An Introduction to Point Defects, the Solid-State Trapped Atoms
An Introduction to Topological Insulators
Applications of Quantum Optics in Experimental Quantum Information
Biophysical Studies of SARS-CoV-2
Coherent Manipulation of Atoms with Optical Lattices
Contemporary Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Experiments
Control Theory
Dark Matter Direct Detection Experiments
Exploration of Detectors used in Particle Physics Experiments
Fundamentals of Thermoelectricty
Introduction to Topological Insulators
Introduction to Quantum Information and Error-Correction
Modeling Neural Behavior
Signal Processing Methods for MEG/EEG Systems
The Role of Mathematics in Physics Education Research
An Introduction to Point Defects, the Solid-State Trapped Atoms with Christian Pederson
In recent decades, a select handful of semiconductors have been grown to sufficient purity that single atoms embedded in the crystal can be optically resolved under traditional microscopes under ambient conditions. This has opened up a whole field of research into the amazing complexity of these defects which can be studied using techniques pioneered in atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics. This course will be a broad overview of many active areas of research regarding these defects. We will learn about the surprisingly complex world of defect chemistry in crystals. We will look at a few types of systems from the diverse spectrum of defects, including defect-bound excitons and atomic-like defects. Lastly, we will discuss the myriad of quantum technologies that can be realized using defects: high-resolution sensors, photon emitters for quantum communication, and potentially as qubits in a quantum computer.
Requirements: Phys 325 (QM 2), PHYS 328 (Stat Mech)
Readings: Selected course notes from Scott Dunham’s EE 539B Course, and excerpts from doctoral theses
An Introduction to Topological Insulators with Michael Smith
Topological insulators are electronic materials with bulk band gaps but have protected conducting edge states on their surface or edges. These edge states are protected by symmetry, and thus are immune to the effects of disorder and many-body interactions. Because of this, topological insulators are promising platforms for next-generation technology. We will explore the theoretical foundation of topological insulators (and superconductors) as well as relevant experiments.
Requirements: Phys 325 (QM 2), Phys 328 (Stat Mech)
Readings: M. Z. Hasan, and C. L. Kane, “Colloquium: Topological insulators”, and references therein
Applications of Quantum Optics in Experimental Quantum Information with Vasilis Niaouris
In recent years, we have seen vast growth in the field of quantum information. Various disparate qubit systems (e.g. trapped atoms/ions, superconducting qubits, solid state qubits etc.) have been developed and optimized to push the limits of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum communication. One of the best candidates for transfer of information over long distances are photons. Photon-based quantum technologies can be used as quantum memories and quantum repeaters, quantum processors etc. The goal of this course is to acquaint the student with the fundamental physics behind quantum optics and introduce them to real life experimental applications. Depending on student interest and progress, we will focus on either photon-mediated entanglement or optical quantum memories via electromagnetically induced transparency.
Reading: "Quantum Optics", Scully and Zubairy
Papers: [1] Lijun Ma et al. J. Opt. 19, 043001 (2017)
[2] P. Maunz, D. Moehring, S. Olmschenk et al. Nature Phys 3, 538–541 (2007).
Prerequisites: PHYS 322 (EM 2), PHYS 325 (QM 2)
Biophysical Studies of SARS-CoV-2 with Chris Thomas
With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the last year, many physics labs interested in biological systems have pivoted their research towards the study of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in hopes of better understanding the pathogen. Biophysical techniques have proved invaluable in this regard, able to probe the inner workings of the virus with perspectives outside of the traditional fields of biology and biochemistry. In this project, we will dissect several cutting-edge articles and preprints published this year to understand the viral mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 through biophysical techniques such as magnetic tweezers, atomic force microscopy, and Förster resonance energy transfer. Note that because this content resides at the intersection of many different fields, we will be dealing with a wide breadth of scientific knowledge including biology and biochemistry in addition to physics.
Reading:
· Force-dependent stimulation of RNA unwinding by SARS-CoV-2 nsp13 helicase https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.31.231274v1.full
· Quantum Dot-Conjugated SARS-CoV-2 Spike Pseudo-Virions Enable Tracking of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Binding and Endocytosis
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.0c05975
· Direct visualization of native infectious SARS-CoV-2 and its inactivation forms using high resolution Atomic Force Microscopy https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.23.351916v2.full
Requirements: PHYS 224 (Thermal)
Strongly Recommended: PHYS 429 (Biophysics), any general introductory biology course, any general introductory chemistry course covering biochemistry.
Coherent Manipulation of Atoms with Optical Lattices with Tahiyat Rahman
A fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics is that matter can exhibit wavelike properties with matter waves characterized by their de Broglie wavelength. We will discuss the application of matter waves in atom optics experiments where atoms are manipulated by a lattice made of light. Finally, we will introduce a Bloch-Bands approach to atom optics in order to describe Bragg diffraction and Bloch oscillations and touch on their applications towards precision measurement and quantum sensing.
Reading:
1. S. Gupta et al., Coherent Manipulation of Atoms with Standing Light Waves, C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris 2, 479 (2001).
2. D. Gochnauer et al., Bloch-Band Picture for Light-Pulse Atom Diffraction and Interferometry, Phys Rev A. 100, 043611 (2019)
3. Recommended: Atomic Physics, Christopher J. Foot
Requirements: PHYS 325 (QM 1 & 2), A strong understanding of 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
Control Theory with Olivia Thomas
Control theory is the study and practice of controlling and changing the behavior of dynamical systems. Examples of the application of control theory in tech and industry are cruise control in automobiles and industrial automation. Control theory is increasingly being used to study highly nonlinear and complex dynamics such as found in epidemiology, neuroscience, flight control, and finance. In this DRiP course, we will explore control theory and its numerous applications, beginning with linear control theory and then later moving into nonlinear control. This DRiP course is flexible and can function as a broad survey of control theory or we can deep dive into a specific topic that the student finds particularly interesting.
Reading: “Data-Driven Science and Engineering” by S. Brunton and J. N. Kutz, papers TBD
Requirements: MATH 307 (Intro to Differential Equations), MATH 308 (Linear Algebra)
Dark Matter Direct Detection Experiments with Alexander 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: PHYS 321-323
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 (EM1)
Suggested: PHYS 322 (EM2)
Fundamentals of Thermoelectricty with Joshua Mutch
The Seebeck effect is the generation of a voltage difference across a material resulting from a temperature difference. The sign of the effect (positive or negative voltage), along with the magnitude of the voltage (known as the Seebeck coefficient or thermopower) can be accurately estimated by classical models for many materials. However, in some materials a classical model cannot explain the magnitude or sign of the effect, and a quantum model must be constructed. We will review the classical model for the Seebeck effect, and also examine materials that break this classical model.
Reading: "Fundamentals of Thermoelectricity" by K. Behnia
Requirements: PHYS 325 (QM 2) PHYS 329 (Stat Mech)
Introduction to Topological Insulators with Qianni Jiang
The concept of topological order represents a new paradigm in condensed matter physics. Topological insulators, as a representative example of the topological phases, are insulating in their interior but conductive in their topologically protected surface/edge states. Knowledge about topological insulators will help you understand many other cutting-edge topological phases, such as Dirac semimetal, Weyl semimetal, topological superconductor, and quantum anomalous Hall effect. In this project we will start from the basic band theory of solids and the concept of topology in condensed matter physics. Then we will have a historical review on the theoretical and experimental progress in realizing 2D and 3D topological insulators. At last, we will introduce the basic idea of some other related topological phases based on student’s personal Interest.
Reading: Ashcroft and Mermin, Solid State Physics, Chapter 4,5, 8, 9.
M. Z. Hasan and C. L. Kane Rev. Mod. Phys. 82, 3045 (2010).
Requirements: PHYS 325, PHYS 322, PHYS 328
Recommended: PHYS 423
Introduction to Quantum Information and Error-Correction with Joseph Merritt
With the realization of a commercial quantum computer coming closer every year, it seems likely that the basics of quantum computing will soon become a common tool of the professional physicist. Not only that, but aspects of quantum information and error-correction have shown use in discussing other physical phenomena, including special types of quantum states and the behavior of matter in certain space-time geometries. In this project, we will focus less on quantum codes and applications, and more on the basics of the nature and preservation of quantum data.
Reading: "Quantum Computation and Quantum Information" by Nielsen and Chuang; online access through UW Libraries
Prerequisites: Experience with basic linear algebra and matrices.
Recommended: Familiarity with quantum mechanics, especially Dirac notation.
Modeling Neural Behavior with John Ferré
The brain is a giant, unsolvable, electrical circuit that generates an enormous array of responses from any given stimuli. While we are a long way from completely understanding the brain, neuroscientists have found many interesting results: from basic circuit models to network models that can help explain abstract thoughts. To explore these results, we will first learn about the underlying physics that generates complex neural responses. Afterwards, we will explore modeling approaches of neural responses and understanding various physical behaviors at the neuron level.
Reading: Dayan and Abbot: Theoretical Neuroscience, papers TBD
Requirements: PHYS 228, PHYS 322
Signal Processing Methods for MEG/EEG Systems with Wan Jin Yeo
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) are non-invasive neuroimaging methods that allow us to measure magnetic fields and electric potentials produced by brain activity. However, the signals measured typically require much processing to be useful due to noise interferences. The inverse problem of finding the current source configuration that produces these signals, which is extremely ill-posed due to the lack of a unique solution, further complicates things. In this reading course, we will first get up to speed with some common/basic forward/inverse modelling of MEG/EEG, then proceed to focus on signal decomposition and representation methods (mostly via multipolar expansions and the like) and/or other relevant topics the student is interested in.
Reading: - Background reading: "Magnetoencephalography -- theory, instrumentation, and applications to noninvasive studies of the working human brain" by M. Hamalainen et. al. Chapters 3-4, maybe 6.
- Other relevant papers thereafter
Recommended: Familiarity with EM and interest in maths.
The Role of Mathematics in Physics Education Research with Charlotte Zimmerman
Quantitative reasoning, or how we make sense of the world through the application of mathematics, is essential to “thinking like a physicist” and therefore at the heart of much of our undergraduate physics curriculum. Recent work in physics education research suggests that physics and mathematics are so cognitively intertwined that they cannot be separated, yet “math in math class” is distinctly different from “math in physics class.” Together, we will explore how mathematics manifests in undergraduate physics curriculum and the education research that is being conducted to better understand how students are using quantitative reasoning and how we can improve our courses. As this topic is being explored at all levels of physics education, from high school through undergraduate quantum mechanics, our direct focus will be determined by the participant’s interest.
Reading:
[1] Sherin, B. L. (2001). How Students Understand Physics Equations. Cognition and Instruction, 19(4), 479–541.
[2] Redish, E. F., & Kuo, E. (2015). Language of Physics, Language of Math: Disciplinary Culture and Dynamic Epistemology. Science and Education, 24(5–6), 561–590.
Requirements: Experience in the subject you would like to explore (i.e. if you are interested in the introductory sequence, all you need is completion of 12X. If you are interested in the linear algebra of quantum mechanics, you’ll need to have completed Phys 324 and 325.)