Faculty of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Offering Instruction in Applied Physics

Joanna Aizenberg, Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science
Michael J. Aziz, Gene and Tracy Sykes Professor of Materials and Energy Technologies (on leave fall term)
Michael P. Brenner, Glover Professor of Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics, Harvard College Professor, Area Dean for Applied Mathematics
Federico Capasso, Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics and Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering (on leave spring term)
David R. Clarke, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics
Philippe Cluzel, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics
Kenneth B. Crozier, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Natural Sciences
Cynthia M. Friend, Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science
Jene A. Golovchenko, Rumford Professor of Physics and Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics (on leave spring term)
Fawwaz Habbal, Senior Lecturer on Applied Physics
Donhee Ham, Gordon McKay Professor of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics
Lene V. Hau, Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics and of Applied Physics (on leave fall term)
Evelyn Hu, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics and of Electrical Engineering, Area Dean for Electrical Engineering
Efthimios Kaxiras, John Hasbrouck Van Vleck Professor of Pure and Applied Physics
David Keith, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics
Carolann Koleci, Preceptor in Applied Physics
Zhiming Kuang, Gordon McKay Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science
Charles M. Lieber, Mark Hyman, Jr. Professor of Chemistry
Marko Loncar, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
Vinothan N. Manoharan, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and of Physics
Paul C. Martin, John Hasbrouck Van Vleck Professor of Pure and Applied Physics, Emeritus
Eric Mazur, Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics, Area Dean for Applied Physics (Director of Graduate Studies)
Ian D. Morrison, Lecturer on Applied Physics
Cherry Murray, John A. and Elizabeth S. Armstrong Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Professor of Physics, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Venkatesh Narayanamurti, Benjamin Peirce Professor of Technology and Public Policy (on leave 2012-13)
Daniel Joseph Needleman, Assistant Professor of Applied Physics
David R. Nelson, Arthur K. Soloman Professor of Biophysics and Professor of Physics and Applied Physics (on leave spring term)
Peter S. Pershan, Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science (on leave spring term)
Shriram Ramanathan, Associate Professor of Materials Science
James R. Rice, Mallinckrodt Professor of Engineering Sciences and Geophysics (on leave fall term)
Frans A. Spaepen, John C. and Helen F. Franklin Professor of Applied Physics (on leave spring term)
Patrick Thaddeus, Robert Wheeler Willson Professor of Applied Astronomy
Eli Tziperman, Pamela and Vasco McCoy, Jr.Professor of Oceanography and Applied Physics (on leave fall term)
David A. Weitz, Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics and of Applied Physics
Robert M. Westervelt, Mallinckrodt Professor of Applied Physics and of Physics
Tai T. Wu, Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics and Professor of Physics
Amir Yacoby, Professor of Physics and of Applied Physics

Other Faculty Offering Instruction in Applied Physics

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (www.seas.harvard.edu) offers undergraduate and graduate courses in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Engineering Sciences. Engineering and Applied Sciences faculty also offer several courses in the section entitled Freshman Seminars, Extra-Departmental Courses, and House Seminars.

Primarily for Undergraduates

Catalog Number: 77155 Enrollment: Limited to 50.
Eric Mazur and Carolann Koleci
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1-4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
AP 50a is the first half of a one-year, project-based applied physics sequence, equivalent in content and rigor to a standard introductory physics course for scientists and engineers, but focusing on the application of physics to real-world problems. Project teams apply scientific inquiry and modeling to construct, perform, analyze, and report on roughly month-long projects inspired by problems from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and energy. Designed for freshmen and sophomores with an interest in science or engineering.
Note: Students should commit to taking both AP 50a and AP 50b. Satisfies the premedical requirements and the introductory physics requirements for most science and engineering concentrations.
Prerequisite:Mathematics preparation at least at the level of Mathematics 1b concurrently is required. However, some elementary ideas from multivariable calculus are used and students are encouraged to take Applied Mathematics 21a or Mathematics 21a concurrently. The mathematics content of Applied Physics 50a will be coordinated with Applied Mathematics 21a. This course can be taken concurrently with AM 21a to meet the calculus prerequisite. This course can be taken concurrently with AM 21a to meet the calculus prerequisite.

*Applied Physics 50b. Physics as a Foundation for Science and Engineering, Part II - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 92262 Enrollment: Limited to 50.
Eric Mazur, Carolann Koleci
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2–5. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
AP 50b is the second half of a one-year, project-based applied physics sequence (see also AP50a), focusing on the application of physics to real-world problems. Project teams apply scientific inquiry and modeling to construct, perform, analyze, and report on roughly month-long projects inspired by problems from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, biomechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and energy. Designed for freshmen and sophomores with an interest in science or engineering.
Note: Satisfies the premedical requirements and the introductory physics requirements for most science and engineering concentrations.
Prerequisite: A solid knowledge of multivariable calculus at the level of Applied Math 21a or Math 21a is required. Mathematics 21a can be taken concurrently.

For Undergraduates and Graduates

Catalog Number: 1842
Federico Capasso
Half course (fall term). W., F., 1-2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Free electron Fermi gas. Crystals. Band structure. Metals, insulators, semiconductors. Phonons; thermal properties. Electron transport. PN junctions. Heterojunctions. Low dimensional systems. Transistors. Optical properties of solids. Optoelectronic devices. Magnetism. Spintronics. Superconductivity.
Note: Designed as a first course in solid state physics for students with knowledge of elementary quantum mechanics, for example, Physics 143a. Some knowledge of statistical physics is also helpful, but not a formal prerequisite. Students who propose to take Applied Physics 295a in the spring term, and who have not previously taken a formal course in solid state physics, are strongly advised to take this course first.

Cross-Listed Courses

Applied Mathematics 147. Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

[Earth and Planetary Sciences 131. Introduction to Physical Oceanography and Climate]

Physics 129. Energy Science 

Primarily for Graduates

Additional courses of interest to graduate students in Applied Physics include: Applied Mathematics 203, Engineering Sciences 220, 225r, 240, 241, 242r, 246, 247, and 274.

Applied Physics 216. Modern Optics and Quantum Electronics
Catalog Number: 4691
Amirhamed Majedi
Half course (fall term). M., F., 11-12:30. EXAM GROUP: 4, 5
We cover the fundamental physics of light and of light-matter interactions. The field has great importance in many active research areas. Topics include quantization of the electromagnetic field, Fourier optics, lasers, optics with nanostructures, and optics in biology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013-14. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A class in electromagnetism/electrodynamics.

[Applied Physics 217. Applications of Modern Optics]
Catalog Number: 6965
Vinothan N. Manoharan
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10-11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Optical systems and lasers have recently revolutionized both technology and basic research. We cover simple models of light-matter interactions, Fourier optics and holography, light scattering, and optics in biology: single-molecule studies, optical coherence tomography, nonlinear imaging techniques.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013-14.
Prerequisite: An undergraduate course in electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

Applied Physics 218. Electrical, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials
Catalog Number: 9804
Shriram Ramanathan
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1-2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Classical and quantum description of electrical, optical and magnetic properties, and their fundamental physical origins; experimental techniques. Properties of compositionally complex materials such as ceramics. Structure-property relations. Applications in semiconductor, information storage, and energy industries.
Prerequisite: Introductory solid-state physics or equivalent course.

Applied Physics 225. Introduction to Soft Matter
Catalog Number: 5298
Ian D. Morrison
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2:30-4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduction to the physics of soft matter, also called complex fluids or squishy physics, includes the study of capillarity, thin films, polymers, polymer solutions, surfactants, and colloids,. Emphasis is on physical principles which scale bulk behavior. Students will understand the concepts, experimental techniques, and, especially, the open questions. Lecture notes are supplied in place of a textbook.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and differential equations.

[Applied Physics 226. Introduction to Soft Matter - Capillarity and Wetting]
Catalog Number: 5796
Instructor to be determined
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:30-4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Consider phenomena strongly influenced by surface tensions, high curvatures, thin films, diffusion, adsorption, wetting, which are variously mobile, dynamic, polymeric, transient, and fragile. Emphasis on the physics, thermodynamics, rheological, and scaling laws that govern bulk behavior.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013-14. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of thermodynamics and basic statistical mechanics and some familiarity with phase diagrams and differential equations.

Applied Physics 235. Chemistry in Materials Science and Engineering
Catalog Number: 5081
Joanna Aizenberg
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30-4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Select topics in materials chemistry, focusing on chemical bonds, crystal chemistry, organic and polymeric materials, hybrid materials, surfaces and interfaces, self-assembly, electrochemistry, biomaterials, and bio-inspired materials synthesis.
Prerequisite: Introductory thermodynamics, chemistry or equivalent.

Applied Physics 282. Solids: Structure and Defects
Catalog Number: 5737
Frans A. Spaepen
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 8:30-10. EXAM GROUP: 10, 11
Bonding, crystallography, diffraction, phase diagrams, microstructure, point defects, dislocations, and grain boundaries.
Note: Intended for students in applied mechanics, materials science, condensed matter physics, and chemistry.

[Applied Physics 284. Statistical Thermodynamics]
Catalog Number: 2257
David R. Nelson
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Basic principles of statistical physics and thermodynamics, with applications including: the equilibrium properties of classical and quantum gases, phase transitions and critical phenomena, as illustrated by the liquid-gas transition and simple magnetic models. Our treatment will include Bose-Einstein condensation and degenerate Fermi gases.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013-14. Students may wish to take Physics 262 when this course is bracketed.
Prerequisite: Ordinarily, Physics 143a, b, and Physics 181 or Engineering Sciences 181.

Applied Physics 291. Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Catalog Number: 1761 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
David C. Bell
Half course (spring term). M., 2-3:30, and a three-hour laboratory session to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Lectures and laboratory instruction on transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and Cs corrected, aberration-correction microscopy and microanalysis. Lab classes include; diffraction, dark field imaging, X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy, atomic imaging, materials sample preparation, polymers, and biological samples.
Note: Primarily for graduate students planning to use TEM for their research.

[Applied Physics 292. Kinetics of Condensed Phase Processes]
Catalog Number: 3733
Frans A. Spaepen
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 8:30-10. EXAM GROUP: 10, 11
Kinetic principles underlying atomic motions, transformations, and other atomic transport processes in condensed phases. Application to atomic diffusion, continuous phase transformations, nucleation, growth, coarsening, and other kinetic phenomena in bulk, thin film, and surface states.
Note: Will not be offered in 2012-13. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: An undergraduate-level course in thermodynamics.

Applied Physics 293 (formerly Deformation of Solids). Dislocations and Deformation Behavior of Materials
Catalog Number: 6796
David R. Clarke
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10:30–12. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Dislocations are fundamental defects in crystalline solids affecting deformation and crystal growth. The use of dislocations to establish constitutive behavior for the deformation of materials over a wide variety of stresses and temperatures, as well as in modeling stress distributions and interfacial reactions will be included.
Note: Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of thermodynamics, electromagnetism and elements of crystal structure.

*Applied Physics 294hfr. Materials Science Seminar
Catalog Number: 4924 
David R. Clarke, Michael J. Aziz, and Frans A. Spaepen 
Half course (throughout the year). Th., at 4. EXAM GROUP: 18
Special topics in materials science.
Note: First meeting will be Thursday, September 6, 12 pm.
Prerequisite: See instructor.

[Applied Physics 295a. Introduction to Quantum Theory of Solids]
Catalog Number: 6937
Eugene A. Demler
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10-11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Properties of solids, electrical, optical, thermal, magnetic, mechanical, are treated based on an atomic scale picture and using the single electron approximation. Metals, semiconductors, and insulators are covered, including special topics such as superconductivity.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013-14. Students may wish to take Physics 296 when this course is bracketed.
Prerequisite: Applied Physics 195 or equivalent, and one full quantum mechanics graduate level course similar to Physics 251a. Physics 251b may be taken concurrently.

[Applied Physics 295b. Quantum Theory of Solids]
Catalog Number: 3610
Instructor to be determined
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10-11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Theoretical description of solids focusing on the effects of interactions between electrons, including dielectric response, magnetism, and superconductivity. Also, subjects from the physics of strongly correlated systems, such as quantum antiferromagnetism and high temperature superconductors.
Note: Expected to be given in 2013-14.
Prerequisite: Applied Physics 295a, Physics 251a, and 251b, or permission of instructor.

Applied Physics 298r. Interdisciplinary Chemistry, Engineering and Physics: Seminar
Catalog Number: 7500
Robert M. Westervelt and members of the Faculty
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1-2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Materials-related topics chosen from: Structure and Self-Assembly; Mechanical Properties; Surfaces and Interfaces; Biomaterials; Synthesis and Fabrication; Characterization Techniques; Soft Materials, and Complex Fluids.
Note: The class will be divided into teams and each team will spend 4 weeks investigating a current research problem posed by a faculty member. This will entail reading and lab work and will be followed by a presentation to the full class. Each team will work on 3 problems through the term. Suitable for graduate students with undergraduate concentrations in chemistry, engineering, or physics having present or potential research interests in this field. The course will provide an introduction to current research problems as well as the methodology of research and presentation. A final paper based on one theme will also be required. Taught by faculty from Chemistry, Physics, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences who are associated with HarvardÕs Materials Research Science and Engineering Center.

Applied Physics 299r. Special Topics in Applied Physics
Catalog Number: 2103
Eric Mazur
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Supervision of experimental or theoretical research on acceptable applied physics problems and supervision of reading on topics not covered by regular courses of instruction.
Note: Open to graduate students and AB/SM candidates only. Students must arrange such work with a member of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This course is graded and is ordinarily taken with the approval of the Committee on Higher Degrees. Applicants must file a project sheet before study cards are filed. Project sheets may be obtained from the Student Affairs Office, Pierce Hall 110.

Cross-Listed Courses

*Computer Science 365. SEAS Teaching Practicum

[*Physics 215. Biological Dynamics]

Physics 232 (formerly Physics 232a). Advanced Classical Electromagnetism 

Graduate Courses of Reading and Research

Reading courses are odd-numbered; research courses are even-numbered.

*Applied Physics 301,302. Ultrafast Electronic Devices
Catalog Number: 6859,6068
Donhee Ham 4519 (on leave spring term)

*Applied Physics 303,304. Materials Science of Biological Inorganic Nanostructures
Catalog Number: 3564,9306
Joanna Aizenberg 5876

*Applied Physics 321,322. Materials Physics and Engineering
Catalog Number: 24677,91306
David R. Clarke 6684

*Applied Physics 323,324. Topics in Materials Science
Catalog Number: 5947,5970
Shriram Ramanathan 5341

*Applied Physics 325,326. Optics with Cold Atoms, Nano-structures, and Bio-molecules
Catalog Number: 0488,7669
Lene V. Hau 2151 (on leave fall term)

*Applied Physics 329,330. Heterogeneous Nanophotonic Devices and Bio-templated Electronic Materials
Catalog Number: 69998,18476
Evelyn Hu 6682

*Applied Physics 331,332. Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
Catalog Number: 0467,1560
Robert M. Westervelt 6148

*Applied Physics 333,334. Electronic Properties of Nanostructures, Interaction of Biomolecules with Nanostructures, and X-Ray Physics
Catalog Number: 1033,6126
Jene A. Golovchenko 1986 (on leave spring term)

*Applied Physics 335,336. Theoretical Study of the Structure and Electronic Properties of Nanoscale Materials and Biological Macromolecules
Catalog Number: 7902,7903
Efthimios Kaxiras 3050

*Applied Physics 337,338. Growth and Properties of Nanostructures and Nanostructure Assemblies; Development and Application of New Probe Microscopies; Biophysics
Catalog Number: 3050,3051
Charles M. Lieber 3102

*Applied Physics 339,340. Topics in Electromagnetic Theory
Catalog Number: 4258,3127
Tai T. Wu 1051

*Applied Physics 341,342. Nano-Lasers and Single-Photon Sources
Catalog Number: 1441,0650
Marko Loncar 5703

*Applied Physics 343,344. Topics in Electromagnetic Theory and Molecular Spectroscopy
Catalog Number: 2695,4213
Patrick Thaddeus 1398

*Applied Physics 345,346. Energy Storage System Analysis - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 98679,35431
David Keith 3221

*Applied Physics 347,348. Mechanics in Earth and Environmental Science
Catalog Number: 4033,3514
James R. Rice 7270 (on leave fall term)

*Applied Physics 351,352. Statistical and Condensed Matter Theory
Catalog Number: 3992,3993
Paul C. Martin 2103

*Applied Physics 355,356. Special Topics in Theoretical Engineering
Catalog Number: 4864,9197
Michael P. Brenner 4101

*Applied Physics 357,358. Nanophotonics
Catalog Number: 3865,5593
Kenneth B. Crozier 5146

*Applied Physics 359,360. Nonlinear Laser Physics and Materials Engineering
Catalog Number: 5760,3525
Eric Mazur 7952

*Applied Physics 361,362. Photonics, Quantum Devices and Nanostructures
Catalog Number: 9431,9506
Federico Capasso 4571 (on leave spring term)

*Applied Physics 363,364. Experimental Soft Condensed Matter Physics
Catalog Number: 8975,7242
David A. Weitz 2497

*Applied Physics 365,366. Experimental Condensed Matter: Ballistic Transport in Semiconductors, Nanostructures, and Tunneling Microscopy
Catalog Number: 9195,0425
Venkatesh Narayanamurti 5445 (on leave 2012-13)

*Applied Physics 367,368. Topics on Condensed Matter Physics
Catalog Number: 6975,4173
David R. Nelson 5066 (on leave spring term)

*Applied Physics 369,370. Experimental Condensed Matter: Synchrotron X-Ray Scattering Studies of Interfacial Phenomena (Liquids and Solid)
Catalog Number: 2442,7532
Peter S. Pershan 1105 (on leave fall term)

*Applied Physics 371,372. Biological Physics and Quantitative Biology
Catalog Number: 6003,9040
Daniel Joseph Needleman 6151

*Applied Physics 373,374. Signaling Processing and Systems Biology
Catalog Number: 59715,74822
Sharad Ramanathan 6015

*Applied Physics 383,384. Topics in Atmospheric and Climate Dynamics
Catalog Number: 3214,3221
Zhiming Kuang 5285

*Applied Physics 387,388. Climate Dynamics and Physical Oceanography
Catalog Number: 3549,8599
Eli Tziperman 4748

*Applied Physics 391,392. Experimental Soft Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Catalog Number: 1164,5559
Vinothan N. Manoharan 5251

*Applied Physics 393,394. Experimental Studies of Interfaces and Surfaces
Catalog Number: 1331,5451
Cynthia M. Friend 7446

*Applied Physics 395,396. Topics in Materials Science
Catalog Number: 4012,5003
Michael J. Aziz 1337

*Applied Physics 397,398. Materials Science
Catalog Number: 4266,5010
Frans A. Spaepen 4991