Physics 397: Physics of Modern Devices







Spring 2012
Mondays, Wednesdays 3:20 - 4:40 p.m.
ARC 107

Course Instructor:  Prof.  Premi Chandra                                                        
Email:  pchandra@physics.rutgers.edu                                                            
Office Hour:  M 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (263 E Serin)
                    

                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                  


Overview:  In this course, we'll discuss the physical principles underlying a number of modern devices that we take for granted in contemporary society as well as those which may be developed in the future. Examples include microwave ovens, lasers, gps navigators, digital cameras and solar panels.  Current research for devices not yet available will be also discussed.  

Course Texbook:  Louis A. Bloomfield,  How Things Work (4th Edition), (John Wiley and Sons, 2010).


Syllabus


Week of
Monday
Wednesday
Jan. 16


Introduction/Overview


Jan. 23
 Physics in the  Home I

Lighting  (Incandescent)


Homework 1 (due 2/1/12)
HW1 Solutions

Handout 1





 Physics in the Home I

Lighting (Incandescent cont.)

Jan. 30
Physics in the Home I

Lighting (Discharge/Fluorescent)


Physics in the Home I

Microwave Ovens


Homework 2  (due 2/8/12)

Handout 2
Handout 3

Feb. 6
Physics in the Home I

Radio
Physics in the Home I

Television



Feb. 13
Physics in the Home II

Cooling and Refrigeration

Physics in the Home II

Heating


Feb. 20 Physics in the Home II



Ideal and Real Heaters and Coolers

Physics of the Home II


Solar Energy:  It all started with
the Photoelectric Effect

Feb. 27
Physics of the Home II

Solar Cells
Physics of the Home of the Future

More about Solar Cells

Solar-Powered Vehicles



March 5

Lasers

                                                                                           
  
           Laser Diodes and LEDs              

            
March 12

Spring Break!

Spring Break!


March 19
Optical Recording and Communication


Optical Recording and Communication



March 26
Medical Imaging and Radiation


Medical Imaging and Radiation


April 2
Medical Imaging and Radiation




April 6th

 

 


April 9

April 9th



April 11th



April 16

April 16th

  


April 18th


April 23

April 25th

  

April 27th





April 30

May 3rd




(Reading Period)



May 7

                         
  

                  Student Presentations
                   (Final Exam Period)

                  
    



Course Notes


There will be weekly assignments.

There will be frequent in-class quizzes with no make-ups.

An in-class presentation and a written report, 10-15 pages in length, on a topic of his/her
choice is required for each student.

Supplementary material to the main text will be accessible on the course website.


 
          


Breakdown of Grades

30%

Homework
 
30%

Quizzes

40%

In-class Presentation and Written Report


The lowest homework and the lowest quiz grades will be dropped.
Class participation is greatly encouraged and could
contribute positively towards the final grade.



Special Announcements

Homework #1 now due on Wednesday Feb. 1st!