UW Physics
PHYS 324 Quantum Mechanics (4) NW
First part of a two-quarter sequence. Introduction to nonrelativistic quantum mechanics: need for quantum theory, Schrodinger equation, operators, angular momentum, the hydrogen atom, identical particles, and the periodic table. Prerequisite: 2.0 in PHYS 225, PHYS 228. Offered: AS.
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PHYS 460 Water in the Environment (3) NW
Discusses the unique physical and chemical properties of the water molecule in relation to the atmospheric greenhouse effect, precipitation formation, oceanic circulations, infiltration of water through soils, geyser eruptions, and glacier and sea ice thickness. Prerequisite: either ESS 310, MATH 126, or MATH 136; PHYS 123. Offered: jointly with ATM S 460/ESS 424.
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PHYS 520 Advanced Quantum Mechanics - Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (4)
Multi-particle systems, second quantization, diagrammatic perturbation theory, radiation, correlation functions and multi-particle scattering, relativistic theories, renormalizability, basic quantum electrodynamics, and other applications. Offered: A.
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PHYS 521 Advanced Quantum Mechanics - Introduction to Quantum Field Theory (3)
Multi-particle systems, second quantization, diagrammatic perturbation theory, radiation, correlation functions and multi-particle scattering, relativistic theories, renormalizability, basic quantum electrodynamics, and other applications. Offered: W.
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PHYS 530 Laser Physics (4)
Physics underlying laser design and operation in the context of common laboratory systems. Topics may include continuous and pulsed lasers; solid, liquid, and gas gain media; Q-switching, mode-locking, resonator theory, nonlinear optics, and others. Prerequisite: basic quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and optics.
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PHYS 542 Numerical Methods in Physics (4)
Numerical methods for analysis and computation in physics. Topics may include integration, differential equations, partial differential equations, optimization, data handling, and Monte Carlo techniques. Emphasis is applications in physics. Prerequisite: 30 credits in physical sciences, computer science, or engineering.
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PHYS 545 Contemporary Optics (4)
Coordinated lecture and laboratory treatment of topics in contemporary optics. Subjects include Fourier optics, lens systems, interferometry, laser optics, holography, polarization, crystal optics, birefringence, laser and conventional light sources, optical detectors. Prerequisite: PHYS 543 or equivalent.
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PHYS 547 Electronics for Physics Research (4)
Electronic techniques as applied in physics research. Topics include noise, control-system analysis, operational amplifiers, lock-in amplifiers, precision power supplies and metering, data transmission, microprocessors. Several integrated measurement systems are examined in the context of specific research problems. Prerequisite: elementary electronics.
