Web Site of the Department

Head of Department: Gulen Aktas

Professors: Gulen Aktas, Omur Akyuz*, Engin Arik, Metin Arik, Halûk Beker, Ersan Demiralp, Mehmet Erbudak•, Nihal Ercan, John Freely, Erhan Gulmez, Avadis Hacinliyan*, Levent Kurnaz, Serdar Nergiz, Fahrunisa Neyzi, Enis Oguz, Omer Oguz, Alpar Sevgen, Mikhail Sheftel, Yani Iskarlatos, O. Teoman Turgut

Associate Professor: Askin Ankay, Taylan Akdogan, Muhittin Mungan, Tonguc Rador

Assistant Professors: Levent Akant, Adrian Barkan, Ozhan Ozatay, Antonino Del Popolo, Ali Kaya, Ibrahim Semiz

Instructors: Zuhal Kaplan, Sulun Turgay*

*Part-time

• Adjunct

The Physics Graduate Program is designed to develop the student's ability to pursue independent and original research. The program involves research in various areas of experimental and theoretical physics.


MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

The M.S. program in Physics comprises seven courses with at least 24 credits, a non-credit seminar course, and a Master's thesis. The elective courses are subject to advisor approval and may include at most two upper level undergraduate courses.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM

The Ph.D. program in Physics is composed of a minimum number of seven courses and adds up to at least 21 credits of 500 and 600 level courses planned under the supervision of an advisor, and a doctoral dissertation carried out according to the regulations of the Institute of Graduate Studies. The department expects that the dissertation work will lead to at least one published paper in a refereed physics journal listed in the Science Citation Index.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PHYS 500 Readings in Physics (Fizikte Literatur Incelemesi) (1+0+0) 1
Supervised reading and library work. Choice of material according to individual needs. Both written and oral presentations are required.

PHYS 501 Classical Dynamics (Klasik Dinamik) (3+0+2) 4
Review of principles of mechanics. Hamilton's principle and Lagrange's equations, conservation laws. The principle of least action. Lagrangian formalism: Central forces, rigid body motion, small oscillations. The Hamilton's equation of motion, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations for continuous media.

PHYS 511 Electromagnetic Theory I (Elektromanyetik Teori I) (3+0+2) 4
Electrostatics and magnetostatics. Time-dependent fields and Maxwell's equations. Multipole expansion of the radiation field. The interaction of radiation with matter. Interference and diffraction. Wave guides and cavities. Electromagnetism and relativity.

PHYS 512 Electromagnetic Theory II (Elektromanyetik Teori II) (3+0+2) 4
Further elaboration on some of the topics covered in PHYS 511. Dynamics of charged particles in external electromagnetic fields. Radiation by moving charges, Lienard-Wiechert potentials. Scattering of electromagnetic waves. Cherenkov radiation, Bremsstrahlung. Vector multipole fields. Electromagnetic fluctuations. Radiation damping.

PHYS 521, 522 Mathematical Methods of Physics I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Fizikte Matematiksel Metodlar I, II)
Vectors and matrices, complex analysis, differential and integral equations, special functions, asymptotic methods, calculus of variations. Tensor analysis. Introduction to group theory.

PHYS 525 Introduction to General Relativity (Genel Relativiteye Giris) (3+0+2) 4
Kinematics, dynamics, and four-dimensional formulation of special relativity. The equivalence principle, introduction to classical differential geometry. Einstein's equations and simple applications, introduction to Big Bang cosmology and Inflation theories. White dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

PHYS 531, 532 Quantum Mechanics I, II (Kuantum Teorisi I, II) (3+0+2) 4
Bound state problems. Scattering theory, symmetries. Time independent perturbation theory. Applications. Semiclassical theory of radiation. Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics.

PHYS 541 Statistical Mechanics I (Istatistik Mekanik I) (3+0+2) 4
Laws of thermodynamics and their applications. Classical kinetic theory and the Boltzmann equation. Microcanonical, canonical and grandcanonical partition functions. Ideal quantum gases. Various applications in solid-state, nuclear and astrophysics.

PHYS 542 Statistical Mechanics II (Istatistik Mekanik II) (3+0+2) 4
Cluster expansion for non-ideal classical and quantum gases, virial coefficients, phase transitions, magnetism. Ising model in two dimensions. Introduction to critical phenomena.

PHYS 546 Polymers (Polimerler) (3+0+2) 4
Molecular weight and configurations of macromolecules. Statistical thermodynamics of long-chain-molecules. Elastic and viscoelastic deformation. Electrical and optical properties of polymers. The emphasis is on an understanding of polymer properties in terms of molecular structures.

PHYS 551, 552 Experimental Physics I, II (Deneysel Fizik I, II) (2+0+4) 4
Laboratory experiments fundamental to the development of modern physics. Students are also encouraged: (i) to develop experiments of their own selection, (ii) design and build instruments by themselves with close faculty guidance.

PHYS 554 Numerical and Symbolic Computation (3+0+2) 4
(Sayisal ve Simgesel Hesaplama)
Typical numerical and symbolic programming systems. Use of technique such as special function evaluation, integration, root finding, solution of linear systems, the eigenvalue problem, variational and finite element techniques, Monte Carlo methods in the framework of actual problems such as nonlinear oscillations, scattering, Fourier and spectral analysis, nonlinear data fitting, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of Sturm-Liouville systems, integration of partial differential equations.

PHYS 555 Numerical Methods in Chaotic Systems (3+0+2) 4
(Kaotik Sistemlerde Sayisal Yontemler)
Steady state behavior of dynamical systems. Poincare maps, stability and Liapunov exponents, limit sets, stable and unstable manifolds, phase portraits, construction of bifurcation diagrams. Fractals, dimensions and their determination, the Kaplan-Yorke conjecture, the embedding theorem, attractor reconstruction methods and computer applications of these methods. Weakly deterministic systems and noise reduction.

PHYS 556 Simulation of Physical Phenomena (3+0+2) 4
(Fiziksel Olaylarin Benzetimi)
Role of computer simulation in physics with emphasis on methodologies, data and error analysis, approximations, and potential pitfalls. Methods like Monte Carlo simulation, molecular dynamics, and first-principle calculations for materials.

PHYS 561, 562 Many-Body Theory I, II (Cok Cisim Teorisi I, II) (3+0+2) 4
Many particle Hilbert space, creation and annihilation operators. Green functions at zero temperature. Interacting Fermi and Bose systems. Wick's theorem and diagrammatic analysis of perturbation theory. Linear response theory. Field theory at finite temperature. Functional integrals. Applications to nuclear and condensed matter physics.

PHYS 571 "X-Ray Astronomy" (X-Isin Astronomisi) (3+0+2) 4
Description of instruments used in detecting x-ray emission in various wavelengths. Methods of data analysis. Production mechanisms of x-ray emission. Galactic and extra-galactic x-ray sources and systems. x-ray binaries. Background radiation.

PHYS 572 High Energy Astrophysics (Yuksek Enerji Astrofizigi) (4+1+0) 4
Compact objects as X-ray and gamma-ray sources: white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes, cataclysmic variables, novae, low mass and high mass x-ray binaries, various types of isolated neutron stars, low mass and high mass stellar evolution, radiation mechanisms. Supernova remnants: formation, physical processes and evolution, connection between supernova remnants and neutron stars.

PHYS 579 Graduate Seminar (Lisansustu Seminer) (0+1+0) 0 P/F
The widening of students' perspectives and awareness of topics of interest to physicists through seminars offered by faculty, guest speakers and graduate students.

PHYS 580-599, PHYS 58A-59Z Special Topics in Physics (3+0+2) 4
(Fizikte Ozel Konular)
Study of special topics not covered in other courses at the master's level.

PHYS 601, 602 Graduate Seminar in Physics I, II (3+0+0) 3
(Lisansustu Fizik Semineri I, II)
Study of selected advanced topics under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Both written and oral presentations are required.

PHYS 611, 612 Relativistic Quantum Mechanics I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Relativistik Kuantum Mekanigi I, II)
Review of special relativity and four vectors. Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and their solutions. Hole theory, interactions and relativistic perturbation theory. Symmetry properties. Applications involving electromagnetic and weak interactions.

PHYS 621, 622 Group Theory for Physicists I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Fizikciler Icin Grup Teorisi I, II)
Intensive study of those aspects of group theory which are of greatest importance in physical applications. Definitions and introductory concepts, representations, finite groups, continuous groups: Lie groups and Lie algebras. Examples: SU(2), SL(2,C), SU(3). Lie algebras and root spaces, Cartan's classifications, Dynkin diagrams, real forms, contractions, and expansions. Graded Lie groups. Selected applications to high-energy, nuclear, solid-state, crystal, molecular, and atomic physics.

PHYS 625, 626 General Relativity and Gravitation I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Genel Relativite ve Gravitasyon I, II)
Review of special relativity; modern differential geometry; the foundations of general relativity. Einstein field equations, gravitational collapse. Relativistic stars, black holes, singularities and singularity theorems, gravitational radiation, cosmology.

PHYS 628 Geometric Approach to Mechanics (3+0+2) 4
(Mekanige Geometrik Yaklasim)
Review of Hamiltonian Mechanics. Introductory concepts from differential geometry: manifolds, vector fields, tensors and forms, exterior derivative and Lie derivative. Symplectic manifolds and Hamiltonian mechanics. Lie groups and group actions on manifolds. Coadjoint orbits as examples of symplectic manifolds. Momentum map construction. Poisson manifolds. Some applications to integrable systems.

PHYS 631, 632 Atomic and Molecular Physics I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Atom ve Molekul Fizigi I, II)
Theory of spectroscopy in the optical and microwave region. Mean field and electron correlations. Angular momentum through use of Racah formalism. One-electron and many-electron atoms. Atoms in crystal lattices; the Stark and Zeeman effects, highly excited atoms in strong fields. Multiphoton processes, laser spectroscopy. Molecular structure. Atomic and molecular collisions. Properties of macromolecules.

PHYS 641, 642 Solid State Physics I, II (Kati Hal Fizigi I, II) (3+0+2) 4
Periodic structure and symmetry of crystals, lattice dynamics, phonons, electron gas, Fermi surfaces, electrical and thermal conductivity, semiconductors and insulators, magnetic phenomena in solids, band structure.

PHYS 645, 646 Quantum Optics and Electronics I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Kuantum Optigi ve Elektronigi)
Non-linear optics: harmonic generation, stimulated Brillouin and Raman scattering, mode locking of lasers. Quantum theory of lasers and of the interaction of radiation and atoms. Coupling of radiation to atoms, quantum noise.

PHYS 648 Integrated and Fiber Optics (Entegre ve Fiber Optigi) (3+0+2) 4
Propagation of waves in dielectric thin films and cylindrical guides. Bitlimitation rate due to material dispersion and multimoding. Step index and graded index fibers. Switching and modulation by integrated optics techniques.

PHYS 651, 652 Nuclear Physics I, II (Nukleer Fizik) (3+0+2) 4
Review of nuclear properties. Fermi gas model, nuclear matter. Independent particle model and the nuclear shell model, the Hartree-Fock method, RPA. Models of nuclear collective motion: rotations, vibrations and giant resonances. Nuclear pairing theory. Electromagnetic and weak interactions of nuclei: electron scattering, beta decay, muon capture. Nuclear reactions: optical model, direct reactions, compound nuclear reactions, statistical properties of spectra. Heavy ion collisions and fission.

PHYS 655, 656 High-Energy Nuclear Physics I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Yuksek Enerji Nukleer Fizigi I, II)
Studies of nuclear structure using high-energy probes. Elastic and inelastic scattering of high energy electrons, nucleons, mesons, photo-disintegration. Isobars and nuclear structure. Distribution of charge, matter and magnetization in nuclei. Mesonic atoms. Presentations of topics of current interest.

PHYS 661, 662 Particle Physics I, II (Parcacik Fizigi I, II) (3+0+2) 4
Phenomenology of particle properties and interactions stressing experimental results. Conservation laws. Accelerators, particle detectors and techniques. Strong interactions, quark model predictions. Electromagnetic interactions, Dirac-Feynman theory. Weak interactions, V-A theory, non-conservation of parity. Gauge field theories, Weinberg-Salam theory of electroweak interactions, color-gauge groups and recent models.

PHYS 665, 666 Field Theory I, II (Alan Teorisi I, II) (3+0+2) 4
Classical field theory, canonical quantization. Dirac field. Interacting fields, perturbation theory. S-matrix and the LSZ formalism. Feynman graphs. Functional methods, non-perturbative properties. Renormalization. Calculations in quantum electrodynamics.

PHYS 675, 676 Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Faz Degisimleri ve Kritik Olaylar I, II)
Physical ideas and current techniques used in the study of critical phenomena in statistical mechanics and field theory. Landau theory of phase transitions, critical indices, scaling and universality, renormalization group, duality transformations, lattice gauge theory.

PHYS 683-689, 691-699 PHYS 68A-69Z Special Topics in Physics I, II (3+0+2) 4
(Fizikte Ozel Konular I, II)
Study of special topics not covered in other courses at the graduate level.

PHYS 681, 682 Graduate Seminar in Physics I, II (3+0+0) 3
(Lisansustu Fizik Semineri I, II)
Study of selected advanced topics under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Both written and oral presentations are required.

PHYS 690 M.S. Thesis (Yuksek Lisans Tezi)

PHYS 699 Guided Research (Yonlendirilmis Arastirmalar) (2+4+0) 4
Research in the field of Physics, by arrangement with members of the faculty, guidance of doctoral students towards the preparation of a research proposal.

PHYS 790 Ph.D. Thesis (Doktora Tezi)

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