SEMESTER I

 Mathematical Physics I (3 credits) PS 417

 Classical Mechanics (3 credits) PS 412
 Quantum Mechanics I (3 credits) PS 413
 Electronics (2 credits) PS 425
 Physics Lab I (6 credits) PS 415

Total 17 credits

PS 417 Mathematical Physics I (3 credits)

Linear Vector Spaces

Linear vector spaces, dual space, inner product spaces. Linear operators, matrices for
linear operators. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Similarity transformation, (matrix)
diagonalization. Special matrices: Normal, Hermitian and Unitary matrices. Hilbert
space.

Complex Analysis

Complex numbers and variables. Complex analyticity, Cauchy-Riemann conditions.

Classification of singularities. Cauchy's theorem. Residues. Evaluation of definite
integrals. Taylor and Laurent expansions. Analytic continuation, Gamma function, zeta
function. Method of steepest descent.

Ordinary Differential Equations and Special Functions

Linear ordinary differential equations and their singularities. Sturm- Liouville problem,
expansion in orthogonal functions. Series solution of second-order equations.
Hypergeometric function and Bessel functions, classical polynomials. Fourier Series
and Fourier Transform.

References:

 G.B. Arfken, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Elsevier

 P. Dennery and A. Krzywicki, Mathematics for Physicists, Dover
 S.D. Joglekar, Mathematical Physics: Basics (Vol. I) and Advanced (Vol. II), Universities Press
 A.W. Joshi, Matrices and Tensors in Physics, New Age Publishers
 R.V. Churchill and J.W. Brown, Complex Variables and Applications, McGraw-Hill
 P.M. Morse and H. Feshbach, Methods of Theoretical Physics (Vol. I & II), Feshbach Publishing
 M.R. Spiegel, Complex Variables, McGraw-Hill
 PS 412 Classical Mechanics (3 credits)

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Formulations of Mechanics

Calculus of variations, Hamilton's principle of least action, Lagrange's equations of

motion. Symmetries and conservation laws, Noether’s theorem. Hamilton's equations
of motion. Phase plots, fixed points and their stabilities.

Two-Body Central Force Problem

Equation of motion and first integrals. Kepler problem. Classification of orbits.

Satellites and inter-planetary orbits. Scattering in central force field.

Small Oscillations

Linearization of equations of motion. Normal coordinates. Damped and forced

oscillations. Anharmonic terms, perturbation theory.

Rigid body dynamics

Rotational motion, moments of inertia, torque. Euler’s theorem, Euler angles.

Symmetric top. Gyroscopes and their applications.

Hamiltonian Mechanics

Canonical transformations. Poisson brackets. Hamilton-Jacobi theory, action-angle

variables. Integrable system. Perturbation theory. Introduction to chaotic dynamics.

References:

 H. Goldstein, C.P. Poole and J.F. Safko, Classical Mechanics, Addison-Wesley

 N.C. Rana and P.S. Joag, Classical Mechanics, Tata McGraw-Hill
 J.V. Jose and E.J. Saletan, Classical Dynamics: A Contemporary Approach, Cambridge University
Press
 L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz, Mechanics, Butterworth-Heinemann
 I.C. Percival and D. Richards, Introduction to Dynamics, Cambridge University Press
 R.D. Gregory, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press

PS 413 Quantum Mechanics I (3 credits)

Introduction
 Review of empirical basis, wave-particle duality, electron diffraction. Notion of state
vector. Probability interpretation. Review and relations between approaches of
Heisenberg-Born-Jordan, Schroedinger and Dirac.

Structure of Quantum Mechanics

Operators and observables, operators as matrices, significance of eigenvalues and

eigenfunctions. Commutation relations. Uncertainty principle. Measurement in
quantum theory.

Quantum Dynamics

Time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Stationary states and their significance. Time-

independent Schrödinger equation.

Schrödinger Equation for one-dimensional systems

Free-particle, periodic boundary condition. Wave packets. Square well potential.

Numerical solution of Schroedinger equation. Transmission through a potential barrier.
Gamow theory of alpha-decay. Field induced ionization, Schottky barrier. Simple
harmonic oscillator: solution by wave equation and operator method. Charged particle
in a uniform magnetic field. Coherent states.

Spherically Symmetric Potentials

Separation of variables in spherical polar coordinates. Orbital angular momentum,

parity. Spherical harmonics. Free particle in spherical polar coordinates. Spherical
well. Hydrogen atom. Numerical solution of the radial equation in arbitrary potential.

References:

 C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu and F. Laloe, Quantum Mechanics (Vol. I), Wiley

 L.I. Schiff, Quantum Mechanics, McGraw-Hill
 R. Shankar, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Springer
 E. Merzbacher, Quantum Mechanics, John Wiley and Sons
 A. Messiah, Quantum Mechanics (Vol. I), Dover
 A. Das, Lectures on Quantum Mechanics, Hindustan Book Agency
 R.P. Feynman, Feynman Lectures on Physics (Vol. III), Addison-Wesley
 A. Levi, Applied Quantum Mechanics, Cambridge Univ Press

PS 425 Electronics (2 credits)

Introduction

Survey of network theorems and network analysis, AC and DC bridges, transistors at

low and high frequencies, FET.
 Electronic Devices

General properties of semiconductors. Schottky diode, p-n junction, Diodes, light-

emitting diodes, photo-diodes, negative-resistance devices, p-n-p-n characteristics,
transistors (FET, MoSFET, bipolar).

Basic differential amplifier circuit, operational amplifier - characteristics and

applications, simple analog computer, analog integrated circuits.

Digital Electronics

Gates, combinational and sequential digital systems, flip-flops, counters, multi-

channel analyzer.

References:

 P. Horowitz and W. Hill, The Art of Electronics, Cambridge University Press

 J. Millman and A. Grabel, Microelectronics, McGraw-Hill
 J.J. Cathey, Schaum's Outline of Electronic Devices and Circuits, McGraw-Hill
 M. Forrest, Electronic Sensor Circuits and Projects, Master Publishing Inc
 W. Kleitz, Digital Electronics: A Practical Approach, Prentice Hall
 J.H. Moore, C.C. Davis and M.A. Coplan, Building Scientific Apparatus, Cambridge University Press

PS 415 Physics Laboratory I (6 credits)

 Error analysis
 G.M Counter
 Experiments with microwaves
 Resistivity of semiconductors
 Work function of Tungsten
 Hall effect
 Thermal conductivity of Teflon
 Susceptibility of Gadolinium
 Transmission line, propagation of mechanical and EM waves
 Measurement of e/m using Thomson method
 Measurement of Planck’s constant using photoelectric effect
 Michelson interferometer
 Millikan oil-drop experiment
 Frank-Hertz experiment
 Experiment using semiconductor laser

Note: Each student is required to perform at least 8 of the above experiments.

 SEMESTER II

 Quantum Mechanics II (3 credits) PS 421

 Statistical Mechanics (3 credits) PS 429
 Electromagnetic Theory (3 credits) PS 423
 Mathematical Physics II (2 credits) PS 428
 Relativistic Physics (2 credits) PS 424
 Physics Laboratory II (Electronics) (4 credits)

PS 426

Total 17 credits

PS 421 Quantum Mechanics II (3 credits)

Symmetry in Quantum Mechanics

Symmetry operations and unitary transformations. Conservation laws. Space and time
translations; rotation. Discrete symmetries: Space inversion, time reversal and charge
conjugation. Symmetry and degeneracy.

Angular momentum

Rotation operator, generators of infinitesimal rotation, angular momentum algebra,

eigenvalues of J2 and Jz. Pauli matrices and spinors. Addition of angular momenta.

Identical particles

Indistinguishability, symmetric and anti-symmetric wave functions, incorporation of

spin, Slater determinants, Pauli exclusion principle.

Time-independent Approximation Methods

Non-degenerate and degenerate perturbation theory. Stark effect, Zeeman effect and
other examples. Variational methods. WKB approximation. Tunnelling. Numerical
perturbation theory, comparison with analytical results.

Time-dependent Problems

Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Transition

probability calculations, Fermi’s golden rule. Adiabatic and sudden approximations.
Beta decay. Interaction of radiation with matter. Einstein A and B coefficients,
introduction to the quantization of electromagnetic field.

Scattering Theory
 Differential scattering cross-section, scattering of a wave packet, integral equation for
the scattering amplitude, Born approximation, method of partial waves, low energy
scattering and bound states, resonance scattering.

References:

Same as in Quantum Mechanics I plus

 C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu and F. Laloe, Quantum Mechanics (Vol. II), Wiley

 A. Messiah, Quantum Mechanics (Vol.II), Dover
 S. Flügge, Practical Quantum Mechanics, Springer
 J. J. Sakurai, Modern Quantum Mechanics, Pearson
 K. Gottfried and T.-M. Yan, Quantum Mechanics: Fundamentals, Springer

PS 429 Statistical Mechanics (3 credits)

Elementary Probability Theory

Binomial, Poisson and Gaussian distributions. Central limit theorem.

Review of Thermodynamics

Extensive and intensive variables. Laws of thermodynamics. Legendre

transformations and thermodynamic potentials. Maxwell relations. Applications
of thermodynamics to (a) ideal gas, (b) magnetic material, and (c) dielectric material.

Formalism of Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

Phase space, Liouville's theorem. Basic postulates of statistical mechanics.

Microcanonical, canonical, grand canonical ensembles. Relation to thermodynamics.
Fluctuations. Applications of various ensembles. Equation of state for a non-ideal gas,
Van der Waals' equation of state. Meyer cluster expansion, virial coefficients. Ising
model, mean field theory.

Quantum Statistics

Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics.

Ideal Bose gas, Debye theory of specific heat, properties of black-body radiation.
Bose-Einstein condensation, experiments on atomic BEC, BEC in a harmonic
potential.

Ideal Fermi gas. Properties of simple metals. Pauli paramagnetism. Electronic specific
heat. White dwarf stars.

References:

 F. Reif, Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, Levant

 K. Huang, Statistical Mechanics, Wiley
 R.K. Pathria, Statistical Mechanics, Elsevier
 D.A. McQuarrie, Statistical Mechanics, University Science Books
 S.K. Ma, Statistical Mechanics, World Scientific
 R.P. Feynman, Statistical Mechanics, Levant
 D. Choudhury and D. Stauffer, Principles of Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, Wiley-VCH

PS 423 Electromagnetic Theory (3 credits)

Review of Electrostatics and Magnetostatics (2-3 weeks)

Coulomb’s law, action-at-a distance vs. concept of fields, Poisson and Laplace
equations, formal solution for potential with Green's functions, boundary value
problems; multipole expansion; Dielectrics, polarization of a medium; Biot-Savart law,
differential equation for static magnetic field, vector potential, magnetic field from
localized current distributions; Faraday's law of induction; energy densities of electric
and magnetic fields.

Maxwell’s Equations

Maxwell’s equations in vacuum. Vector and Scalar potentials in electrodynamics,

gauge invariance and gauge fixing, Coulomb and Lorenz gauges. Displacement
current. Electromagnetic energy and momentum. Conservation laws. Inhomogeneous
wave equation and its solutions using Green’s function method. Covariant formulation
of Maxwell’s equations (brief discussion).

Electromagnetic Waves

Plane waves in a dielectric medium, reflection and refraction at dielectric interfaces.

Frequency dispersion in dielectrics and metals. Dielectric constant and anomalous
dispersion. Wave propagation in one dimension, group velocity. Metallic wave guides,
boundary conditions at metallic surfaces, propagation modes in wave guides, resonant
modes in cavities. Dielectric waveguides. Plasma oscillations.

Radiation

EM Field of a localized oscillating source. Fields and radiation in dipole and

quadrupole approximations. Antenna; Radiation by moving charges, Lienard-
Wiechert potentials, total power radiated by an accelerated charge, Lorentz formula.

References:

 D.J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, Prentice Hall

 J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, Wiley
 A. Das, Lectures on Electromagnetism, Hindustan Book Agency
 J.R. Reitz, F.J. Milford and R.W. Christy, Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory, Addison-Wesley
 W.K.H. Panofsky and M. Phillips, Classical Electricity and Magnetism, Dover
 R.P. Feynman, Feynman Lectures on Physics (Vol. II), Addison-Wesley
 A. Zangwill, Modern Electrodynamics, Cambridge Univ Press

PS 428 Mathematical Physics II (2 credits)

Calculus of variations

Extremization problems (with and without constraints). Euler-Lagrange equations and

Lagrange’s multipliers. Functional derivatives for real and complex fields (with
applications in classical and quantum physics). Noether’s theorem.

Partial Differential Equations

Laplace and Poisson equation (with particular emphasis on solving boundary value
problems in Electrostatics and Magnetostatics); Wave equation. Heat Equation.
Green’s function approach. Separation of variables and solution in different
coordinates.

Group Theory

Definition and properties. Discrete and continuous groups. Subgroups and cosets.
Products of groups.

Matrix representation of a group. (Ir)reducible reprsentations. Characters.

Representations of finite groups.

Examples of continuous groups, SO(3), SU(2) and SO(n) and SU(n). Generators of
SU(2) and their algebra. Representations of SU(2).

References:

 P. Dennery and A. Krzywicki, Mathematics for Physicists, Dover

 S.D. Joglekar, Mathematical Physics: Advanced Topics (Vol. II), Universities Press
 P.M. Morse and H. Feshbach, Methods of Theoretical Physics (Vol. I & II), Feshbach Publishing
 A.W. Joshi, Matrices and Tensors in Physics, New Age Publishers
 W.-K. Tung, Group Theory in Physics, World Scientific
 A. Das and S. Okubo, Lie Groups and Lie Algebras for Physicists, Hindustan Book Agency
 I. Gelfand and S. Fomin, Calculus of Variations, Dover
 W. Yourgrau and S. Mandelstam, Variational Principles in Dynamics and Quantum Theory, Dover
 PS 424 Relativistic Physics (2 credits)

Special Theory of Relativity

Motivation. Postulates of special theory of relativity. Lorentz transformation. Space-

time diagram. Time dilation and length contraction. Addition of velocities. Doppler
effect. Paradoxes.

Four-vectors, contra- and covariant vectors. Coordinate, velocity and momentum four-
vectors.

Tensors. Electromagnetic field tensor. Maxwell's equations in tensor notation.

Transformation of electromagnetic field. Relativistic dynamics of charged particles in
electromagnetic field with special emphasis on particle accelerators. Relativistic
Lagrangian of charged particles in electromagnetic fields.

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Klein-Gordon equation and its plane wave solution.

Dirac matrices. Dirac equation. Plane wave solutions, intrinsic spin and magnetic
moment. Antiparticles.

Dirac equation for the hydrogen atom. Spin-orbit coupling and fine structure.

References:

 H. Goldstein C.P. Poole and J.F. Safko, Classical Mechanics, Addison-Wesley

 A.P. French, Special Relativity, W.W. Norton
 E.F. Taylor and J.A. Wheeler, Spacetime Physics: Introduction to Special Relativity, W.H. Freeman
 W. Rindler, Introduction to Special Relativity, Oxford University Press
 J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, Wiley
 L. Schiff, Quantum Mechanics, McGraw-Hill
 B.H. Bransden and C.J. Joachain, Quantum Mechanics, Pearson
 D. Styer, Relativity for the Questioning Mind, Johns Hopkins Univ Press

PS 426 Physics Laboratory II (Electronics) (4 credits)

 Circuit analysis using Thevenin's theorem and Kirchhoff’s law.

 Characteristics of diode, BJT, FET, FET-switch
 Analysis of feedback circuits
 Differential amplifier and current mirror circuits
 Characteristics of OPAMP and Trigger circuit
 Digital electronics

SEMESTER III

 Computational Physics (3 credits) PS 427

 Condensed Matter Physics (3 credits) PS 511
 Subatomic Physics (3 credits) PS 512
 Atoms and Molecules (3 credits) PS 514
 Physics Lab III (6 credits) PS 515

Total 18 credits

PS 427 Computational Physics (3 credits)

Overview

Computer organization, hardware, software. Scientific programming in FORTRAN

and/or C, C++. Introduction to Mathematica and/or Matlab

Numerical Techniques

Sorting, interpolation, extrapolation, regression, numerical integration, quadrature,

random number generation, linear algebra and matrix manipulations, inversion,
diagonalization, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, integration of initial-value problems,
Euler, Runge-Kutta, and Verlet schemes, root searching, optimization.

Simulation Techniques

Monte Carlo methods, molecular dynamics, simulation methods for the Ising model
and atomic fluids, simulation methods for quantum-mechanical problems, time-
dependent Schrödinger equation. Langevin dynamics simulation.

References:

 V. Rajaraman, Computer Programming in Fortran 77, Prentice Hall

 W.H. Press, B.P. Flannery, S.A. Teukolsky and W.T. Vetterling, Numerical Recipes: The Art of
Scientific Computing, Cambridge University Press
 H.M. Antia, Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers, Hindustan Book Agency
 D.W. Heermann, Computer Simulation Methods in Theoretical Physics, Springer
 H. Gould and J. Tobochnik, An Introduction to Computer Simulation Methods, Addison-Wesley
 J.M. Thijssen, Computational Physics, Cambridge University Press

PS 511 Condensed Matter Physics (3 credits)

Metals

Drude theory, DC conductivity, Hall effect and magneto-resistance, AC conductivity,

thermal conductivity, thermo-electric effects, Fermi-Dirac distribution, thermal
properties of an electron gas, Wiedemann-Franz law, critique of free-electron model.

Crystal Lattices

Bravais lattice, symmetry operations and classification of Bravais lattices, common

crystal structures, reciprocal lattice, Brillouin zone, X-ray diffraction, Bragg's law, Von
Laue's formulation, diffraction from non-crystalline systems.

Classification of Solids

Band classifications, covalent, molecular and ionic crystals, nature of bonding,

cohesive energies, hydrogen bonding.

Electron States in Crystals

Periodic potential and Bloch's theorem, weak potential approximation, energy gaps,
Fermi surface and Brillouin zones, Harrison construction, level density. Motion of
electrons in optical lattices.

Electron Dynamics

Wave packets of Bloch electrons, semi-classical equations of motion, motion in static

electric and magnetic fields, theory of holes.

Lattice Dynamics

Failure of the static lattice model, harmonic approximation, vibrations of a one-

dimensional lattice, one-dimensional lattice with basis, models of three-dimensional
lattices, quantization of vibrations, Einstein and Debye theories of specific heat,
phonon density of states, neutron scattering.

Semiconductors

General properties and band structure, carrier statistics, impurities, intrinsic and
extrinsic semiconductors, equilibrium fields and densities in junctions, drift and
diffusion currents.

Magnetism
 Diamagnetism, paramagnetism of insulators and metals, ferromagnetism, Curie-
Weiss law, introduction to other types of magnetic order.

Superconductors

Phenomenology, review of basic properties, thermodynamics of superconductors,

London's equation and Meissner effect, Type-I and Type-II superconductors.

References:

 C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, Wiley

 N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin, Solid State Physics, Brooks/Cole
 J.M. Ziman, Principles of the Theory of Solids, Cambridge University Press
 A.J. Dekker, Solid State Physics, Macmillan
 G. Burns, Solid State Physics, Academic Press
 M.P. Marder, Condensed Matter Physics, Wiley

PS 512 Subatomic Physics (3 credits)

Nuclear Physics

Discovery of the nucleus, Rutherford scattering. Scattering cross-section, form factors.

Kinematics of (non-)relativistic scattering. Properties of nuclei: size, mass, charge,
angular momentum, magnetic moment, parity, quadrupole moment. Charge and mass
distribution.

Mass defect, binding-energy statistics, Bethe-Weiszacker mass formula. Magic

numbers, shell model, parity and magnetic moment.

Nuclear stability: alpha, beta and gamma decay. Tunnelling theory of alpha decay,
Fermi theory of beta decay. Parity violation. Fission and fusion. Nuclear reaction.

Nuclear force. Nuclear reaction. Deuteron, properties of nuclear potentials. Yukawa's

hypothesis.

Particle Physics

Discovery of elementary particles in cosmic rays. Muon, meson and strange particles.
Isospin and strangeness.

Accelerators and detectors.

 Quark hypothesis, flavour and colour. Meson and Baryon octets. Gellmann-Nishijima
formula. Discovery of J/psi, charm quark. Families of leptons and quarks. Bottom and
top quarks.

Gauge symmetry and fundamental forces. Weak interaction, W and Z bosons, Higgs
mechanism and spontaneous symmetry breaking. Higgs particle. Gluons and strong
interaction.

Neutrino oscillations, CP violation.

References:

 B.L. Cohen, Concepts of Nuclear Physics, Tata McGraw Hill

 W.N. Cottingham and D.A. Greenwood, An introduction to Nuclear Physics, Cambridge University
Press
 I. Kaplan, Nuclear Physics, Addison-Wesley
 B.R. Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Wiley
 A. Das and T. Ferbel, Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics, World Scientific
 B. Povh, K. Rith, C. Scholtz and F. Zetsche, Particles and Nuclei, Springer
 G.D. Coughlan and J.E. Dodd, The Ideas of Particle Physics, Cambridge University Press
 D. Griffiths, Introduction to Elementary Particles, Wiley
 D.H. Perkins, Introduction to High Energy Physics, Cambridge University Press

PS 514 Atoms and Molecules (3 credits)

Many-electron Atoms

Review of H and He atom, ground state and first excited state, quantum virial theorem.
Determinantal wave function. Thomas-Fermi method, Hartree and Hartree-Fock
method, density functional theory. Periodic table and atomic properties: ionization
potential, electron affinity, Hund's rule.

Molecular Quantum Mechanics

Hydrogen molecular ion (numerical solution), hydrogen molecule, Heitler-London

method, molecular orbital, Born-Oppenheimer approximation, bonding, directed
valence. LCAO.

Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy

Fine and hyperfine structure of atoms, electronic, vibrational and rotational spectra for
diatomic molecules, role of symmetry, selection rules, term schemes, applications to
electronic and vibrational problems. Raman spectroscopy.

Second Quantization
 Basis sets for identical-particle systems, number space representation, creation and
annihilation operators, representation of dynamical operators and the Hamiltonian,
simple applications.

Interaction of Atoms with Radiation

Atoms in an electromagnetic field, absorption and induced emission, spontaneous

emission and line-width, Einstein A and B coefficients, density matrix formalism, two-
level atoms in a radiation field.

References:

 B.H. Bransden and C.J. Joachain, Physics of Atoms and Molecules, Pearson
 I.N. Levine, Quantum Chemistry, Prentice Hall
 L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz, Quantum Mechanics, Pergamon Press
 M. Karplus and R.N. Porter, Atoms and Molecules: An Introduction for Students of Physical
Chemistry, W.A. Benjamin
 P.W. Atkins and R.S. Friedman, Molecular Quantum Mechanics, Oxford University Press
 W.A. Harrison, Applied Quantum Mechanics, World Scientific
 C.J. Foot, Atomic Physics, Oxford Univ Press
 G. Woodgate, Elementary Atomic Structure, Oxford Univ Press

PS 515 Physics Laboratory III (6 credits)

 Electron spin resonance

 Faraday rotation and Kerr effect
 Study of interfacial tension and viscosity of liquid
 Reaction kinetics by spectrometer and conductivity
 Experiment with Raman spectrometer
 Propagation of ultrasonic waves in liquid and solid
 Experiment with solar cell
 Dielectric constant of ice and ferroelectric transition of BaTiO 3
 Zeeman effect
 Study of superconducting properties in high-Tc superconductor
 Scanning tunnelling microscopy
 Experiment with liquid using UV spectroscopy

Note: Each student is required to perform at least 8 of the above

experiments.
 SEMESTER IV

 PS 522 Project (4 credits)

(There will be mid-term evaluation of the project)

In addition to the Project, a student has to choose any three among the following
electives, each of 3 credits. Courses actually offered in a given semester will
depend on the interests of the students and on the availability of instructors.

 Advanced Statistical Mechanics (PS 520)

 Astrophysics, Gravitation & Cosmology (PS 523)
 Quantum Field Theory (PS 524)
 Biophysics (PS 525)
 Laser Physics (PS 526)
 Advanced Condensed Matter Physics (PS 527)
 Nonlinear Dynamics (PS 528)
 Theory of Soft Condensed Matter (PS 529)
 Modern Experiments of Physics (PS 530)

Total 13 credits

PS 520 Advanced Statistical Mechanics

(3 credits)

Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena

Thermodynamics of phase transitions, metastable states, Van der Waals' equation of

state, coexistence of phases, Landau theory, critical phenomena at second-order
phase transitions, spatial and temporal fluctuations, scaling hypothesis, critical
exponents, universality classes.

Mean Field Theory

Ising model, mean-field theory, exact solution in one dimension, renormalization in one
dimension.

Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics

 Systems out of equilibrium, kinetic theory of a gas, approach to equilibrium and the H-
theorem, Boltzmann equation and its application to transport problems, master
equation and irreversibility, simple examples, ergodic theorem.

Brownian motion, Langevin equation, fluctuation-dissipation theorem, Einstein

relation, Fokker-Planck equation.

Correlation Functions

Time correlation functions, linear response theory, Kubo formula, Onsager relations.

Coarse-grained Models

Hydrodynamics, Navier-Stokes equation for fluids, simple solutions for fluid flow,
conservation laws and diffusion.

References:

 K. Huang, Statistical Mechanics, Wiley

 R.K. Pathria, Statistical Mechanics, Elsevier
 E.M. Lifshitz and L.P. Pitaevskii, Physical Kinetics, Pergamon Press
 D.A. McQuarrie, Statistical Mechanics, University Science Books
 L.P. Kadanoff, Statistical Physics: Statistics, Dynamics and Renormalization, World Scientific
 P.M. Chaikin and T.C. Lubensky, Principles of Condensed Matter Physics, Cambridge University
Press

PS 523 Astrophysics, Gravitation & Cosmology

(3 credits)

General Theory of Relativity

Brief review of special theory of relativity, geometry of Minkowski spacetime.

Curvilinear coordinates, covariant differentiation and connection. Curved space and
curved spacetime. Contravariant and covariant indices. Metric tensor. Christoffel
connection. Geodesics. Riemann, Ricci and Scalar curvature.

Principle of equivalence. Einstein equations in vacuum. Spherically symmetric

solution, Schwarzschild geometry. Timelike and lightlike trajectories. Perihelion
precession, bending of light in a gravitational field. Apparent singularity of the horizon,
Eddington-Finkelstein and Kruskal-Szekeres coordinates. Penrose diagram.

Energy-momentum tensor and Einstein equations. Weak field approximation,

gravitational waves.

Physics of the Universe

 Large scale homogeneity and isotropy of the universe. Expanding universe and
Hubble’s law. FRW metric and Friedmann’s equations. Equations of state for matter
(nonrelativistic dust), radiation and cosmological constant. Behaviour of scale factor
for radiation, matter and cosmological constant domination. Big bang cosmology.
Thermal history of the universe. Cosmic microwave background radiation and its
anisotropy. Inflationary paradigm.

Astrophysics

Measuring distance and the astronomical ladder. Stellar spectra and structure,
Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Einstein equations for the interior of a star. Stellar
evolution, nucleosynthesis and formation of elements. Main sequence stars, white
dwarves, neutron stars, supernovae, pulsars and quasars.

References:

 B. Schutz, A First Course in General Relativity, Cambridge Univ Press

 S. Carroll, Spacetime and Geometry, Pearson
 S. Weinberg, Gravitation and Cosmology, Wiley
 J.V. Narlikar, An Introduction to Relativity, Cambridge Univ Press
 J. Hartle, Gravity, Pearson
 J.V. Narlikar, An Introduction to Cosmology, Cambridge Univ Press
 D. Maoz, Astrophysics in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press
 A. Rai Choudhuri, Astrophysics for Physicists, Cambridge Univ Press
 T. Padmanabhan, An Invitation to Astrophysics, World Scientific

PS 524 Quantum Field Theory (3 credits)

Examples of classical fields, vibrating string and electromagnetic field. Canonical

coordinates and momenta, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation.

Relativistic scalar field and Klein-Gordon equation. Canonical quantization. Space of

states, Fock space, vacuum states and excitations. Complex scalar field.

Noether theorem. Internal symmetries. Spacetime translations and energy-momentum

tensor. Elementary excitations and particles.

Lorentz and Poincare symmetry. Spinor and vector fields.

Correlators of free scalar field. Retarded, advanced Green functions, Feynman

propagator. Coupling to external source and partition function. Time ordering and
normal ordering. Wick’s theorem.

Dirac field. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian. Canonical quantization and anticommutators.

Green’s function.

Interacting scalar field, phi-4 and Yukawa interactions. Ising Model and scalar field
theory. Interaction picture. Green’s functions of interacting field and perturbation
theory. Feynman rules and Feynman diagrams.
 LSZ reduction formula. S-matrix. Tree level correlators.

Loops and divergences. UV and IR divergences. Connected and disconnected

diagrams. Examples of divergences in two- and four-point correlators. Introduction to
regularization and renormalization.

References:

 M. Maggiore, A Modern Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Cambridge University Press

 P. Ramond, Field theory, a Modern Primer, Addison-Wesley
 L. Ryder, Quantum Field Theory, Academic Press
 A. Altland and B. Simon, Condensed Matter Field Theory, Cambridge University Press
 M.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder, An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Levant
 A. Zee, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell, Universities Press

PS 525 Biophysics (3 credits)

Introduction

Evolution of biosphere, aerobic and anaerobic concepts, models of evolution of living

organisms.

Physics of Polymers

Nomenclature, definitions of molecular weights, polydispersity, degree of

polymerization, possible geometrical shapes, chirality in biomolecules, structure of
water and ice, hydrogen bond and hydrophobocity.

Static Properties

Random flight model, freely-rotating chain model, scaling relations, concept of various
radii (i.e., radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, end-to-end length), end-to-end
length distributions, concept of segments and Kuhn segment length, excluded volume
interactions and chain swelling, Gaussian coil, concept of theta and good solvents with
examples, importance of second virial coefficient.

Polyelectrolytes

Concepts and examples, Debye-Huckel theory, screening length in electrostatic

interactions.

Transport Properties
 Diffusion: Irreversible thermodynamics, Gibbs-Duhem equation, phenomenological
forces and fluxes, osmotic pressure and second virial coefficient, generalized diffusion
equation, Stokes-Einstein relation, diffusion in three-component systems, balance of
thermodynamic and hydrodynamic forces, concentration dependence, Smoluchowski
equation and reduction to Fokker-Planck equation, concept of impermeable and free-
draining chains.

Viscosity and Sedimentation: Einstein relation, intrinsic viscosity of polymer chains,

Huggins equation of viscosity, scaling relations, Kirkwood-Riseman theory, irreversible
thermodynamics and sedimentation, sedimentation equation, concentration
dependence.

Physics of Proteins

Nomenclature and structure of amino acids, conformations of polypeptide chains,

primary, secondary and higher-order structures, Ramachandran map, peptide bond
and its consequences, pH-pK balance, protein polymerization models, helix-coil
transitions in thermodynamic and partition function approach, coil-globule transitions,
protein folding, protein denaturation models, binding isotherms, binding equilibrium,
Hill equation and Scatchard plot.

Physics of Enzymes

Chemical kinetics and catalysis, kinetics of simple enzymatic reactions, enzyme-

substrate interactions, cooperative properties.

Physics of Nucleic Acids

Structure of nucleic acids, special features and properties, DNA and RNA, Watson-
Crick picture and duplex stabilization model, thermodynamics of melting and kinetics
of denaturation of duplex, loops and cyclization of DNA, ligand interactions, genetic
code and protein biosynthesis, DNA replication.

Experimental Techniques

Measurement concepts and error analysis, light and neutron scattering, X-ray
diffraction, UV spectroscopy, CD and ORD, electrophoresis, viscometry and rheology,
DSC and dielectric relaxation studies.

Recent Topics in Bio-Nanophysics

References:

 H. Bohidar, Fundamentals of Polymer Physics and Molecular Biophysics, Cambridge Univ Press
 M.V. Volkenstein, General Biophysics, Academic Press
 C.R. Cantor and P.R. Schimmel, Biophysical Chemistry Part III: The Behavior of Biological
Macromolecules, W.H. Freeman
 C. Tanford, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, John Wiley
 S.F. Sun, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules: Basic Principles and Issues, Wiley

PS 526 Laser Physics (3 credits)

Introduction

Masers versus lasers, components of a laser system, amplification by population

inversion, oscillation condition, types of lasers: solid-state (ruby, Nd:YAG, semi-
conductor), gas (He-Ne, CO2, excimer), liquid (organic dye) lasers.

Atom-Field Interactions

Lorenz theory, Einstein's rate equations, applications to laser transitions with pumping,
two, three and four-level schemes, threshold pumping and inversion.

Optical Resonators

Closed versus open cavities, modes of a symmetric confocal optical resonator,

stability, quality factor.

Semi-classical Laser Theory

Density matrix for a two-level atom, Lamb equation for the classical field, threshold
condition, disorder-order phase transition analogy.

Coherence

Concepts of coherence and correlation functions, coherent states of the

electromagnetic field, minimum uncertainty states, unit degree of coherence, Poisson
photon statistics.

Pulsed Operation of Lasers

Q-switching, electro-optic and acousto-optic modulation, saturable absorbers, mode-

locking.

Applications of Lasers

Introduction to atom optics, Doppler cooling of atoms, introduction to nonlinear optics:

self-(de) focusing, second-harmonic generation (phase-matching conditions).
Industrial and medical applications.

References:

 K. Thyagarajan and A.K. Ghatak, Lasers: Theory and Applications, Springer

 A.K. Ghatak and K. Thyagarajan, Optical Electronics, Cambridge University Press
 W. Demtroeder, Laser Spectroscopy, Springer
 B.B. Laud, Lasers and Nonlinear Optics, Wiley-Blackwell
 M. Sargent, M.O. Scully and W.E. Lamb, Jr., Laser Physics, Perseus Books
 M.O. Scully and M.S. Zubairy, Quantum Optics, Cambridge University Press
 P. Meystre and M. Sargent, Elements of Quantum Optics, Springer
 L. Mandel and E. Wolf, Optical Coherence and Quantum Optics, Cambridge University Press

PS 527 Advanced Condensed Matter Physics

(3 credits)

Dielectric Properties of Solids

Dielectric constant of metal and insulator using phenomenological theory (Maxwell's

equations), polarization and ferroelectrics, inter-band transitions, Kramers-Kronig
relations, polarons, excitons, optical properties of metals and insulators.

Transport Properties of Solids

Boltzmann transport equation, resistivity of metals and semiconductors, thermoelectric

phenomena, Onsager coefficients. Quantum Hall Effect.

Many-electron Systems

Sommerfeld expansion, Hartree-Fock approximation, exchange interactions. Density

functional theory. Concept of quasi-particles, introduction to Fermi liquid theory.
Screening, plasmons. Fractional quantum hall effect.

Introduction to Strongly Correlated Systems

Narrow band solids, Wannier orbitals and tight-binding method, Mott insulator,
electronic and magnetic properties of oxides, introduction to Hubbard model.

Magnetism

Magnetic interactions, Heitler-London method, exchange and superexchange,

magnetic moments and crystal-field effects, ferromagnetism, spin-wave excitations
and thermodynamics, antiferromagnetism.

Superconductivity

Basic phenomena, London equations, Cooper pairs, coherence, Ginzburg-Landau

theory, BCS theory, Josephson effect, SQUID, excitations and energy gap, magnetic
properties of type-I and type-II superconductors, flux lattice, introduction to high-
temperature superconductors.
 References:

 N.W. Ashcroft and N.D. Mermin, Solid State Physics, Brooks/Cole

 D. Pines, Elementary Excitations in Solids, Addison-Wesley
 S. Raimes, The Wave Mechanics of Electrons in Metals, Elsevier
 P. Fazekas, Lecture Notes on Electron Correlation & Magnetism, World Scientific
 M. Tinkham, Introduction to Superconductivity, CBS
 M. Marder, Condensed Matter Physics, Wiley
 P.M. Chaikin and T.C. Lubensky, Principles of Condensed Matter Physics, Cambridge University
Press

PS 528 Nonlinear Dynamics (3 credits)

Introduction to Dynamical Systems

Physics of nonlinear systems, dynamical equations and constants of motion, phase

space, fixed points, stability analysis, bifurcations and their classification, Poincaré
section and iterative maps.

Dissipative Systems

One-dimensional noninvertible maps, simple and strange attractors, iterative maps,

period-doubling and universality, intermittency, invariant measure, Lyapunov
exponents, higher-dimensional systems, Hénon map, Lorenz equations, fractal
geometry, generalized dimensions, examples of fractals.

Hamiltonian Systems

Integrability, Liouville's theorem, action-angle variables, introduction to perturbation

techniques, KAM theorem, area-preserving maps, concepts of chaos and
stochasticity.

Advanced Topics

Selections from quantum chaos, cellular automata and coupled map lattices, pattern
formation, solitons and completely integrable systems, turbulence.

References:

 E. Ott, Chaos in Dynamical Systems, Cambridge University Press

 E.A. Jackson, Perspectives of Nonlinear Dynamics (Vol. I and II), Cambridge University Press
 A.J. Lichtenberg and M.A. Lieberman, Regular and Stochastic Motion, Springer
 A.M. Ozorio de Almeida, Hamiltonian Systems: Chaos and Quantization, Cambridge University Press
 M. Tabor, Chaos and Integrability in Nonlinear Dynamics, Wiley-Blackwell
 M. Lakshmanan and S. Rajasekar, Nonlinear Dynamics: Integrability, Chaos and Patterns, CRC Press
 H.J. Stockmann, Quantum Chaos: An Introduction, Cambridge University Press
 V. Arnold, Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics, Springer

PS 529 Theory of Soft Condensed Matter

(3 credits)

Review of statistical mechanics

Partition function, free energy, entropy. Entropy and information. Ideal systems.
Interacting systems: Ising model and phase transition. Approximate methods for
interacting systems: mean field and generalizations.

Complex molecules

The cell, small molecules, proteins and nucleic acids. Stretching a single DNA
molecule, the freely jointed chain, the one-dimensional cooperative chain, the worm-
like chain, zipper model, The helix-coil transition.

Biological matter

Polymer collapse: Flory's theory. Collapse of semiflexible polymers: lattice models and
the tube model. The self-avoiding walk and the O(n) model. An introduction to protein
folding and design. RNA folding and secondary structure. Protein and RNA
mechanical unfolding. Molecular motors.

Physics of active matter

Active matter and self-propelled dynamics. Dry active matter, model of

flocking. Hydrodynamic equations of active gels, entropy production, conservation
laws, Thermodynamics of polar systems. Fluxes, forces, and time
reversal. Constitutive equations, Microscopic interpretation of the transport
coefficients. Applications of hydrodynamic theory to phenomena in living cell:
Derivation of Hydrodynamics from microscopic models of active matter, microscopic
models of self-propelled particles: motors and filaments.

Theoretical models of stochastic dynamics

Stochastic processes as an universal toolbox. Brownian Motion. Langevin Equation.

Fokker-Planck description. Fluctuation-dissipation relations. From stochastic
dynamics to macroscopic equations Smoluchowski dynamics. From Smoluchowski to
hydrodynamics.
 Numerical methods

Complex fluids, soft matter, colloids. Lattice gas cellular automata models.

Lattice Boltzman equation.

References

1. K. Huang, Statistical Physics, Wiley

2. R.K. Pathria and P.D. Beale, Statistical Mechanics, Academic Press

3. K. Sneppen and G. Zocchi, Physics in Molecular Biology, Cambridge

4. P. Nelson, Biological Physics, Freeman

5. B. Alberts et al, Molecular Biology of the Cell, Garland

PS 530 Modern Experiments of Physics

(3 credits)

Note: This course will familiarize students with some landmark experiments in physics
through the original papers which reported these experiments. A representative list is
as follows:

 Mössbauer effect
 Pound-Rebka experiment to measure gravitational red shift
 Parity violation experiment of Wu et al
 Superfluidity of 3He
 Cosmic microwave background radiation
 Helicity of the neutrino
 Quantum Hall effect - integral and fractional
 Laser cooling of atoms
 Ion traps
 Bose-Einstein condensation
 Josephson tunneling
 Atomic clocks
 Interferometry for gravitational waves
 Quantum entanglement experiments: Teleportation experiment, Aspect's experiment on Bell's
inequality
 Inelastic neutron scattering
 CP violation
 J/Psi resonance
 Verification of predictions of general theory of relativity by binary-pulsar and other experiments
 Precision measurements of magnetic moment of electron
 Libchaber experiment on period-doubling route to chaos
 Anfinson's experiment on protein folding
 Scanning tunnelling microscope
 Discovery of the Higgs particle
 Discovery of Neutrino oscillation

References

The original papers, review articles and Nobel Lectures constitute the resource
material for this course.