries and fluid models that have been used in the past.
Theoretical and Mathematical Physics. Research in this area studies the foundations, techniques, and some applications of quantum theory and relativity: methods of Bayesian statistics for accurate physical interpretation of quantum measurements and quantum information theory; study of the interaction between radiation and matter in electron theory and quantum electrodynamics; modeling of radiation fields of molecules; molecular dynamics of defects and impurities in clusters and solids; algebraic methods applied to energy transfer in molecular systems; using differential forms, Backlund transformations, and symmetry groups to search for methods of finding exact solutions for certain partial differential equations of mathematical physics, including those of general relativity.
For a more detailed description of the graduate program requirements, send for a copy of the department's bulletin.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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513R. Special Topics in Contemporary Physics. (1-3)
Prerequisite: instructor's consent.
Topics generally related to recent developments in physics.
517, 518. Mathematical Physics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 318, Math 434.
Topics in modern theoretical physics, including applications of matrix and tensor analysis and linear differential and integral operators.
527, 528. Introduction to Astrophysics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: instructor's consent.
Principles and observational techniques of astrophysics.
529. Observational Astrophysics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 527, 528.
Applied techniques of observational astrophysics, emphasizing practical experience in optical data acquisition and analysis.
545. Introduction to Plasma Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 321, 431, 441.
Introduction to plasma physics, including single-particle motion and both fluid and kinetic models of plasma behavior.
546. Plasma Transport. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 545.
Transport processes in plasmas applied to space physics, fusion, and laser plasmas.
551. Quantum Mechanics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 222, 318, or equivalent.
Analytical foundations of quantum mechanics.
552. Modern Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 551.
Applications of quantum mechanics and special relativity to atomic, molecular, statistical, condensed matter, and nuclear physics; elementary particles.
561. Fundamentals of Acoustics. (3)
Generation, transmission, and reception of sound. Vibrating systems, properties of elastic media, mechanical and electrical energy, and radiation.
562. Applied Acoustics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 561 or instructor's consent.
Acoustic transducers, spectral analysis, waves in ducts and enclosures, higher-order acoustic sources, fan noise, jet noise, passive noise vibration control, active noise vibration control.
565. Acoustics of Music and Speech. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 561 or instructor's consent.
Sound production and perception, techniques for analysis and synthesis, computer modeling, machine recognition, and ensemble effects.
566. Acoustics of Enclosures and Interacting Structures. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 561, 562, or instructor's consent.
Acoustic fields in enclosures, reverberation time, low- and high-model density fields, sound-structure interaction, transmission through panels, isolation techniques, and advanced noise vibration control.
571. Laser Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 222, Math 344; basic understanding of atomic physics and optics.
Physics of coherent radiation throughout the electromagnetic spectrum, including amplification and laser cavities. Discussion based on quantum mechanical principles, but mathematical treatment classical.
581. Solid-State Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 222 or equivalent.
Introduction for students in physics, chemistry, geology, and engineering. Phenomena occurring in solids, and their related physical concepts.
585. Thin-Film Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 222 or equivalent.
Preparation, characterization, use, and special properties of modern thin films. Interdisciplinary treatment. Of interest to students in applied physics and engineering.
591R. Colloquium. (0.5)
Required of all graduate students every semester in residence.
597R. Introduction to Research. (0.5)
One or two research areas to be selected. Twenty hours of participation required each semester.
611, 612. Astrophysics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: instructor's consent.
Theory of stellar atmospheres and interstellar matter.
617. Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics. (3)
Applications of tensor analysis, differential geometry, and differential forms to such topics as mechanics, optics, relativity, and fluid dynamics.
618. Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics. (3)
Introductory group theory. Basic representation theory and developments, with applications to quantum mechanics and molecular and solid-state physics.
619. Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 618.
Advanced group theory. Space groups and lie groups with applications in solid-state physics (energy band representations, phase transitions, etc.), nuclear physics, and quantum field theory (particle classification schemes, etc.).
621. Dynamics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 321.
Advanced treatment of classical mechanics, including Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations, rigid body motion, and canonical transformations.
625. Theory of Relativity. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 551, 621.
Review of special relativity and general relativity, with applications to modern astrophysics.
626. Relativistic Astrophysics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 625.
Applications of general relativity to modern astrophysics, including gravitational collapse, black holes, cosmological models, gravitational waves, etc.
627, 628. Advanced Topics in Astrophysics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: instructor's consent.
Internal structure of stars; galactic structure.
631, 632. Statistical Mechanics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 431, 551.
Advanced thermodynamics, classical statistical mechanics, quantum statistics, and transport theory.
641, 642. Mathematical Theory of Electricity and Magnetism. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 442.
Advanced electrostatics and magnetostatics, Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves, relativistic electrodynamics, radiation theory, and interaction of matter with electromagnetic fields.
645, 646. Plasma Physics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 431, 621, 642 for 645; Phscs 645 for 646.
Plasma state of matter, including a description in terms of both individual particles and fluids, with applications.
651, 652. QuantumMechanics. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 518, 551.
Nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, with applications.
671. X-Ray Physics. (3)
Prerequisite: Phscs 518, 552, 581.
Physical characteristics of X-ray generation, optics, and experimental applications. Methods of X-ray imaging emphasized.
681, 682. Modern Theory of Solids. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 581, 651.
Quantum theory of solids, emphasizing the unifying principles of symmetry, energy-band theory, dynamics of electrons and of periodic lattices, and cooperative phenomena.
697R. Research. (1-6)
699R. Master's Thesis. (1-9)
711R. Advanced Topics in Physics. (1-3)
Prerequisite: instructor's consent.
Recent and upcoming topics include chaos, thin films, phase transformations, amorphous solids, quantum optics, astronomy using nontraditional frequencies, and particle physics.
751, 752. Advanced Quantum Theory. (3 ea.)
Prerequisite: Phscs 652.
Topics in relativistic quantum mechanics, including quantum field theory.
797R. Research. (1-9)
799R. Doctoral Dissertation. (1-9)
FACULTY 
ALLRED, DAVID D., Professor. PhD, Princeton University, 1977. Lasers; X-Rays; Surface Physics.
BERRONDO, MANUEL, Professor. PhD, University of Uppsala, Sweden, 1969. Theoretical Physics.
CHRISTENSEN, CLARK G., Associate Professor. PhD, California Institute of Technology, 1972. Astrophysics.
DIBBLE, WILLIAM E., Professor. PhD, California Institute of Technology, 1960. X-Rays.
EVENSON, WILLIAM E., Professor. PhD, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, 1968. Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics.
HARRISON, B. KENT, Professor. PhD, Princeton University, 1959. General Relativity.
HART, GRANT W., Associate Professor. PhD, University of Maryland, 1983. Plasma Physics.
HATCH, DORIAN M., Professor. PhD, State University of New York, 1968. Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics; Group Theory.
HESS, BRET C., Assistant Professor. PhD, Iowa State University, 1988. Condensed Matter Physics.
JONES, STEVEN E., Professor. PhD, Vanderbilt University, 1978. Muon Catalyzed Fusion
KNIGHT, LARRY V., Professor. PhD, Stanford University, 1965. Lasers; X-Rays.
LARSON, EVERETT GERALD, Professor. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1964. Theoretical Atomic Physics.
MASON, GRANT W., Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1969. Plasma Physics.
MCNAMARA, D. HAROLD, Professor. PhD, University of California, Berkeley, 1950. Astrophysics.
MERRILL, JOHN J., Professor. PhD, California Institute of Technology, 1960. Instructional Design.
MOODY, JOSEPH WARD, Associate Professor. PhD, University of Michigan, 1986. Astrophysics.
NELSON, H. MARK, Professor. PhD, Harvard University, 1960. Condensed Matter Physics.
PEATROSS, JUSTIN B., Assistant Professor. PhD, University of Rochester, 1993. High-Intensity Laser Physics.
RASBAND, S. NEIL, Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1969. Theoretical Plasma Physics.
REES, LAWRENCE B., Associate Professor. PhD, University of Maryland, 1983. Nuclear Physics.
SOMMERFELDT, SCOTT D., Assistant Professor. PhD, Pennsylvania State University, 1989. Acoustics.
SPENCER, ROSS L., Professor. PhD, University of Wisconsin, 1979. Theoretical Plasma Physics.
STOKES, HAROLD T., Professor. PhD, University of Utah, 1977. Condensed Matter Physics.
STRONG, WILLIAM J., Professor. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1964. Acoustics.
TAYLOR, BENJAMIN J., Associate Professor. PhD, University of California, Berkeley, 1969. Astrophysics.
TURLEY, R. STEVEN, Associate Professor. PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1984. Computational and Atomic Physics.
VAN HUELE, JEAN-FRANOIS, Associate Professor. PhD, Brussels Free University, Belgium, 1987. Theoretical Physics.
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