Physics (Thesis and Non-Thesis Programs)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
 
401–500 place StudyQA ranking:4594 Duration:24 months

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Physics has always remained and still is at the center of science and technology. The laws of physics that are reached through observations and careful experimentation find applications from the subatomic particles to the astronomic formations such as stars and galaxies.

On the other hand, design of advanced technology materials, fabrication of semiconductor devices, the development of optical communication systems have all evolved as applications of physics. Our department has both theoretical and experimental research activites. Quantum information theory, gravitation and condensed matter physics are among our theoretical research interests.

On the experimental research side, we have three advanced laboratories where we focus on solid state lasers, optoelectronic and nano-photonic materials and devices. Our M. S. Program aims at teaching fundamental physics at a high level and coupling this knowledge with a research experience in either theoretical or applied physics depending on the interests of the student.

Research areas of interest

* Photonic & Laser Materials


* Microphotonics


* Nanophotonics


* Quantum physics, gravitation


* Quantum optics, atomic, molecular and optical physics


* Statistical mechanics of biophysical systems

Course Descriptions
Phys 501

Classical Mechanics

Variational principles. Lagranges equations of motion. 2-body central force problems. Kinematics of rigid body motion. Rigid body equations of motion. Hamiltons equations of motion. Canonical transformations. Hamilton-Jacobi theory. Small oscillations.

Phys 502

Classical Electrodynamics

Boundary value problems in electrostatics and magnetostatics. Maxwell equations. Conservation laws. Electromagnetic waves and wave propagation in media. Waveguides and resonant cavities. Radiating systems.

Phys 503

Advanced Quantum Mechanics I

Spin. Complex vector spaces. Quantum dynamics. Bound state perturbation theory. Time dependent perturbation theory. Identical particle systems.

Phys 504

Advanced Quantum Mechanics II

Rotations and angular momentum. Discrete symmetry operations. WKB approximation. Geometric phase. Scattering theory.

Phys 505

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Dirac equation. Lorentz covariance of the Dirac equation. Solutions to the Dirac equation for a free particle. The Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation. Hole theory. Propagator theory and its applications.

Phys 506

Quantum Statistical Mechanics

Introduction to statistical mechanics. Density matrices. Path integrals. Classical systems of N particles. Order-disorder. Creation and annihilation operators. Spin waves. Polarons. Electron gas in a metal. Superconductivity. Superfluidity.

Phys 507

Advanced Photonics and Lasers

Q switching and mode locking of lasers. Quantum theory of light-matter interactions. Optics of anisotropic media. Introduction to non-linear optics. Light detection and noise.

Phys 508

Optical Spectroscopy

Atomic and molecular spestroscopy. Rotations. Vibrations. Non-linear optics. Intensity dependent refractive index. Spontaneous light scattering. Stimulated light scattering. Raman scattering. Brillouin scattering. Electrooptics and photorefractive effects.

Phys 509

Condensed Matter Physics I

Free electron theory of metals. Crystal lattices. Reciprocal lattice. Classification of Bravais lattices. X-ray diffraction and the determination of crystal structures. Electrons in a periodic potential. Tight binding method. Band structures. Semi-classical theory of conduction in metals. Fermi surface. Surface effects.

Phys 510

Condensed Matter Physics II

Classification of solids. Theory of harmonic crystals. Phonons and phonon dispersion relations. Anharmonic effects in crystals. Phonons in metals. Dielectric properties of insulators. Semiconductors. Diamagnetism and paramagnetism. Electron interactions and magnetic structure. Magnetic ordering. Superconductivity.

Phys 513

Applied Mathematics

Vector spaces. Linear algebra. Fourier analysis and partial differential equations. Laplace equation. Wave equation. Heat equation. Special functions. Complex analysis.

Phys 511

Special Topics in Theoretical Physics

Phys 512

Special Topics in Applied Physics

Phys 590

Seminar

A series of lectures given by faculty or outside speakers. Participating students must also make presentations during the semester.

Phys 595

M.S. Thesis

Independent research towards M.S. degree.

TEAC 500

Teaching Experience

Provides hands-on teaching experience to graduate students in undergraduate courses. Reinforces students' understanding of basic concepts and allows them to communicate and apply their knowledge of the subject matter.

ENGL 500

Graduate Writing

This is a writing course specifically designed to improve academic writing skills as well as critical reading and thinking. The course objectives will be met through extensive reading, writing and discussion both in and out of class. Student performance will be assessed and graded by Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Faculty
Tekin Dereli, Professor, Ph.D. METU, 1976

Quantum information theory, phase space quantization, standard electroweak theory and string models, generalized theories of gravitation, gravitational waves.

Ali Mostafazadeh, Professor, Ph.D. U. Texas-Austin, 1994

PT-symmetric quantum mechanics, geometric phase in quantum mechanics, topological quantum symmetries, supersymmetry and parasupersymmetry, quantum cosmologies.

Özgür Müstecaplioglu, Professor, Ph.D. Bilkent U., 1999

Quantum optics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, photonics.

Alkan Kabakçioglu, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. MIT, 1999

Statistical mechanics of complex systems, structure and folding of biomolecules.

Regulation of gene expression in cells.

Alper Kiraz, Assoc. Professor, Ph.D. U. Calif. Santa Barbara, 2002

Nano-optics, single molecule spectroscopy, optoelectronics.

Alphan Sennaroglu, Professor, Ph.D. Cornell U. 1994

Development and modelling of solid state lasers, ultrashort optical pulse generation, non-linear optics and spectroscopy.

Ali Serpengüzel , Professor, Ph. D. Yale U. 1992

Photonics, optoelectronics, nanophotonics, biophotonics, non-linear optics, laser diagnostics.

* Personal and Educational Background Information (CV) * Recommendation Letters (2 for MSc, 3 for Ph.D) (3 for MS in Molecular Biology and Genetics) * (Recommendation Letters for Electrical and Electronics Engineering should be sent directly from referee with signature through e-mail. ) * TOEFL , IELTS or UDS&KPDS&YDS Requirement (for those whose native language is not English) - New Internet Based: Minimum Score 80 - Computer Based: Minimum Score 213 - Paper Based: Minimum Score 550 - IELTS: Minimum Score 6,5 - UDS / KPDS / YDS: 87 * ALES scores (required for all Turkish nationals) * GRE scores (required from Foreign students; optional for Turkish students) * Official transcripts from all the universities attended * Statement of Purpose English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80

Financial Aid
The students who get the KU full-scholarship, will be supported with one of thepackages below; For MS Students (Thesis Programs):
* Students admitted with a BS/BA degree will have the folowfing offer: * Tuition waiver (33,500 TL/year) plus 1,150 TL monthly stipend, housing.



For PhD Students:
* Students admitted with a BS/BA degree will have the following offer: * Tuition waiver (33,500 TL/year) plus 1,150 TL monthly stipend, housing. The monthly stipend increases to 1,600 TL after the student passes the PhD qualifier.


* Students admitted with a MS/MA degree will have the following offer: * Tuition waiver (33,500 TL/year) plus 1, 400 TL monthly stipend. The monthly stipend increases to 1,600 TL after the student passes the PhD qualifier



Additional Benefits:
* All students receive a laptop computer and private health insurance.
* Students with successful standing receive travel funds to attend scientific conferences and meetings.
* PhD students with higher GPA degrees may be offered super scholarship up to 2,500 TL .
* Students who receive their stipend from other sources (like TÜBITAK scholarships or externally funded research grants and projects) are eligible for the following benefits provided by the university:

* Research Award: 1,300 TL
* Free Housing: This includes all costs except telephone expenses.
* Research Award for PhD students: 2,000 TL/year after they pass the qualifier.

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