Prospectus

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Fysica van Moderne Technologie

Course
2021-2022

Admission requirements

Mathematics and Physics on Dutch high school VWO level

Description

In this elective shall we investigate the fascinating physics behind several present-day and future technologies. The course will connect already acquired knowledge in physics (such as in "introductie moderne natuurkunde") to high-tech applications, and exapnd on it, in order to gain deeper insight. We do this by

  • repetition by homework assignments (and possibly online tests) for better memorizing

  • instructions for preparation for the next lecture

  • lectures with time for discussions (possibly online)

  • you will write a report and do peer review about the physics of a modern technology

The most important topics and technologies that we discuss are

  • Solid-state physics and optics (crystal structure, electronic bands, LEDs, solar cells, single photon detectors)

  • Photonic crystals, single photon technologies

  • Quantum information and technology (qubits, quantum cryptography, quantum computing)

  • Modern electron and scanning-probe microscopy techniques

Course Objectives

After completing the course you can quickly identify the relevant physical concepts behind modern technologies, perform simple quantitative calculations and estimations, and be able to report it.

More specifically, after actively participating in the course you will be able to

  • understand the basic concepts of solid-state physics including optical properties of semiconductor devices

  • have insight into the fascinating properties of controlled quantum systems

  • predict the evolution of quantum systems and measurements

  • have an overview of modern measurement methods on the nanometer scale

  • write a scientific report and asses reports critically

Soft Skills

By actively taking part in this course , you also will be trained in

  • effcient finding of information sources and critically assessing them

  • understanding and assessing scientific articles

  • perform good assessments and approximations

  • do simple back-of-the-envelope calculations

  • scientific writing

Timetable

Please see Brightspace

Mode of Instruction

Lectures, homework, project work (self-study, feedback, probably presentations, report, peer review).
See Brightspace

Study load

Lectures: 22h
Preparation of lectures and homework: 26h
Project: 36h

Assessment method

Preliminary:

  • Homework: max. +1.0 bonus point

  • Project (in pairs):

    • Preparation: 20%
    • Presentation: 20%
    • Report: 40%
    • Peer review: 20%

Reading list

none

Registration

Registration via uSis

For registration see this link

Contact

Lecturer: Dr. W.Löffler (Wolfgang)