Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Physics
Herzberg Building 316
Telephone: 788-4377
Fax: 788-4061
The Institute
Director of the Institute: Patricia Kalyniak
Associate Director: Béla Joós
Students wishing to pursue studies in physics at the M.Sc. and
Ph.D. levels in the Ottawa area do so in a cooperative program
that combines the resources of the Departments of Physics of Carleton
University and the University of Ottawa. The two universities
have a joint committee supervising the programs, regulations and
student admissions.
Students are admitted for graduate work under the general regulations
of the Institute, which include criteria related to academic performance,
research experience and referees' appraisals. The choice of program
and/or research project and supervisor will determine the primary
campus location of the student. The student's advisory committee
will normally include faculty members from both universities.
The areas of physics available for programs leading to the M.Sc.
or the Ph.D. degree include high energy and medical physics (Carleton),
condensed matter and surface physics (Ottawa) and theoretical
and nuclear physics (both campuses).
Particularly for the medical physics program, research supervision
may be provided by members of other institutions in the area such
as hospitals, cancer clinics and government laboratories. The
list below of all members of the Institute along with their research
interests can be used as a guide to possible supervisors.
Requests for information and completed applications should be
sent to the Director of the Institute.
Members of the Institute
M.A. Ahmed, Particle Physics
J.C. Armitage, High Energy Physics, Instrumentation
A.F. Bielajew, Medical Physics
Ian Cameron, Medical Physics
R.K. Carnegie, Experimental High Energy Physics
A.L. Carter, Intermediate Energy Physics, Instrumentation
Sylvain Charbonneau, Semiconductor Physics
R.L. Clarke, Medical Physics
Joanna Cygler, Medical Physics
S.R. Das, Semiconductor Physics
Serge Desgreniers, High Pressure Physics
Marie D'Iorio, Condensed Matter
Madhu Dixit, Experimental High Energy Physics
K.W. Edwards, Experimental High Energy Physics
P.G. Estabrooks, Experimental High Energy Physics
Emery Fortin, Semiconductor Physics
L.H. Gerig, Medical Physics
Stephen Godfrey, Theoretical Particle Physics
C.L. Greenstock, Medical Physics
Francis Guillon, Condensed Matter
J.E. Hardy, Field Theory
C.K. Hargrove, Experimental High Energy Physics
Jacques Hébert, High Energy Physics
R.J. Hemingway, Experimental High Energy Physics
Gerhard Herzberg, Atomic Spectroscopy
Brian Hird, Ion Physics
R.J.W. Hodgson, Theoretical Nuclear Physics
B.J. Jarosz, Medical Physics
P.C. Johns, Medical Physics
Béla Joós, Theoretical Condensed Matter
Patricia Kalyniak, Theoretical Particle Physics
D.A. Karlen, Experimental High Energy Physics
Dan Kessler, Astrophysics
Gilles Lamarche, Low Temperature Physics
M.A.R. LeBlanc, Superconductivity
Ivan L'Heureux, Nonequilibrium Processes in Nonlinear Systems
B.A. Logan, Nuclear Physics
M.J. Losty, Experimental High Energy Physics
Mario Marchand, Condensed Matter Physics
Paul Marmet, Atomic and Molecular Physics
Barry McKee, Medical Physics
H.J.A.F. Mes, Experimental High Energy Physics
F.G. Oakham, Experimental High Energy Physics
Michael Ogg, Experimental High Energy Physics
Peter Piercy, Condensed Matter Physics
G.P. Raaphorst, Medical Physics
D.G. Rancourt, Solid State Magnetism
Lazer Resnick, Theoretical Particle Physics
D.W.O. Rogers, Medical Physics
W.J. Romo, Theoretical Nuclear and Particle Physics
C.K. Ross, Medical Physics
Alain Roth, Condensed Matter
J.K. Saunders, Medical Physics
W.D. Sinclair, Solar Neutrino Physics
G.W. Slater, Polymer Physics
A.K.S. Song, Theoretical Studies in Solid State
Z.M. Stadnik, Electronic Structure and Magnetism
M.K. Sundaresan, Theoretical Particle Physics
Y.P. Varshni, Theoretical Solid State, Astrophysics
P.J.S. Watson, Theoretical Particle Physics
J.C. Woolley, Semiconductor Physics
Master of Science
An honours B.Sc. in Physics or a closely related field at a standard
acceptable to the two universities is normally required for admission
to the M.Sc. program. The admissions committee may require students
to take an orientation examination during the first weeks of residence.
The results of this examination may indicate the need for a student
to register in undergraduate courses to fill gaps in his/her knowledge.
It is strongly recommended that all students have had at least
one course in computing.
Program Requirements
Normally the requirements for the M.Sc. will consist of:
- Three full lecture courses (eighteen term contact hours)
- A thesis with a weight of two full courses which will be defended
at an oral examination
- Participation in the seminar series of the Institute
The minimum number of lecture courses is one and a half (nine
term contact hours) of which at least one (six term contact hours)
must be at the graduate level.
In special cases, the requirements may also be met by taking five
full courses and no thesis. Then one of the courses must be the
selected topics course 75.590T2. A comprehensive examination and
participation in the seminar series will also be required.
Candidates admitted with more than the minimum lecture course
requirements may be permitted to credit towards the degree a maximum
of one full-course credit at the senior undergraduate level. (This
maximum does not apply to qualifying-year students.)
Most incoming students will be expected to take 75.502T1.
Students in theoretical or high energy physics will normally
include 75.561F1, 75.562W1, 75.571F1 and 75.572W1 among their
courses.
For the medical physics program, the three areas of specialization
are imaging, therapy, and biophysics. All students
are required to take 75.523F1 and one appropriate physics half
course from an area of physics other than medical physics. In
addition:
- For imaging, 75.524W1 is required
- For therapy, 75.526W1 is required
- For biophysics, one half course chosen from 75.527F1, cell
biology, physiology or anatomy is required
A selection from 75.528W1, 75.529F1, or, (with approval) other
appropriate courses in physics, engineering, computer science,
business or law can be used to complete the program.
Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree
Full-time master's candidates are expected to complete all requirements
in six terms of registered full-time study. Part-time master's
candidates are expected to complete their degree requirements
within an elapsed period of three to four calendar years after
the date of initial registration.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission Requirements
An M.Sc. in Physics or a closely related field, is normally required
for admission into the Ph.D. program. Students who have been admitted
to the M.Sc. program may be permitted to transfer into the Ph.D.
program if they show outstanding academic performance and demonstrate
significant promise for advanced research.
In exceptional cases, an outstanding student who has completed
the honours B.Sc. will also be considered.
Program Requirements (from M.Sc.)
The normal requirements for the Ph.D. degree (after M.Sc.) are:
- A minimum of two full-course equivalents at the graduate level
(twelve term contact hours)
- Students who lack any of the relevant courses recommended
for the M.Sc. program will be expected to have completed them
(or equivalents) by the end of their Ph.D. program. In addition,
students in high energy physics or theoretical physics
should complete 75.661 and 75.662
- A comprehensive examination with emphasis on areas chosen
by the candidate's advisory committee (an oral examination and/or
a written examination normally within the first full year of study)
- A thesis which will be defended at an oral examination. The
examining board for all theses will include members of the Institute
from both Departments of Physics. The external examiner of the
thesis will be external to both Departments of Physics
- Participation in the seminar series of the Institute
Guidelines for Completion of Doctoral Degree
Full-time Ph.D. candidates admitted on the basis of an M.Sc. are
expected to complete all requirements within an elapsed period
of four to five years after the date of initial registration.
Part-time Ph.D. candidates are expected to complete all requirements
within an elapsed period of six years after the date of initial
registration.
Residence Requirements
For the M.Sc. degree:
- At least one year of full-time study (or the equivalent
For the Ph.D. degree (from B.Sc.):
- At least three years of full-time study (or equivalent)
For the Ph.D. degree (from M.Sc.):
- At least two years of full-time study (or equivalent)
Graduate Courses*
Some of the following are regarded as the core courses and are
taught either at Carleton University or at the University of Ottawa.
The more specialized courses are only taught at the indicated
campus. Most of the core courses will be offered each year, but
only a selection of the others. If enrolment is small, a course
may be given as a reading course. In addition to the formal prerequisites
for a course, any course requires permission of the Department.
The following courses may be offered either at
Carleton University or the University of Ottawa.
- Physics 75.532W1 (PHY8132)
Classical Electrodynamics
Covariant formulation of electrodynamics; Lenard-Wiechert potentials;
radiation reaction; plasma physics; dispersion relations.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.437 or equivalent.
- Physics 75.571F1 (PHY5170)
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics with Applications
Angular momentum and rotation operations; Wigner and Racah coefficients;
several and many electron problem in atoms; variational and Hartree-Fock
formalism; introduction to second quantized field theory; scattering
theory.
Prerequisites: Physics 75.477 and 75.478.
- Physics 75.581F1 (PHY5140)
Methods of Theoretical Physics I
This course and Physics 75.582 are designed for students who wish
to acquire a wide background of mathematical techniques. Topics
can include complex variables, evaluation of integrals, approximation
techniques, dispersion relations, Pade approximants, boundary
value problems, Green's functions, integral equations, and group
theory.
The following courses are offered only at Carleton University.
- Physics 75.502T1 (PHY5344)
Computational Physics
The use and applicability of micro-, mini- and mainframe computers
for solving physics problems. Introduction to computer architectures,
operating systems and networks commonly encountered in physics
experiments or applications. Programing techniques, use of libraries
and graphics packages, with emphasis on packages in current use
in major physics applications. Considerations of computer hardware,
and interfacing computers to physics experiments. Statistical
analysis, fitting and Monte Carlo methods with particular consideration
to examples from particle physics and medical physics. Problems
in numerical analysis, differential equations, integration, etc.
with emphasis on methods used for solving problems from different
areas of physics.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements,
as 75.487, for which additional credit is precluded.
- Physics 75.511F1 (PHY8111)
Classical Mechanics and Theory of Fields
Hamilton's principle; conservation laws; canonical transformations;
Hamilton-Jacobi theory; Lagrangian formulation of classical field
theory.
- Physics 75.522W1 (PHY8122)
Special Topics in Molecular Spectroscopy
Topics of current interest in molecular spectroscopy. In past
years, the following areas have been covered: electronic spectra
of diatomic and triatomic molecules and their interpretation using
molecular orbital diagrams; Raman and resonance Raman spectroscopy;
symmetry aspects of vibrational and electronic levels of ions
and molecules in solids the presence of weak and strong resonant
laser radiation.
(Also offered as Chemistry 65.509/CHM8150)
- Physics 75.523F1 (PHY5161)
Medical Radiation Physics
Basic interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter. Sources:
X-ray, accelerators, nuclear. Charged particle interaction mechanisms,
stopping powers, kerma, dose. Introduction to dosimetry. Units,
measurements, dosimetry devices.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
- Physics 75.524W1 (PHY5112)
Physics of Medical Imaging
Outline of the principles of transmission X-ray imaging, computerized
tomography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging, and
ultra-sound. Physical descriptors of image quality, including
contrast, resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and modulation transfer
function are covered and an introduction is given to image processing.
Prerequisites: Physics 75.523 or equivalent, and one of
Physics 75.424 or 75.427 or equivalent.
- Physics 75.526W1 (PHY5164)
Medical Radiotherapy Physics
Terminology and related physics concepts. Bragg-Gray, Spencer-Attix
cavity theories, Fano's theorem. Dosimetry protocols, dose distribution
calculations. Radiotherapy devices, hyperthermia.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.523 or equivalent.
- Physics 75.527F1 (PHY5165)
Radiobiology
Introduction to basic physics and chemistry of radiation interactions,
free radicals, oxidation and reduction, G values. Subcellular
and cellular effects: killing, repair, sensitization, protection.
Measurement methods. Survival curve models. Tissue effects, genetic
and carcinogenic effects, mutations, hazards. Cancer therapy.
Radiation protection considerations.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.523 or equivalent must have been
taken, or be taken concurrently.
- Physics 75.528W1 (PHY5163)
Radiation Protection
Biophysics of radiation hazards, dosimetry and instrumentation.
Monitoring of sources, planning of facilities, waste management,
radiation safety, public protection. Regulatory agencies.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.523 or equivalent.
- Physics 75.529F1 (PHY5166)
Medical Physics Practicum
This course provides hands-on experience with current clinical
medical imaging and cancer therapy equipment, and with biophysics
instrumentation. The student is expected to complete a small number
of practical experimental projects during the term on topics such
as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic scanning,
radiotherapy dosimetry, hyperthermia, biophysics, and radiation
protection. The projects will be conducted at hospitals, cancer
treatment facilities, and NRC laboratories in Ottawa.
Prerequisites: Physics 75.523 or equivalent. Also, as appropriate
to the majority of projects undertaken, one of Physics 75.524,
75.526, or 75.527 or other biophysics courses or permission of
the Department.
- Physics 75.561F1 (PHY5966)
Experimental Techniques of Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics
The interaction of radiation and high energy particles with matter;
experimental methods of detection and acceleration of particles;
use of relativistic kinematics; counting statistics.
Prerequisites: Physics 75.437 and 75.477.
- Physics 75.562W1 (PHY5967)
Physics of Elementary Particles
Properties of leptons, quarks, and hadrons. The fundamental interactions.
Conservation laws; invariance principles and quantum numbers.
Resonances observed in hadron-hadron interactions. Three body
phase space. Dalitz plot. Quark model of hadrons, mass formulae.
Weak interactions; parity violation, decay of neutral kaons; CP
violation; Cabibbo theory.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.477.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements,
as 75.462, for which additional credit is precluded.
- Physics 75.564W1 (PHY8164)
Intermediate Nuclear Physics
Properties of the deuteron and the neutron-proton force. Nucleon-nucleon
forces, isospin and charge independence. Nuclear models; single
particle shell model, shell model with interactions, pairing,
quasi-particles, collective models, deformed shell model. Scattering
theory; effective range theory, partial wave analysis, phase shifts.
Interpretation of n-p and p-p scattering experiments. Interaction
of nucleons with electrons. Interaction of nuclei with radiation;
multipole fields, transition rates, selection rules, internal
conversion.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.468 or equivalent.
- Physics 75.572W1 (PHY8172)
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics
Relativistic wave equations. Expansion of S matrix in Feynman
perturbation series. Feynman rules. An introduction to quantum
electro-dynamics with some second quantization. Gauge theories
and the standard model.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.571.
- Physics 75.582W1 (PHY5141)
Methods of Theoretical Physics II
This course complements 75.581.Topics include group theory, discussion
of SU2, SU3, and other symmetry groups. Lorentz group. Integral
equations and eigenvalue problems.
- Physics 75.590T2 (PHY8290)
Selected Topics in Physics (M.Sc.)
A student may, with the permission of the Department, take more
than one selected topic, in which case each full course in Physics
75.590 will be counted for credit. Not more than one selected
topic may be taken for credit in any one academic year.
- Physics 75.591F1, W1, S1 (PHY8191)
Selected Topics in Physics (M.Sc.)
- Physics 75.599F, W, S (PHY7999)
M.Sc. Thesis
- Physics 75.661 (PHY8161)
Particle Physics Phenomenology
This course covers much of the basic knowledge for both experimental
and theoretical particle physics. Topics may include: accelerators,
properties of detectors, low energy spectroscopy, standard model,
tests of QCD and introduction to grand unified models.
Prerequisite: Physics 75.562 or equivalent.
- Physics 75.662 (PHY8162)
Advanced Topics in Particle Physics Phenomenology
This course will consist of a variety of seminars and short lecture
courses, and will cover topics of immediate interest to the research
program of the department.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
- Physics 75.671F1 (PHY8173)
Quantum Electrodynamics
Relativistic quantum field theory; second quantization of Bose
and Fermi fields; reduction and LSZ formalism; perturbation expansion
and proof of renormalizability of quantum electrodynamics; calculations
of radiative corrections and applications.
Prerequisites: Physics 75.511, 75.532, 75.571 and 75.572.
- Physics 75.690T1 (PHY8490)
Selected Topics in Physics (Ph.D.)
- Physics 75.691F1, W1 (PHY8391)
Selected Topics in Physics (Ph.D.)
- Physics 75.699F, W, S (PHY9999)
Ph.D. Thesis
The following courses, offered at the University of Ottawa,
may be taken for credit by Carleton students.
- Physics 74.503 (PHY5342)
Computer Simulations in Physics
A course aimed at exploring physics with a computer in situations
where analytic methods fail. Numerical solutions of Newton's equations,
non-linear dynamics. Molecular dynamics simulations. Monte-Carlo
simulations in statistical physics: the Ising model, percolation,
crystal growth models. Symbolic computation in classical and quantum
physics. Cannot be combined for credit with 75.502 (PHY5344).
Prerequisites: PHY3355 (PHY3755), PHY3370 (PHY3770), and
familiarity with FORTRAN, Pascal or C.
- Physics 74.512 (PHY4361)
Nonlinear Dynamics in the Natural Sciences
A multidisciplinary introduction to nonlinear dynamics with emphasis
on the techniques of analysis of the dynamic behaviour of physical
systems. The course will be organized in two parts. Part I will
deal with the basic mathematical concepts underlying nonlinear
dynamics, including differential and difference equations,Fourier
series and data analysis, stability analysis, Poincaré
maps, local bifurcations, routes to chaos and statistical properties
of strange attractors. Part II will involve applications of these
concepts to specific problems in the natural sciences such as
condensed matter physics, molecular physics, fluid mechanics,
dissipative structures, evolutionary systems, etc.
- Physics 74.541F1 (PHY5100)
Solid State Physics I
Periodic structures, Lattice waves. Electron states. Static properties
of solids. Electron-electron interaction. Dynamics of electrons.
Transport properties. Optical properties.
- Physics 74.542 (PHY5110)
Solid State Physics II
Elements of group theory. Band structure, tight binding and other
approximations, Hartree-Fock theory. Measuring the Fermi surface.
Boltzmann equation and semiconductors. Diamagnetism, paramagnetism
and magnetic ordering. Superconductivity.
- Physics 74.543 (PHY5151)
Type I and II Superconductors
Flux flow and flux cutting phenomena. Clem general critical state
model. Flux quantization, Abrikosov vortex model and Ginzburg-Landau
theory. Superconducting tunnelling junctions (Giaevar and Josephson
types).
Prerequisite: PHY4370.
- Physics 74.544 (PHY6371)
Topics in Mössbauer Spectroscopy
Experimental techniques used to measure Mössbauer spectra.
Physics of the Mössbauer effect: recoilless emission/absorption,
anisotropic Debye-Waller factors, second order Doppler shifts,
etc. Mössbauer lineshape theory with static and dynamic hyperfine
interactions. Distributions of static hyperfine parameters. Physics
of the hyperfine parameters: origin of the hyperfine field, calculations
of electric field gradients, etc. Applications of Mössbauer
spectroscopy to various areas of solid state physics and materials
science.
- Physics 74.547 (PHY5380)
Semiconductor Physics I
Brillouin zones and band theory. E-k diagram, effective mass tensors,
etc. Electrical properties of semiconductors. Conduction, hall
effect, magneto-resistance. Scattering processes. Multivalley
models and non-parabolic bands.
Prerequisite: PHY4380 or equivalent.
- Physics 74.548 (PHY5381)
Semiconductor Physics II - Optical Properties
Optical constants and dispersion theory. Optical absorption, reflection
and band structure. Absorption at band edge and excitons. Lattice,
defect and free carrier absorption, Magneto-optics. Photo-electronic
properties, luminescence, detector theory. Experimental methods.
Prerequisite: PHY4380 or equivalent.
- Physics 74.549 (PHY5951)
Low Temperature Physics II
Helium 3 and Helium 4 cryostats. Dilution refrigerators. Theory
and techniques of adiabatic demagnetization. Thermometry at low
temperatures. Problems of thermal equilibrium and of thermal isolation.
Properties of matter at very low temperature.
Prerequisite: PHY4355 or equivalent.
- Physics 74.551 (PHY5125)
Charged Particle Dynamics
A course on the acceleration, transport and focusing of charged
particles in vacuum using electric magnetic fields. Beam optics.
Phase space of an assembly of particles. Applications to experimental
systems.
- Physics 74.555 (PHY5355)
Statistical Mechanics
Ensemble Theory. Interacting classical and quantum systems. Phase
transitions and critical phenomena. Fluctuations and linear response
theory. Kinetic equations.
Prerequisites: PHY4370 and PHY3355.
- Physics 74.556 (PHY5742)
Simulations Numériques en Physique
Un cours ayant pour but d'étudier la physique à
l'aide d'un ordinateur dans des situations où les méthodes
analytiques sont inadéquates. Solutions numériques
des équations de Newton. Dynamique non-linéaire.
Simulations de dynamique moléculaire. Simulations Monte-Carlo
en physique statistique: modèle d'Ising, percolation, croissance
critalline. Calcul symbolique en physique classique et quantique.
Ce cours exclut les crédits de 75.502(PHY5344)
Préalables: PHY3755 (PHY3355), PHY3770 (PHY3770)
et connaissance d'un des langages FORTRAN, Pascal ou C.
- Physics 74.557 (PHY5922)
Advanced Magnetism
Study of some of the experimental and theoretical aspects of magnetic
phenomena found in ferro-, ferri-, antiferro-magnetic and spin
glass materials. Topics of current interest in magnetism.
Prerequisite: PHY4385 or equivalent.
- Physics 74.558 (PHY5320)
Introduction to the Physics of Macromolecules
The chemistry of macromolecules and polymers; random walks and
the static properties of polymers; experimental methods; the Rouse
model and single chain dynamics; polymer melts and viscoelasticity;
the Flory-Huggins theory; the reptation theory; computer simulation
algorithms; biopolymers and copolymers.
- Physics 74.559 (PHY5347)
Physics, Chemistry and Characterization of Mineral Systems
The materials science of mineral systems such as the network and
layered silicates. In-depth study of the relations between mineralogically
relevant variables such as: atomic structure, crystal chemistry,
site populations, valence state populations, crystallization conditions,
etc. Interpretation and basic understanding of key characterization
tools such as: microprobe analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy,
X-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy.
- Physics 74.563 (PHY5310)
Ion Collisions in Solids
Energy loss of energetic particles in passing through solids.
Stopping cross sections. The influence of crystal lattice on nuclear
stopping. Crystal lattice effects at high energies. Channelling
and blocking. The collision cascade. Charge states of fast ions
in solids from thin foil and X-ray measurements.
- Physics 74.573 (PHY6170)
Advanced Quantum Mechanics II
Systems of identical particles and many-body theory. Lattice and
impurity scattering. Quantum processes in a magnetic field. Radiative
and non-radiative transitions. Introduction to relativistic quantum
mechanics.
Prerequisite: PHY5170 or equivalent.
- Physics 74.646 (PHY6382)
Physics of Semiconductor Superlattices
Fundamental physics of two-dimensional quantized semiconductor
structures. Electronic and optical properties of superlattices
and quantum wells. Optical and electronic applications. This course
is intended for students registered for the Ph.D. in semiconductor
physics research.
Prerequisite: Advanced undergraduate or graduate course
in solid state physics.
- Physics 74.647 (PHY6782)
Physique des super-réseaux à semiconducteurs
Physique fondamentale des structures quantiques bi-dimensionnelles
à semiconducteurs. Propriétés électroniques
et optiques des super-réseaux et puits quantiques. Applications
à l'électronique et à l'optique. Ce cours
est destiné aux étudiants et aux étudiantes
inscrits au doctorat en physique des semiconducteurs.
Préalable: Cours sénior ou diplômé
en physique de l'état solide.