Academics

Applied Physics


M.S. and Ph.D. Program in Applied Physics


Admission

A bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, mathematics, or one of the physical sciences is required for admission.

M.S. Program in Applied Physics

The program of study leading to the degree of master of science, while emphasizing continued work in basic physics, permits many options in several applied physics specialties. The program may be considered simply as additional education in areas beyond the bachelor's level, or as preparatory to doctoral studies in the applied physics fields of plasma physics, laser physics, solid-state physics, and applied mathematics. Specific course requirements for the master's degree are determined in consultation with the program adviser.

Ph.D. and Eng.Sc.D. Programs

After completing the M.S. program in applied physics, doctoral students specialize in one applied physics field. Some programs have specific course requirements for the doctorate; elective courses are determined in consultation with the program advisor. Successful completion of an approved 30-point program of study is required in addition to successful completion of a written qualifying examination taken after two semesters of graduate study. An oral examination, taken within one year of the written qualifying examination, and a thesis proposal examination, taken within two years after the written qualifying examination, are required of all doctoral candidates. Ph.D. candidates must also submit an approved dissertation, and complete the University residence requirements.
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Plasma Physics


This academic program is designed to emphasize preparation for professional careers in plasma research, controlled fusion, and space research. This includes basic training in relevant areas of applied physics, with emphasis on plasma physics and related areas leading to extensive experimental and theoretical research in the Columbia University Plasma Physics Laboratory. Specific course requirements for the plasma physics doctoral program are APPH E4018, APPH E4200, APPH E4300, APPH E6101, APPH E6102, and APPH E9142 or APPH E9143, or equivalents taken at another university.

Core Courses


Related Courses of Specialization

  • ELEN E4501: Electromagnetic devices and energy conversion

Plasma Physics Faculty

Michael E. Mauel (Coordinator)
Allen H. Boozer
Gerald A. Navratil
Thomas S. Pedersen
Amiya K. Sen - EE and APAM

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Optical & Laser Physics


This academic program involves a basic training in relevant areas of applied physics with emphasis in quantum mechanics, quantum electronics, and related areas of specialization. Some active areas of research in which the student may concentrate are laser modification of surfaces, the free-electron laser, optical diagnostics of film processing, inelastic light scattering in nano-materials, nonlinear optics, ultrafast optoelectronics photonic switching, optical physics of surfaces, and photon integrated circuits. Specific course requirements for the optical and laser physics doctoral program are set with the academic adviser. back to top

Solid-State Physics


This academic program encompasses the study of the electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal, high-pressure, and ultrafast dynamical properties of solids, with an aim to understanding them in terms of the atomic and electronic structure. The program emphasizes the formation, processing, and properties of thin films, low-dimensional structures—such as one- and two-dimensional electron gases, nanocrystals, and surfaces of electronic and optoelectronic interest. Facilities include a microelectronics laboratory, high-pressure diamond anvil cells, a molecular beam epitaxy machine, ultrahigh vacuum systems, lasers, equip- ment for the study of optical properties, and the instruments in the shared facilities of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) and the Nano-scale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC). There are also significant resources for electrical and optical experimentation at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Specific course requirements for the solid-state physics doctoral program are set with the academic adviser, in consultation with the Committee on Materials Science and Engineering/ Solid-State Science and Engineering.


Core Courses for Solid-State Physics and Optical & Laser Physics

  • ELEN E4301: Introduction to semiconductor devices

Related Courses of Specialization

  • ELEN E4944: Principles of device microfabrication
  • ELEN E6140: Gallium arsenide materials processing
  • ELEN E6151: Surface physics and analysis of electronic materials
  • MSAE E6225: Techniques in x-ray and neutron diffraction
  • MSAE E6229: Energy and particle beam processing of materials
  • MSAE E6240: Impurities and defects in semiconductor materials
  • MSAE E8235: Selected topics in materials science
  • PHYS G8050: Advanced mathematical methods in physics



Solid-State Physics and Optical & Laser Physics Faculty

Aron Pinczuk, Physics and APAM (Coordinator)
Siu-Wai Chan
Irving P. Herman
Gertrude Neumark
I.C. Noyan
Richard M. Osgood, EE and APAM
Horst Stormer, Physics and APAM
Latha Venkataraman
Wen I. Wang, EE and APAM


Solid-State Physics and Optical & Laser Physics Faculty
in Other Departments

Louis Brus, Chemistry
Kenneth Eisenthal, Chemistry
George Flynn, Chemistry
Richard Friesner, Chemistry
Tony Heinz, Physics and EE
Philip Kim, Physics
Yasutomo Uemura, Physics
James Valentini, Chemistry
Chee Wei Wong, Mechanical Engineering

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