A Gentle Introduction to String Theory with Andrew Baumgartner
String theory has long been thought to be the holy grail of physics—a consistent theory in which gravity and quantum mechanics can be neatly reconciled. In reality, the subject is not as fantastical as the popularizers of science (and the naysayers of string theory) would have you believe. Instead string theory offers a systematic framework in which one can engineer various quantum field theories coupled to quantum gravity using language and intuition from geometry and topology. In this course we will study the foundations of the subject starting from the classical bosonic string.
Readings: Lectures on String Theory by David Tong Chap. 1-4 (time permitting), String Theory vol 1 by Joseph Polchinski Chap. 1 & 3, Appendix A.
Prerequisites: PHYS 323 (EM 2), PHYS 325 (QM 2), PHYS 329 (Classical Mechanics), PHYS 226, MATH 308 (Matrix Algebra) or MATH 340 (Abstract Linear Algebra).
Suggested: Topics in quantum field theory and general relativity will be discussed as needed.
Calculating with Entanglement with Natalie Klco
Studying quantum systems directly from fundamental degrees of freedom is often computationally limited by configuration (Hilbert) spaces that grow exponentially with particle number and by signal-to-noise problems. This leaves many systems of interest in nuclear and particle physics intractable for known algorithms with current and foreseeable classical computational resources. Proposals have been made to use quantum systems themselves to form a computational framework---leveraging their natural capacity to describe our quantum nature. This reading course is intended to delve into such proposals to understand how the features of entanglement, superposition, and interference may be used as guiding principles to explore subatomic systems.
Reading: TBD upon discussion of interests. Expect predominantly research articles and lecture notes over textbooks.
Prerequisites: PHYS 324 (QM1), PHYS 325 (QM 2), MATH 308 (Matrix Algebra) or MATH 340 (Abstract Linear Algebra)
Contemporary Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Experiments with Nick Ruof
In the standard model of particle physics neutrinos don't have mass, however due to flavor oscillations neutrinos must have mass, an indication of physics beyond the standard model. In minimal extensions of the standard model, neutrinos have the potential of acquiring two types of mass, Dirac and Majorana. All fermion masses in the standard model are Dirac masses, however a fundamental neutral fermion has the possibility of having a Majorana mass. In this case, the neutrino would be its' own anti-particle and would be a key phenomenon to explain the generation of matter/anti-matter asymmetry in the early universe through a process called leptogenesis. As of now the only process that can be used to probe for a Majorana mass is neutrinoless double-beta decay, a lepton flavor violating process where two beta-decays occur simultaneously and neutrinos are absent from the final state. In the last decade, many experiments have been built and planned with cutting edge technology to discover such a process. We will go over research papers relating to the theoretical background and some contemporary experiments that have set limits on the half-lifes for neutrinoless double-beta decay in various isotopes.
Experiments: EXO-200, KamLAND-Zen, GERDA, Majorana Demonstrator, neXO and more
Prerequisites: PHYS 226, PHYS 324, PHYS 322
Recommended: PHYS 422
Crystal Symmetries and Group Theory in Solid State Physics with Elliott Runberg
Solid state physics focuses on the physics of crystals, systems wherein the atomic structure is periodic. Crystals can be categorized by their symmetries which then determine what physical phenomena can be observed in the crystal, from ferromagnetism to quantum Hall physics. Many phase transitions are accompanied by spontaneous breaking of a crystal symmetry. The natural language for studying symmetries is group theory. In this course, we will study crystal symmetries from their group theory representations, building up to Bloch's theorem.
Rough course outline:
1. Basic group theory (as necessary)
2. Symmetry groups
3. Space and point groups of crystals
4. Bloch's theorem and phonons
Reading: Selections from "Applications of Group Theory to the Physics of Solids" - M. Dresselhaus. Available online.
Prerequisites: QM2, Stat mech
Suggested: group theory, solid state physics
Dark Matter Direct Detection Experiments with Alex Piers
There is a significant amount of cosmological evidence for the existence of dark matter, but the nature of the matter that comprises 84% of the universe's mass remains elusive. Dark matter detection is an exciting area of research that spans multiple disciplines of physics; this course will be focused on the detectors and experiments of cutting edge direct detection experiments. We will be reading papers covering a range of different experiments to understand the detector design, interpret results, and critically examine issues or drawbacks in the analysis or experiment.
Reading: TBD, but will be current papers on DM experiments.
Prerequisites: None
Suggested: Introductory E&M
Detecting Gravitational Waves with LIGO with Michael Ross
In 2015, the LIGO gravitational wave detectors made the first direct detection of gravitational waves which were emitted from the merger of a pair of black holes. Since then, the LIGO collaboration along with Virgo observatory in Italy has observed ten binary black hole mergers along with one binary neutron star merger, opening up a new way of observing cataclysmic astrophysical events. We will learn what gravitational waves are, what sort of systems emit them, and how we use interferometers to detect them. This field is very diverse with subjects including theory of general relativity, classical and quantum optics, seismic isolation, instrumentation and controls, and of course neutron star and black hole astrophysics. Participants can choose which subjects to focus on depending on interest and background.
Reading: Gravitational Waves, Michele Maggiore
Prereq: Phys 227, Suggested: Phys 321
Experimental Quantum Entanglement with Trapped Ions with Jennifer Lilieholm
Quantum mechanics holds many mysteries, and behaves in a manner which is counterintuitive to the macroscopic world. One of the best known examples of this is quantum entanglement, where the state of one quantum particle becomes linked (or entangled) with the state of another. This project will follow experimental progress on entanglement, from Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen’s paper on the nature of quantum mechanics to its position today as an essential part of quantum computing, with a focus on trapped ion quantum computing.
Reading: TBD, but will mostly be experimental papers. I roughly intend to look at the EPR paradox, Bell’s Inequality, and Molmer-Sorensen gates with trapped ions.
Prerequisites: PHYS 325 (Quantum 2)
Exploration of Detectors used in Particle Physics Experiments with Brynn MacCoy
Particle physics experiments depend fundamentally on detectors to identify particles and observe their interactions and decays. We will explore operating principles and applications for detectors in particle physics, beginning briefly with historical methods like cloud chambers and then focusing on modern methods including:
• Semiconductor-based detectors
• Light generation detectors (scintillation and Cherenkov radiation)
• Gas/liquid ionization detectors
Areas of focus will be guided by student interest.
Reading: TBD
Prerequisites: PHYS 226, PHYS 324 (QM1), PHYS 321 & 322 (EM1&2)
Exploring Pion-Pion Scattering with Tyler Blanton
Pions are the lightest hadrons, and as such their scattering properties are of great interest in particle/nuclear physics. The exact dynamics of the pion fields are fairly complicated, but they can be approximately described by a so-called "nonlinear sigma model." In this project, we will use computational methods to calculate the phase shift for pion-pion scattering in a nonlinear sigma model and compare to predicted analytic results.
Reading: TBD
Prerequisites:
PHYS 325 + some coding proficiency (preferably in one of Python/Matlab/Mathematica, but other languages are OK)
Recommended:
PHYS 228, 232
Group Theory in Condensed Matter Physics with Paul Malinowksi
Group theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of a certain algebraic structure called a group. One example of such a group is the set of symmetries (translational, rotational, inversion, time reversal, etc.) respected by a physical system. In a quantum solid, these symmetries largely determine many of the electronic properties, as well as the character of the many-body quantum mechanical ground state, and the formalism of group theory offers a powerful way of understanding this. This course will use group theoretical methods to explore the consequences of symmetry in solid state physics. Depending on interest and prior knowledge, this course can start from the basics or delve into more specialized, complex ideas.
Some examples of potential topics:
-Effects of symmetry on degeneracies
-Crystallographic point groups
-Crystal field splitting of atomic energy levels
-Consequences on experimentally measurable quantities
--Elasto- and magneto- resistance
--Raman spectroscopy
--X-ray diffraction
- *Landau theory of second order phase transitions* (this is one of the most important ideas in modern condensed matter physics and an essential starting point for thinking about symmetry-breaking ground states such as superconductivity, magnetism, charge density wave, etc)
Reading Material: Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics by Michael Tinkham
Required: Phys 325 (QM 2), PHYS 328 (Stat Mech)
Suggested: solid state/condensed matter physics, group theory
Introduction to Color Centers in Semiconductors with Christian Pederson
Intentional doping of semiconductors with impurities in order to modulate electrical, magnetic, and optical properties is the basis for much of modern technology. In this course we will learn about defects in the dilute limit, where single defects (sometimes single atoms) can be resolved with an optical microscope. Such defects are already being used as incredibly sensitive sensors, and are also being investigated as promising qubit candidates.
Prerequisites: PHYS 322 (EM 2), PHYS 325 (QM 2), PHYS 328 (Stat Mech)
Suggested: Solid State experience
Introduction to Conventional BCS Superconductivity with Michael Smith
Superconductivity is characterized by a vanishing DC resistivity below a certain critical
temperature. However, there are many other important properties of superconductors. Together
we will explore the various electromagnetic and thermodynamic properties that are characteristic
of conventional BCS superconductors, as well as exploring the origin of the pairing mechanism
that gives rise to this interesting phase of matter.
Reading: “Introduction to Superconductivity” by Michael Tinkham Ch. 1-5
Prerequisites: PHYS 225, PHYS 322 (EM 2), PHYS 328 (Stat Mech)
Suggested: PHYS 325 (QM 2), Solid State experience
Modern Microscopy: an Overview of Microscopy Techniques in Biophysics with Isaac Shelby
Form an understanding of microscopy from the ground up. From bright-field microscopy to structured illumination super-resolution, learn the techniques that allow biophysicists to probe the mechanics of cells.
Due to the wide nature of the field, and the depth with which any one of these topics can be explored, the exact structure and material covered can be shifted for the interests of the individual student's interests. Potential topics include: fluorescence microscopy, optical aberrations, the mechanics of modern scientific cameras, super-resolution techniques, how to design and build a microscope.
Outline texts (to be supplemented with papers): Principles of Optics - Born and Wolf, Optics - Hecht.
Requirements: Basic trigonometry and physics 123 or some sort of waves/optics equivalent. Beyond that the more the better, but course structure is adaptable. Knowledge of calculus and some statistics may be useful, but again, not required.
Simulating Open Quantum Systems with David Rosser
The second quantum revolution is here! Sadly, the laws of physics are conspiring against us. Quantum things don’t like to stay quantum. We will explore the notions of measurement, decoherence, and the environment using Markovian master equations in QuTip (a Python library) with an eye towards understanding experiments being conducted with trapped ions, superconducting circuits, etc.
Reading: “Quantum Processes Systems, & Information” by Benjamin Schumacher, Michael Westmoreland; “Exploring the Quantum” by Serge Haroche, Jean-Michel Raimond
Prerequisites: PHYS 325 (Quantum 2), MATH 308 (Matrix Algebra) or MATH 340 (Abstract Linear Algebra), strong Python programming background