Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Physics


Herzberg Building 3302
Telephone: 520-4377
Fax: 520-4061
E-mail: grad_supervisor@physics.carleton.ca

The Institute


Director of the Institute:
Béla Joós
Associate Director:
Pat Kalyniak

Students pursuing 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 student’s primary campus location.

At Carleton, the research areas of physics available for programs leading to the M.Sc. or the Ph.D. degree include high energy physics and medical physics. In high energy physics, both theoretical and experimental programs are available.  At the University of Ottawa, the research interests include condensed matter physics, biophysics, non-linear dynamics, statistical mechanics, materials science, and surface physics. 

In addition, the M.Sc. degree in the area of physics in modern technology is offered at both campuses. This program requires a work term placement rather than a thesis.

The list below of all members of the Institute along with their research interests can be used as a guide to possible supervisors.  For students in the medical physics stream, research supervision may be provided by members of other institutions in the area, such as hospitals, cancer clinics, and government laboratories.

Requests for information and completed applications should be sent to the Director or Associate Director of the Institute.

Members of the Institute

The home department of each member of the Institute is indicated by (C) for the Department of Physics, Carleton University and (O) for the Department of Physics, University of Ottawa. J.C. Armitage, High Energy Physics, Instrumentation (C)
Ian Cameron,* Medical Physics (C)
R.K. Carnegie, Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Sylvain Charbonneau,* Semiconductor Physics (UO)
R.L. Clarke,* Medical Physics (C)
Joanna Cygler,* Medical Physics (C)
Serge Desgreniers, High Pressure Physics (O)
Marie D’Iorio,* Condensed Matter (O)
Madhu Dixit,* Experimental High Energy Physics    (C)
K.W. Edwards, Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
P.G. Estabrooks,* Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Emery Fortin, Semiconductor Physics (O)
L.H. Gerig,* Medical Physics (C)
Stephen Godfrey, Theoretical Particle Physics (C)
C.L. Greenstock,* Medical Physics (C)
C.K. Hargrove,* Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Jacques Hébert, High Energy Physics (O)
Brian Hird, Ion Physics (O)
R.J.W. Hodgson, Theoretical Nuclear Physics (O)
B.J. Jarosz, Medical Physics (C)
P.C. Johns, Medical Physics (C)
Béla Joós, Theoretical Condensed Matter (O)
Pat Kalyniak, Theoretical Particle Physics (C)
D.A. Karlen, Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Gilles Lamarche, Low Temperature Physics (O)
M.A.R. LeBlanc, Superconductivity (O)
Ivan L’Heureux, Nonequilibrium Processes in Nonlinear Systems (O)
B.A. Logan, Nuclear Physics (O)
André Longtin, Nonlinear Dynamics, Biophysics (O)
M.J. Losty,* Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Paul Marmet, Atomic and Molecular Physics (O)
Barry McKee,* Medical Physics (C)
H.J.A.F. Mes,* Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Cheng Ng,* Medical Physics (C)
Tony Noble,* Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
F.G. Oakham,* Experimental High Energy Physics (C)
Peter Piercy, Condensed Matter Physics (O)
G.P. Raaphorst,* Medical Physics (C)
D.G. Rancourt, Solid State Magnetism (O)
D.W.O. Rogers,* Medical Physics (C)
William Romo, Theoretical Nuclear and Particle Physics(C)
C.K. Ross,* Medical Physics (C)
Alain Roth,* Condensed Matter(O)
Giles Santyr, Medical Physics (C)
W.D. Sinclair,* Solar Neutrino Physics (C)
G.W. Slater, Polymer Physics (O)
A.K.S. Song, Theoretical Studies in Solid State (O)
Z.M. Stadnik, Electronic Structure and Magnetism (O)
M.K. Sundaresan, Theoretical Particle Physics (C)
Y.P. Varshni, Theoretical Solid State, Astrophysics (O)
P.J.S. Watson, Theoretical Particle Physics (C)
J.C. Woolley, Semiconductor Physics (O)

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

The options for the M.Sc. program are described below. Normally the requirements for the research M.Sc. with thesis will consist of:

The minimum number of lecture courses is 1.5 credits (nine term contact hours) of which at least 1.0 credit  (six term contact hours) must be at the graduate level.

Most students will be expected to take 75.502T1.

Students in the theoretical or high energy physics streams will normally include 75.561F1, 75.562W1, 75.571F1 and 75.572W1 among their courses.

For the medical physics stream 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:

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.

In special cases, the requirements may also be met by taking 5.0 credits of course work and no thesis. The 1.0 credit must be the selected topics course 75.590T2. A comprehensive examination and participation in the seminar series will also be required.

Students in the physics in modern technology stream must successfully complete the following requirements :

Students enrolled in the physics in modern technology stream are required to complete a work term rather than a research thesis. Students in this stream who wish to pursue a research degree should consult with the graduate supervisor. Although every effort is made to find a work term position for every student enrolled in the physics in modern technology stream, no guarantee of employment can be made. To minimize the likelihood of a work term position not being found, enrolment will be limited to reflect the availability of work term placements. In the event that a work term placement cannot be found, students may fulfill the M.Sc. requirements with courses only as described above.

Candidates admitted to the M.Sc. program with more than the minimum lecture course requirements may be permitted to credit towards the degree a maximum of 1.0 credit at the senior undergraduate level. This maximum does not apply to qualifying-year students 

Guidelines for Completion of Master’s Degree

With the exception of those students in the physics in modern technology stream, 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.

Students in the physics in modern technology stream are normally expected to complete all their requirements in three successive terms of registered full-time study.

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:

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: For the Ph.D. degree (from B.Sc.): For the Ph.D. degree (from M.Sc.):

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 the 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, ingegral equations, and group theory.



    The following courses are offered only at Carleton University.

  • Physics 75.502T1 (PHY5344)
    Computational Physics
    Computational methods used in physics research. Introduction to the UNIX operating system. Numerical methods for problems in linear algebra, interpolation, integration, root finding, minimization, and differential equations.  Monte Carlo methods for simulation of random processes.  Statistical methods for parameter estimation and hypothesis tests.  Chaotic dynamics.
    Prerequisite: An ability to program in FORTRAN, C, or C++ and 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 the equivalent, and one of Physics 75.424 or 75.427 or the 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 the 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 the 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 the equivalent. Also, as appropriate to the majority of projects undertaken, one of Physics 75.524, 75.526, 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 the 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.

  • 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 75.595F2, W2, S2
    Physics in Modern Technology Work Term
    Practical experience for students enrolled in the physics in modern technology stream. To receive course credit, students must receive satisfactory evaluations from their work term employer. Written and oral reports describing the work term project are required.
    Prerequisites: Registration in the physics in modern technology stream of the M.Sc. program and permission of the Department.

  • Physics 75.599F, W, S (PHY7999)
    M.Sc. Thesis

  • Physics 75.661 (PHY8161)
    Particle Physics Phenomenology
    This course covers much of the required knowledge for research in particle physics from both the experimental and theoretical points of view.  Topics may include: standard model, parton model, quark model, hadron spectroscopy, and tests of QCD.
    Prerequisite: Physics 75.562 or the 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 74.501 (PHY5130)
    Experimental Characterization Techniques in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Mineralogy
    Survey of experimental techniques used in materials science, condensed matter physics, solid state chemistry, and mineralogy to characterize materials and solid substances.  Diffraction.  Spectroscopy.  Microscopy and imaging. Other analytic techniques.

  • 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.
    Prerequisites: PHY3355 (PHY3755), PHY3370 (PHY3770), and familiarity with FORTRAN, Pascal or C.

  • Physics 74.512 (PHY5361)
    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/PHY5781)
    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 the 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 the 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.