Applied Physics (PhD, EngScD)
Applied Physics
This doctoral program has three specialties. APPH E4018 APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY is required for each of the three specialties in the first year of the doctoral program, in addition to any specific courses required of each specialty.
Plasma Physics
This graduate specialty is designed to emphasize preparation for professional careers in plasma research, controlled fusion, and space research. This includes basic training in relevant areas of applied physics, with emphasis on plasma physics and related areas leading to extensive experimental and theoretical research in the Columbia University Plasma Physics Laboratory.
| Code | Title | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| APPH E4018 | APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY | |
| APPH E4200 | PHYSICS OF FLUIDS | |
| APPH E4300 | APPLIED ELECTRODYNAMICS | |
| APPH E6101 | PLASMA PHYSICS I | |
| APPH E6102 | PLASMA PHYSICS II | |
| APPH E9142 | (or equivalents taken at another university) | |
| or APPH E9143 | APPLIED PHYSICS SEMINAR | |
Optical and Laser Physics
This graduate specialty involves a basic training in relevant areas of applied physics, with emphasis in quantum mechanics, quantum electronics, and related areas of specialization. Some active areas of research in which the student may concentrate are laser modification of surfaces, optical diagnostics of film processing, inelastic light scattering in nanomaterials, nonlinear optics, ultrafast optoelectronics photonic switching, optical physics of surfaces, and photon integrated circuits. Specific course requirements for the optical and laser physics doctoral specialization are set with the academic adviser.
Solid-State Physics
This graduate specialty encompasses the study of the electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal, high-pressure, and ultrafast dynamical properties of solids, with an aim to understanding them in terms of the atomic and electronic structure. The field emphasizes the formation, processing, and properties of thin films, low-dimensional structures—such as one- and two-dimensional electron gases, nanocrystals, surfaces of electronic and optoelectronic interest, and molecules. Facilities include a microelectronics laboratory, high-pressure diamond anvil cells, a molecular beam epitaxy machine, ultrahigh vacuum systems, lasers, equipment for the study of optical properties and transport on the nanoscale, and the instruments in the shared facilities overseen by the Columbia Nano Initiative (CNI). There are also significant resources for electrical and optical experimentation at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Specific course requirements for the solid-state physics doctoral specialization are set with the academic adviser.