Dr I-Hsun NI, Senior Lecturer
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
II. Laser and Optical Physics Option
Recommended Pattern of Study for the Laser and Optical Physics Option Core courses
1st year Fall C PHYS 121;
R M A T H l l l ; E ENGG, SB&M 0 LANG 001 PHYS 121 Fundamentals of Physics
PHYS 126 lntroduction to ~ o d e r n Physics PHYS 221 lntermediate Classical Mechanics
(Total: 14 credits) PHYS 223 lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism I
PHYS 234 Elementary Quantum Mechanics I PHYS 241 Optics
PHYS 242 Fibre Optics
Spring C PHYS 126;
R PHYS 127, MATH 151;
E ENGG, H&SS, SB&M (Total: 17 credits) Required courses
2nd year Fall C PHYS 221, PHYS 223, PHYS 241 ; R PHYS 211;
E FREE, H&SS PHYS 127 lntroduction to Modern Physics Laboratory
PHYS 21 1 Experimental Physics
PHYS 31 1 Advanced Experimental Physics PHYS 321 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
(Total: 18 credits)
School of Science Department of Physics
Spring C PHYS 234, PHYS 242;
R PHYS 321;
E FREE, H&SS
Notes:
(Total: 17 credits) ( 1 ) Physics electives must be at 200-level or higher.
(2) Students are recommended to take ELEC 101 and COMP 10211 04 as Engineering electives.
3rd year Fall R PHYS 31 1, PHYS 335;
E PHYS, two FREE, H&SS (Total: 19 credits) (3) Free electives must beat200-level or higher if physics or mathematics are chosen.
(4) Of these courses, at least one course in Humanities and one in Social Science are -- - required.
(5) Students admitted without grade C or above in AS Use of English will be required to take and pass this course during the first semester of attendance.
Spring R PHYS 332/354;
E PHYS, two or three FREE (Total: 15 credits)
C = core course; R = required course; E = elective course; 0 = other course A minimum of 100 credits is required for the BSc programme in Applied Physics --Materials Physics Option. Of these 100 credits. the number of non-PHYS credits must ~ ~
be at least 36. l n addition, students must take additional course(s) andlor elective@) of higher-than-required credit value to meet this minimum total of 100 credits.
Ill. Materials Physics Option
Core courses Recommended Pattern of Study for the Materials Physics Option
PHYS 121 Fundamentals of Physics [3-0-3:4]
PHYS 126 Introduction to Modern Physics [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 221 Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 222 Continuum Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 223 Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism I [4-0-0141 PHYS 234 Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 250 Introduction to Materials Science [3-0-0131
1st year Fall C PHYS 121;
R MATH 111;
E ENGG, SB&M
0 LANG 001 (Total: 14 credits)
(Total: 17 credits)
(Total: 18 credits) Spring C PHYS 126;
R PHYS 127, MATH 151;
E ENGG, H&SS, SB&M Required courses
PHYS 127 lntroduction to Modern Physics Laboratory PHYS 21 1 Experimental Physics
PHYS 321 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
2nd year Fall C PHYS 221, PHYS 223, PHYS 250;
R PHYS211;
E FREE, H&SS PHYS 31 1 Advanced Experimental Physics
or PHYS 361 Microcharacterisation Spring C PHYS 222, PHYS 234;
R PHYS 321;
E FREE, H&SS PHYS 332 Introductory Solid State Physics
or PHYS 354 Device Materials
PHYS 351 Structure and Properties of Materials MATH 11 1 Linear Algebra
MATH 151 Differential Equations and Applications
(Total: 18 credits) 3rd year Fall R PHYS 332/354, PHYS 351 ;
E PHYS, FREE, H&SS (Total: 16 credits) Spring R PHYS3111361;
E PHYS, three FREE Elective courses
(Total: 17 credits) Minimum Minimum
no. of courses total credits
Elective tvDes C = core course; R = required course; E = elective course; 0 = other course
(1) PHYS Physics elective 2 6
(2) ENGG Engineering elective 2 6
(3) FREE Free elective 3 12
(4) H&SS Humanities and Social Science elective 4 12 SB&M Business and Management elective 2 6
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
As a fundamental science, physics presents major challenges to the human mind and the principles of physics serve as a foundation for engineering 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 Additional requirement
(5) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I
School of Science Department of Physics
information 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.
Postgraduate programmes aim to provide students with a solid grounding in broad physics principles and techniques, an ambience for creative and innovative activities, and opportunities for cross- and inter-disciplinary research.
Of
all areas, 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.Research programmes include both experimental and theoretical aspects of linear and non-linear optics, low-dimensional systems, mesoscopic systems, new materials, microst~ctured and nanostmctured devices, and surfaces and interfaces. A pro- gramme of regular visiting faculty members and scholars in other specialties helps ensure a breadth of coverage.
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, a one-page essay on reasons for pursuing postgraduate studies, two letters of reference, and a personal intewiew at the discretion of the Department. A satisfactory TOEFL score is required for overseas applicants whose mother tongue is not English. For overseas MPhil and PhD applicants and Hong Kong PhD applicants, satisfactory attainment in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are needed. Thosewho hold an HKUST Master's Degree in Physics can apply for exemption.
Master of Science (MSc) Programme in Physics
The MSc programme emphasises course work to strengthen students' general background knowledge in physics and is a preparation for careers in teaching or 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 afirst degree in an areaotherthan that of 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 complete an assigned project. The minimum number of credits to fulfil the degree requirements is 30. The passing standard for a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
Students can select courses from the list below to satisfy the degree require- ment. Normally students should include PHYS 513,520,525, and 531 in their selection.
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics PHYS 513 Advanced Classical Mechanics PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics II PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics I
PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics I PHYS 532 Statistical Mechanics II
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics PHYS 591 Solid State Physics I
PHYS 592 Solid State Physics II
PHYS 594 Theory of Many-Particle Systems PHYS 681 Special Topics
Master of Science (MSc) Programme in Materials Science and Engineering This multi-disciplinary programme is jointly offered by the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. For details, please refer to page 115.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Programme in Physics
The MPhil is a research degree and the programme is designed to prepare students for teaching, further postgraduate studies, or 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 additional courses. After one year, students registered in the MPhil programme may apply to transfer to the PhD programme.
In fulfilling the 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. In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit 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. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
Unless prior approval is obtained from the department, full-time students are expected to register in' postgraduate courses with a minimum of 12 credits for the first two semesters from the list of courses below. Normallv students should include PHYS 513, 520, 525 and 531 in their selection.
PHYS 51 1
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II
School of Science Department of Physics
Students are also required to satisfactorily complete the following:
PHYS 600 Physics Seminars for two semesters PHYS 699 MPhil Thesis Research
presentation and oral defence of the MPhil thesis
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programme in Physics
The PhD degree is conferred primarily in recognition of breadth of scholarship, depth of research, and powerto investigate problems independently and efficiently. The duration of the programme normally ranges from fourto 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 that of their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
In fulfilling the 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 are also required to pass a comprehensivelqualifying examination set by the Depart- ment. In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit 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. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
Unless prior approval is obtained from the department, full-time students are expected to register in postgraduate courses with a minimum of 12 credits for the first two semesters from the list of courses below. Students holding an HKUST Master's Degree in Physics have to complete two courses except PHYS 540 with a minimum of 3 credits each.
Students are also required to satisfactorily complete the following:
gain admission to PhD candidacy by:
i) completing satisfactorily a departmental qualifying examination;
ii) 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 systems;
quantum heterostructures.
Professor Peter N. DOBSON, Jr, Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs Theory of elementary particles and their interactions at high energy.
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 Ping SHENG
Wave and electronic transport in disordered materials; composites flow in porous media; liquid crystals; wave localisation; granular metals; complex fluids.
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 semicon- ductors.
Professor Chia-Wei WOO, President
Quantum many-body theory; statistical mechanics; low temperature physics; surface physics; liquid crystals.
Dr Che-Ting CHAN, Associate Professor
Application of first principles and related methods to study the electronic, structural, and other physical properties of matter; surface physics; photonic band gaps.
Dr Kwok-Kwong FUNG, Senior Lecturer
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED); microstructure, defects and phase transitions in crystalline materials.
Dr Wei-Kun GE, Associate Professor
Semiconductor physics: optical spectroscopy; point defects; quantum wells and superlattices; lattice dynamics; non-linear optical properties; material characterisation;
device-related material problems.
School of Science
Dr. Zhao-Qing ZHANG, Associate Professor
Theoretical condensed matter physics: including many-body theory, fractals, electronic structure and transport in disordered systems, wave propagation and localisation in random media, and mesoscopic physics.
Dr Michael S. ALTMAN, Assistant Professor
Surface physics; low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM); scanning tunnelling/atomic force microscopy (STMIAFM).
Dr Sidney C. KAN, Assistant Professor
Device fabrication technology, physics, and novel materials in areas of integrated optics, micromachines, fiber optics, optoelectronics, photonics, and electronics. Optical fiber communication technology.
Dr Pak-Wo LEUNG. Assistant Professor
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, Assistant Professor
Molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth and characterisation of Il-VI wide band-gap semiconductor thin films; visible
t to electronic
devices; transport properties; structural and electronic properties of heterojunction 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
Non-linear dynamics, chaos, fractals, pattern formations; cellular dynamics.
Dr Zi-Kang TANG, Lecturer
Quantum size effects on electronic excited states and electric transport process in clusters. Fabrications of new nanoscale materials. Studies of optical and electrical properties of nanoscale structures.
Dr Jiannong WANG, Lecturer
Physics and technology in semiconductor low dimensional structures: fabrication of semiconductor nanostructures; magneto-transport and optical properties of semicon- ductor nanostructures; and novel device applications.
Dr Xiang-Rong WANG, Assistant Professor
Statistical physics and condensed matter theory: including kinetic aggregation, fractal physics, interference phenomena in the variable-range hopping conduction, localisa- tion, phase transition and critical phenomena.
Dr Yu-Qi WANG, Lecturer
Growth kinetics and surface microstructures of compound semiconductors; optical and electrical properties of semiconductor quantum structures and devices; long wave- length semiconductor lasers; wide gap Ill-V semiconductor materials.
Department of Physics
Dr Kam-Sing WONG, Lecturer
Ultrafast lasers; time-resolved spectroscopy; light scattering in a random medium;
semiconductor and polymer physics.
Dr Michael Kwok-Yee WONG, Lecturer
Physics of complexand disordered systems; neural networks; combinatorial optimisation;
spin glasses; interface growth and corrosion; dynamics and control of telecommunica- tion network traffic.
Dr Rong-Fu XIAO, Assistant Professor
Thin film and crystal growths; nanocluster fabrications; Monte Carlo simulation of pattern formations in material processing; physics of materials.
Dr Xudong XIAO, Assistant Professor
Surface studies with scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM), linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopies and photon-assisted STM. Chemical identification of single atom/molecule on surfaces, diffusion and ultrafast dynamics of surface adsorbates, and nanotribology.
Dr Xiao YAN, Assistant Professor
Transport and magnetic properties in materials of unconventional forms such as magnetic multilayers and magnetic particles in conducting or superconducting arrays;
interfacial structure of multilayers and its effects on bulk properties; synchrotron radiation and new x-ray optics.
Dr Zhi-Yu YANG, Assistant Professor
Il-VI semiconductor quantum structures: in-situ optical diagnostic study of molecular beam epitaxial growth, optical and electrical properties, and theoretical study of electronic band structure.
Dr Kwong-Mow YOO, Lecturer
Femtosecond ultrashort pulse laser and high power lasers; ultrafast phenomena;
nonlinear optics; light scattering and imaging in random and biological media; laser application in medicine.
School of Science