Dr Philip SOLL (Right1 and a reseat-ch stude?zt (abore) of the
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Physics is the science that deals at the most fundamental level with matter and energy, their interactions, and their transformation. Thus it provides the foundation for many other sciences and for engineering.
The Department of Physics is concentrating its resources in interdisciplinary and applied fields with potential relevance to technological industry. Despite the applied physics emphasis, the Department has astrong offering of coresubjects in thefundamen- tal fields of physics. Undergraduates are permitted to select areas of concentration in traditional as well as applied subjects of physics.
Current and planned faculty and postgraduate research focuses on optical, condensed matter and statistical physics, and includes the physics of lasers, solid state, mesoscopic systems, devices, materials, thin films, surfaces, interfaces, liquid crystals and polymers.
A number of central service facilities and interdisciplinary research institutes provide support for the Department% research programmes. Particularly relevant to Phvsics are the centres for Materials Characterisation and Preparation, Microelectronic
~krication, and Computing Services and ~elecommunications, and the research insti- tutes for Information Technology, Advanced Materials and Microsystems. State-of-the- art facilities for large scale and intensive scientific computations available include optical- fibre distributed networks, various workstations, and access to supercomputers. The acquisition of a massive& parallel processing (MPP) computer is in The Department has in-house laboratories for laser physics, photonics, new thin-film materi- als, surfacelinterface studies, solid state properties, polymers and liquid crystals, x-ray optics, semiconductor clusters, and non-linear dynamics.
The Zheng Ge Ru Foundation, the Joyce M. Kuok Foundation, and the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Limited each made a donation recently to the University to establish three new laboratories: the Zheng Ge Ru Thin Film Physics Laboratory, the Joyce M. Kuok Laser and Photonics Laboratory, and the William Mong Semiconductor Clusters Laboratory. These facilities, which form a nucleus for HKUSTs Advanced Materials Research Institute and are housed in Physics, are open to students for training and research.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department :
Nelson CUE, BS Feati; PhD Univ of Washington Professors :
David J. BARBER, BS, PhD Bristol
(Director of the Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre) Leroy L. CHANG, BS National Taiwan; MS South Carolina; PhD Stanford
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Peter N. DOBSON, Jr, BS Massachusetts lnst of Tech; PhD Maryland (Director of Planning and Co-ordination)
Michael M. LOY, BS, PhD Univ of California, Berkeley George K.L. WONG, BS, PhD Univ of California, Berkeley Chia-Wei WOO, BS Georgetown Coll; MS, PhD Washington Univ
(Vice-Chancellor and President) Senior Lecturers :
Kwok-Kwong FUNG, BS Cornell; MS, PhD Bristol
Wei-Kun GE, BSc Beijing; PhD Univ of Manchester lnst of Sc and Tech Lecturers :
Michael S. ALTMAN, BA Pennsylvania; ScM, PhD Brown
Ting CHEN, BS Zhejiang; MS, PhD Univ of California, Los Angeles
Sidney C. KAN, BS Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD California lnst of Tech Pak-Wo LEUNG, BSc Hong Kong; PhD Cornell
Tai-Kai NG, BSc Hong Kong; PhD Northwestern
Philip lam-Keong SOU, BS Jinan; MS, PhD Univ of Illinois, Chicago
Kwok-Yip SZETO, BA(Eng) Toronto; MA State Univ of New York, Stony Brook;
PhD Massachusseffs lnst of Tech
Wing-Yim TAM, BS Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD Univ of California, Santa Barbara
Xiang-Rong WANG, BA Wuhan; MA, PhD Rochester Kam-Sing WONG, BSc London; DPhil Oxford
Michael Kwok-Yee WONG, BSc Hong Kong; MS, PhD Univ of California, Los Angeles
Rong-Fu XIAO, BS Chongqing; PhD Utah Xiao YAN, BS Beijing; PhD Pennsylvania Zhi-Yu YANG, BS Fudan; PhD Purdue
Kwong-Mow YOO, BS Malaya; MS Nebraska; PhD City Univ of New York
Undergraduate Programmes
Two three-year Bachelor of Science degree programmes are offered. The BSc programme in Physics prepares students for a science-related career, such as teaching in secondary schools, or sales and technical support in the technology sector, or for further studies in Physics and related subjects. The BSc programme in Applied Physics, with options in Computational Physics, Laser and Optical Physics, and Materials Physics, is intended for students with interest in the more applied areas of Physics. Upon graduation, they could enter employment in the government and private sectors or pursue postgradu- ate studies.
The first-year courses are common to both degree programmes. Certain mathematics and computer science subjects are highly recommended for all students.
These include ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, linear algebra and matrix theory, complex variables and modern algebra, data structure, and numerical methods for digital computation.
(Dean of Science)
School of Science
For admission, in addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Physics and Pure Mathematics) plus one AUAS subject.
The following semester-bysemester description of the undergraduate pro- gramme defines what students must complete to satisfy programme requirements, and the desirable times for taking particular courses. Students should note that all courses selected, including electives, require departmental approval. Explanations of core (C), required (R), and elective (E) courses can be found on page 29.
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Spring Semester
PHYS 224 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 11 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
MATH 231 R Numerical Analysis [3-1-0:4]
OR PHYS 214 R Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
17 credits Curriculum for BSc Degree in Physics
Third Year Fall Semester
First Year Fall Semester
PHYS 121 C Electricity and Magnetism [3-0-3141
COMP 101 R Computing Fundamentals [2-0-2:3]
ELEC 101 R Basic Electronics [3-1-3:4]
HISS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
(1) LANG 001 Language Skill Enhancement I [O-3-1 :O]
MATH 101 R Multivariable Calculus [3-1-0:4]
18 credits
Spring Semester
PHYS 124 C Vibrations and Waves PHYS 126 C Phenomena of Microphysics
CHEM 102 R Physical Chemistry: Fundamentals and Applications
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective MATH 111 C Linear Algebra
Second Year Fall Semester
PHYS 221 C lntermediate Classical Mechanics PHYS 223 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism I PHYS 241 C Optics
H&SS E ~umanities and Social Science Elective MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications
17 credits
PHYS 31 1 R Advanced Experimental Physics [2-0-6:4]
PHYS 321 R Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 398 R Independent Study Project [O-2-6:4]
(2) PHYS E Physics Elective [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
-
18 credits Spring Semester
PHYS 331 R Elementary Quantum Mechanics II [4-0-0:4]
(3) PHYS E Physics Elective [3-0-Or31
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0131
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
13 credits (1) Students may be exempted from this course by the Language Centre.
(2) A course selected from PHYS 335,351,361, and 381.
(3) A course selected from PHYS 332, 336, 342, 354, and 382 (for which 381 is prerequisite).
A minimumof 101 credits is requiredforthe BScprogramme in Physics. Astudent'schoice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
18 credits
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Curriculum for BSc Degree in Applied Physics
First Year
Students follow the first year curriculum of the BSc Physics programme.
Computational Physics Option
Second Year Fall Semester
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0141 PHYS 223 C Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I 13-0-0131 COMP 102 R Computer Fundamentals and Programming [3-0-2141 H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0131 MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications [3-1-0141 18 credits Spring Semester
PHYS 214 C Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 224 C lntermediate Electricity and ~agnetism-ll [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
MATH 231 R Numerical Analysis [3-1-0:4]
18 credits
Third Year Fall Semester
PHYS 321 R Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics [4-0-0141
PHYS 381 R Computational Physics l [3-0-3141
(1) PHYS E Physics Elective [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
14 credits
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Spring Semester
PHYS 331 R Elementary Quantum Mechanics ll [4-0-0141
PHYS 382 R Computational Physics II 13-0-3:4]
COMP E Computer Science Elective [3-0-0131
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0131
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131 17 credits
(1) A course selected from PHYS 335,351,361, and 398.
A minimum of 102 credits is required for the BSc programme in Applied Physics (Computational Physics Option). A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Laser and Optical Physics Option
Second Year Fall Semester
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0 :4]
PHYS 223 C Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I [3-0-0131
PHYS 241 C Optics [3-0-3141
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications [3-1-0141
18 credits Spring Semester
PHYS 224 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 11 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0 141
PHYS 242 C Fibre Optics [3-0-3141
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0 :3]
MATH 231
R
Numerical Analysis [3-1-0141OR PHYS 214 R Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
18 credits
School of Science School o f Science
Third Year Fall Semester
PHYS 31 1 R Advanced Experimental Physics PHYS 321 R Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics PHYS 335 R Quantum and Optical Electronics PHYS 398 R lndependent Study Project SB&M E Business and Management Elective
Spring Semester
PHYS 331 R Elementary Quantum Mechanics II PHYS 336 R Fundamentals of Nonlinear Optics and
Photonics FREE E Free Elective
SB&M E Business and Management Elective
18 credits
14 credits
A minimum of 103 credits is required for the BSc programme in Applied Physics (Laser and Optical Physics Option). A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Materials Physics Option
Second Year Fall Semester
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 223 C Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 241
C
Optics [3-0-3:4]H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications [3-1-0:4]
18 credits Spring Semester
PHYS 222 C Continuum Physics
PHYS 234 C Elementary ~ " a n t u m Mechanics I PHYS 250 C Introduction to Materials Science FREE E Free Elective
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science
17 credits
Third Year Fall Semester
PHYS 321 R Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics [4-0-0141 PHYS 351 R Structure and Properties of Materials [3-0-0131
PHYS 361
R
Microcharacterisation [2-0-3 131PHYS 398 R Independent Study Project [0-2-6141 SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131 17 credits Spring Semester
PHYS 332 R Introductory Solid State Physics [3-0-0131
PHYS 354 R Device Materials [4-0-0141
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0131
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0131
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131 16 credits
A minimum of 103 credits is required forthe BSc programme in Applied Physics (Materials Physics Option). A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
As afundamental science, physics presents major challenges to the human mind and the principlesof physicssewe as afoundationforengineering and other sciences. The new technologies that physics has spawned are so ingrained in our civilisation that their scientific origins are often overlooked. The discoveries of the principles of solid-state transistors which led to the miniaturisation of electronic devices, of atomic hyperfine structure and superconductivity which made possible nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, and of the laser which underpins present-day communication technology are but a few examples. In addition to directly generating technological innovation, physics also indirectly supports progress throughout society by providing tools with which people in other fields create innovations.
The postgraduate Physics programmes aim to provide students with a solid grounding in broad areas of physics principles and techniques, an ambience for creative and innovative activities, and opportunities for cross- and inter-disciplinary research.
Of all the branches in physics, optical physics and condensed matter physics (CMP) have the greatest impact on our daily lives. It is thus natural that the Department places emphasis on these fields. The research programmes include both experimental and theoretical aspects of linear and nonlinearoptics, low-dimensional systems, mesoscopic systems, new materials, microstructured and nanostructured devices, and surfaces and
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interfaces. A programme of regular visiting faculty and scholars in other specialties helps ensure breadth.
The Department of Physics offers postgraduate programmes leading to the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Applicants for postgraduate programmes in Physics are expected to hold a BSc degree in Physics from a college or university of recognised standing. Selection for admission will be based on academic records and available results of standardised tests in physics, proficiency in the English language, aone-pageessay on reasonsfor pursuing postgraduate study, two letters of reference, and a personal interview at the discretion of
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and one of the following groups:
Theoretical Stream
PHYS 532 Statistical Mechanics II
PHYS 594 Theoly of Many-Particle Systems PHYS 681 Special Topics
Ex~erimental Stream
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics PHYS 681 Special Topics
PHYS 5xx Any other course at 500 level the Department.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Physics Master of Science (MSc) in Physics
The MSc programme emphasises course work to strengthen students' general background knowledge in physics. It prepares students for careers in teaching or for advanced work in industry. The duration of the programme normally ranges from 18 months to three years for full-time studies, and can be extended to five years for part-time studies. Students with a first degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take addiional courses.
In fulfilling degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and complete an assigned project. The minimum number of credits to fulfil the degree requirements is 30. The passing standard in agraded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
Students are normally expected to satisfactorily complete the following :
In Year I
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics PHYS 513 Classical Mechanics
PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics II PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics l PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics I In Year2
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II PHYS 591 Solid State Physics I PHYS 592 Solid State Physics I1
The MPhil is a research degree and the programme is designed to prepare students for teaching, for further postgraduate studies, or for advanced work in industry.
Theduration of the programme normally rangesfrom 18 months tothree yearsfor full-time studies, and can be extended to five years for part-time studies. Students with a first degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses. After one year, students registered in the MPhil programme may apply to transfer to the PhD programme.
In fulfilling degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research. The minimum require- ment in agraded course is C and theoverall average must be B or above. In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfac- torily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
Students are normally expected to satisfactorily complete the following:
In Year 1
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 513 Classical Mechanics [3-0-0131
PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics ll [3-0-0131
PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0141
PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics I [3-0-0:3]
In Year 2
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II PHYS 591 Solid State Physics I PHYS 592 Solid State Physics II
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and one of the following groups:
Theoretical Stream
PHYS 532 Statistical Mechanics II
PHYS 594 Theory of Many-Particle Systems Exmrimental Stream
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics PHYS 681 Special Topics
PHYS 600 Physics Seminars for two semesters PHYS 699 MPhil Thesis Research
presentation and oral defence of the MPhil thesis
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics
The PhD degree is conferred primarily in recognition of breadth of scholarship, depth of research, and power to investigate problems independently and efficiently. The duration of the programme normally ranges from four to eight years from the first degree, with a reduction of 18 months if a relevant master's degree is earned prior to entering the PhD programme. Students with a first degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
In fulfilling degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research. The passing standard in a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above. Students must pass a comprehensivelqualifying examination set by the Department.
In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
Students are normally expected to satisfactorily complete the following:
In Year 1
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 51 3 Classical Mechanics [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics II [3-0-0131
PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0 :4]
PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics I [3-0-0:3]
In Year2
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 591 Solid State Physics l PHYS 592 Solid State Physics II and one of the following groups:
Theoretical Stream
PHYS 532 Statistical Mechanics II [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 594 Theory of Many-Particle Systems [3-0-0:3]
Ex~erimental Stream
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics [O-1-6:3]
PHYS 681 Special Topics [ I -4 credit(s)]
gain admission to PhD candidacy by:
i) completing satisfactorily a departmental qualifying examination;
ii) completing three semesters of full-time study; and iii) achieving a satisfactory academic record.
PHYS 600 Physics Seminars for two semesters PHYS 799 Doctoral Thesis Research
presentation and oral defence of the PhD thesis
Faculty Research Interests
Professor Nelson CUE, Head of Department
Atomic collisions in solids; x-ray optics and microscopy; production and properties of clusters; spectroscopy of atoms, molecules and nuclei; radiation effects.
Professor David J. BARBER,
Director of Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre
Physics of materials; materials processing and characterisation; electron microscopy; phase transitions; deformation micromechanisms; sol-gel-derived thin films;
ferroelectric oxides; electrochromic organics.
Professor Leroy L. CHANG, Dean of Science
Semiconductor physics, materials and devices; low dimensional electron sys- tems; quantum heterostructures.
Professor Peter N. DOBSON, Director of Planning and Co-ordination Theory of elementary particles and their interactions at high energy.
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Professor Michael M. LOY
Nonlinear optical propagation effects, two-photon coherent transients, nonlinear optical studies of surfaces, state-selective studies of molecule-surface interactions:
recent work involves desorption of molecules from surfaces induced by femtosecond laser pulses.
Professor George K. L. WONG
Nonlinear optics; nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals, polymers, and Langmuir-Blodgett films; optical and transport properties of semiconductors; molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of narrow band gap semiconductors; and electron-hole drops in semiconductors.
Professor Chia-Wei WOO, Vice-Chancellor and President
Quantum many-body theory; statistical mechanics; low temperature physics;
surface physics; liquid crystals.
Dr Kwok-Kwong FUNG, Senior Lecturer
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and convergent beam electron diff rac- tion (CBED); microstructure, defects and phase transitions in crystalline materials.
Dr Wei-Kun GE, Senior Lecturer
Semiconductor physics: optical spectroscopy; point defects; quantum wells and superlattices; lattice dynamics; non-linear optical properties; material characterisation;
device-related material problems.
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Dr Sidney C. KAN, Lecturer
Sensors/devices in electronics, photonics, and optoelectronics; high speed characteristics and nonlinear transport in semiconductor devices; double barrier resonant tunnelling structures and quantum well lasers.
Dr Pak-Wo LEUNG, Lecturer
Computational condensed matter physics: including classical Monte Carlo simulations of two-dimensional systems, quantum Monte Carlo simulations of helium films, and exact diagonalisation of quantum spin systems.
Dr Tai-Kai NG. Lecturer
Theoretical condensed matter physics and statistical physics: including Fermi liquid theory, mesoscopic systems and quantum transport, density functional theory, high-Tc superconductors and quantum-spin systems.
Dr lam-Keong SOU, Lecturer
Molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth and characterisation of Il-VI variable band gap semiconductor alloys; infrared laser devices; transport properties; structural study of Delta doping and Hetero-interfaces.
Dr Kwok-Yip SZETO, Lecturer
Growth phenomenon; quasicrystal and amorphous structure; frustrated spin systems; berry phase; magnetotransport; genetic algorithms and nonlinear forecasting.
Dr Wing-Yim TAM, Lecturer Dr Michael S. ALTMAN, Lecturer
Non-linear dynamics, chaos, fractals, pattern formations, and complex systems.
Surface physics; low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM); scanning tunnelling1 atomic force microscopy (STMIAFM).
Dr Xiang-Rong WANG, Lecturer Dr Ting CHEN, Lecturer
Scanning probe microscopy studies of surfaces, surface absotbates, clusters, nanoscale structures and collective excitations on surfaces.
Kineticaggregation and fractal physics; mesoscopic physics in thevariable range hopping regime; molecular dynamics of liquids and the study of electrode-electrolyte interface; statistical physics of disordered system.