. "Physics"@en . . "Astronomy"@en . . "English"@en . . "external mobility"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "TRUE" . . "advanced statistical mechanics - kul - see hyperlink below*"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "advanced solid state physics - kul - see hyperlink below *"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "advanced soft and biomatter physics kul - see hyperlink below *"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "advanced nuclear physics - kul - see hyperlink below *"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "advanced field theory"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Astroparticle physics"@en . . "6" . "Lecture:\r\n• The expanding universe\r\n• Dark matter and dark energy in the universe\r\n• Cosmic particles\r\n• Acceleration mechanisms\r\n• Particle physics in stars\r\n• High energy cosmic rays\r\n• Neutrino astronomy.\nGENERAL COMPETENCES\r\nThe student has a basic knowledge of astroparticle physics, a field somewhere between cosmology, particle physics and astronomy. \r\nIn particular, the following competencies are introduced:\r\n- gaining insight into the problems studied in astro-particle physics, and the place this discipline occupies among the other sub-disciplines\r\n- interpreting results of experiments and communicating them to colleagues\r\n- being able to work independently\r\n- acquiring attitude of lifelong learning" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Atomic and molecular physics"@en . . "6" . "The aim of this course is to build the quantum-mechanical formalism required for the\r\ntheoretical interpretation of the atomic and molecular spectra.\r\n• One-electron atoms : Fine structure and hyperfine structure: Spin-orbit interaction,\r\n• Darwin term, Selection rules for electric dipole transitions, Hyperfine structure and\r\n• isotope shifts\r\n• Interaction of one-electron atoms with external electric and magnetic field: Stark\r\n• effect, Zeeman effect, Strong fields: Paschen-Back effect\r\n• The atomic and molecular Hamiltonian: The molecular Hamiltonian, Atomic Units,\r\n• Born-Oppenheimer approximation\r\n• Two electron atoms: The Schrodinger equation for two electron atoms, He in the\r\n• independent particle model (IPM), Time independent perturbation correction to IPM,\r\n• Effective nuclear charge, Hartree-Fock for He, Electron correlation, Spin wave\r\n• function Pauli exlusion principle, Statistics of indistinguishable particles, Level\r\n• scheme of two-electron atoms\r\n• Many electron atoms: Central field approximation, Pauli exclusion principle and\r\n• Slaterdeterminants, Labeling Atomic States, Configuration, term, level and state,\r\n• Hund's Rules, The Hartree-Fock approximation, Corrections to the central field\r\n• approximation (L-S and j-j coupling)\r\n• Interaction of many electron atoms with electromagnetic radiation\r\n• Molecular structure: General nature of molecular structure, Molecular spectra,\r\n• Diatomic molecules - Symmetry properties, Molecular Term Symbols- The hydrogen\r\n• molecular ion - Correlation Diagrams, The Molecular orbital idea, Bonding and\r\n• antibonding molecular orbitals, Molecular orbital theory for homonuclear diatomics,\r\n• Molecular hydrogen within LCAO approximation, Photoelectron spectrum :\r\n• experimental proof for MOs, Heteronuclear molecules, Molecular Symmetry - Point\r\n• Groups, Polyatomic molecules, Vibration-Rotation spectroscopy\r\nNon-relativistic advanced quantum mechanics and perturbation theory (stationary and\r\ntime dependent) - electromagnetism.\nFINAL competences: 1 To be able to model atoms and molecules with quantum mechanical methods.\r\n2 Being able to interprete atomic and molecular spectra." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Capita selecta solid-state physics"@en . . "6" . "In the first lectures in the series, properties and applications of semiconductors are further\nstudied, along with research techniques for studying defects in semiconductors.\nThe remaining lectures cover diverse topics in contemporary solid state research at Ghent\nUniversity and other universities and research institutions. These topics may vary form year to\nyear and are given by given (on campus or online) by UGent and external guest lecturers. \nFinal competences:\n1 Able to follow and understand lectures on solid state research at an advanced level.\r\n2 Knowledge on how to deal with the information provided in scientific talks.\r\n3 Understanding of the possibilities, applicability and importance of the research methods\r\n1 taught." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Complexity and criticality"@en . . "6" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Computational materials physics"@en . . "6" . "Following a global discussion of the typical aspects of simulations at the quantum scale vs.\r\nsimulations at the microscale, you will be introduced to the workhorse method for quantum\r\nsimulations: density functional theory (DFT). This includes right from the start hands-on work\r\nwith a DFT code. The code is free and open source, which guarantees that you can keep using\r\nit later in your education, research or job. We’ll focus first on predicting structural properties of\r\ncrystalline materials. At this point the course bifurcates and you can choose one of these two\r\ntracks: continuing with simulations at the quantum scale for electronic, magnetic and other\r\nproperties of crystals, or stepping up to the microscale for simulations of a different kind about\r\nstructural dependent properties or microstructural evolutions.\nFinal competences:\n1 Being able to explain the concepts behind density-functional theory and the major simulation strategies at the micro scale.\r\n2 Using a general-purpose density-functional theory code to calculate basic properties of a given solid.\r\n3 Being able to understand and to critically evaluate research literature in which the simulation methods used in this course are applied.\r\n4 Evaluating the precision and accuracy of different simulation methods for a given solid and given property.\r\n5 Formulating a sound simulation strategy to address a materials problem." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Computational physics"@en . . "6" . "This course is an introduction to the major methods in numerical analysis, insisting on those methods that play an important role in theoretical and applied physics. The course considers the following topics. Chapter 1 summarizes the properties of the continuous and discrete Fourier transform and the application to digital filtering. The second Chapter presents the basic interpolation techniques, including Shannon sampling and Splines. Chapter 3 introduces numerical integration and deals also with the Monte-Carlo method and its application to nuclear physics. Chapter 4 deals with the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, and Chapter 5 gives a very short discussion of integral equations. Optimization methods are presented in Chapter 6, with specific details over the optimization of quadratic functions. Chapter 7 introduces unsupervised learning techniques, in particular principal component analysis and clustering methods.\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\ni/ Knowledge of the basic methods in numerical analysis.\r\nii/ Initial experimentation with the concrete analysis and treatment of examples of simple problems in physics." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Computational physics: advanced monte carlo methods"@en . . "3" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Computational physics: molecular dynamics simulations"@en . . "3" . "no data" . . "Presential"@en . "TRUE" . . "Continuum mechanics"@en . . "6" . "• Basic concepts regarding Cartesian tensors, Lagrangian and Eulererian coordinates\n• Strain tensor, deformation, conservation laws, constitutive equations\n• Linear elasticity, Navier equations\n• Newtonian fluid mechanics, Navier-Stokes equations, ideal fluids, vorticity\n• Viscous fluids, laminar flow, turbulent flow, boundary layer, aerodynamics\n• Thermodynamics of continua\n• Applications of the Euler equations: solar wind, stellar stability, Newtonian cosmology\n• Waves and solitons (Korteweg-de Vries)\n• Electromagnetic continuum in plasmas, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), plasma waves\n• Concepts from modern differential geometry: vector fields and differential forms, tensor\n• analysis, Riemannian geometry\n• Nonlinear continua\n• Structural elements: beams, plates and shells\n• Geometry and gauge theory in fluid mechanics\n• Relativistic continuum, energy-momentum tensor, Einstein field equations, cosmology.\nFinal competences:\n1 The student has gained insight in the foundations of the mechanics of continuous media.\r\n2 The student has gained appreciation for the interdisciplinary character of the domain of\r\ncontinuum mechanics and of the common applicability of the underlying physical principles\r\nand the mathematical formalism in the multiple specialties wherein applications were\r\nprovided.\r\n3 The student is able to use the acquired expertise to translate physical problems into\r\nmathematical models and, conversely, to interpret mathematical conclusions in a physical context.\r\n4 The student has acquired arithmetic skills, both analytical and by computer, allowing him/herto solve new problems in continuum mechanics, starting from the insight gained.\r\n5 The student has acquired the necessary skills to commence a more specialized study in each of the subdisciplines discussed." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Cosmology and galaxy formation"@en . . "6" . "The course starts with an overview of the phenomenology of galaxies and of cosmological\r\nobservations (large-scale distribution of galaxies, the Hubble expansion, the accelerating\r\nuniverse, ...). Friedman-Lemaitre models for the dynamics of the universe. Evolution of cosmic\r\nstructure, from the primordial density fluctuations left over after inflation to the formation of\r\nvirialised objects, such as galaxies. Effects due to cold and/or hot dark matter. Numerical\r\nsimulations of structure formation. Recent observations of the power spectrum of the\r\nmicrowave background temperature fluctuations. Determination of the cosmological\r\nparameters and the concordance model. Shortcomings of this model and possible alternatives.\nFinal competences: \n1 Learn to apply the astronomical research method, which is usually based on observations and not on experiments, to this specific topic.\r\n2 Learn how to calculate certain observable quantities within the context of a simple cosmological model.\r\n3 Know how to apply methods drawn from other physical theories (e.g. general relativity or particle physics) to cosmological theories.\r\n4 Gain insight in the limitations of current cosmological theories.\r\n5 Learn to appreciate and communicate the philosophical and social importance of the subject" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Early universe cosmology"@en . . "6" . "1. The Expanding Universe\r\n\r\nKinematics and dynamics of expanding universe (cosmic evolution, Hubble law, Friedmann eqs)\r\nPropagation of light and horizons (geodesics, conformal diagrams, luminosity, redshift, distance)\r\ncomposition of the universe, status cosmological observations\r\n2. The Early Hot Universe\r\n\r\nThermal history\r\nCosmological nucleosynthesis\r\n3. Structure formation\r\n\r\nGravitational Instability in Newtonian theory (Jeans theory)\r\nGravitational Instability in General Relativity (cosmological perturbation theory, halo formation,…)\r\n4. Inflation\r\n\r\nThree puzzles (flatness, horizon, monopoles)\r\nSlow-roll inflation\r\nInflation as origin of cosmological fluctuations\r\n5. Anisotropies in the Microwave Sky\r\n\r\nGeneralities\r\nTemperature fluctuations: scalar and tensor modes\r\nPolarization\r\nObservations\r\n6. Quantum cosmology: which universe and why?\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\nThe student becomes acquainted with the general theory of modern, relativistic cosmology and its observational vindication. This includes the thermal and nuclear history of our expanding universe, as well as the formation of large-scale structures like galaxies from seeds generated in a primordial era of inflation. The student learns to appreciate the development of relativistic cosmology in the historical context of 20th century physics." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Electroweak and strong interactions"@en . . "6" . "The Standard Model of Elementary Particle Physics provides an excellent theoretical description of elementary matter particles and their interactions through the electroweak and strong forces. Important notions such as (chiral) gauge theories and the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism are introduced and applied to the Standard Model. Ample time is spent to the Brout-Englert-Higgs particle and its phenomenology. Flavor physics (CKM matrix, CP violation) and neutrino physics (Majorana and Dirac masses, masses for neutrinos, see-saw mechanism, neutrino oscillations) are thoroughly treated.\r\n\r\nIn the last part of the course we turn our attention to \"beyond the Standard Model physics\". After analyzing the shortcomings of the Standard Model and introducing regularization, renormalization and the running of coupling constants, we end with an introduction to grand unified theories and supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model.\r\n\r\nBecause of de flood of new experimental data coming from the LHC and other experiments, the contents of the course is continously adapted to the lates insights.\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\nThe course aims at giving the student a thorough microscopic understanding of elementary matter particles and their interactions through the electroweak and strong forces. Upon completion the student should be able to follow the most recent advances in elementary particle physics.\r\n\r\nBy studying certain scientific publications and presentations the student gets in touch with the current developments in the field.\r\n\r\nAmple attention is given to the methodology which led to the Standard Model of Particle Physics. \r\n\r\nThe exercises and the final paper allow the student to model and analytically treat complex physical phenomena." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Evolution of stars and stellar systems"@en . . "6" . "Observations of stars with similar spectral characteristics are linkted to theoretical evolutionary phases of single stars and of binaries. We investigate how to calculte theoretical fractions of stars with similar characteristics and we discuss the influence of physical parameters that critically affect the theoretical predictions. The predictions are then compared to the most recent observations. Finally, we discuss how the various types of stars and stellar populations affect the evolution of galaxies (chemical evolution) and we distinguish elliptical galaxies (single starburst galaxies) and spiral galaxies where starformation proceeds continuously in time.\nALGEMENE COMPETENTIES\r\nTo acquire sufficient knowledge in order to start a masterthesis or a PhD within the research group of the Theoretical Astrophysics of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Indeed, the main research subject of the group is the study of large groups of stars, how they evolve, how they contribute to the overal evolution of galaxies." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Experimental techniques in particle physics"@en . . "6" . "A review is given on modern particle detector technologies. Challenges and techniques regarding signal readout and data aggregation are discussed. Next, we will focus on reconstruction of collected data, for example reconstruction of tracks of charged particles and other high-level physics objects. Beyond that, we elaborate on techniques of data analysis and interpretion. The course focuses on particle physics experiments eg. around the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.\nGENERAL COMPETENCES\r\nThe student has acquired in-depth knowledge on the aggregation, reconstruction, and analysis of data with modern particle-detection techniques at particle-physics experiments. Therefore, the student will be equipped with tools to perform research at for example particle accelerators." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Extensions of the standard model"@en . . "6" . "We start with an overview of the problems of the Standard Model in being a complete theory of particle physics. Some experimental measured properties provide a strong constraint on the range of models to go beyond the Standard Model. We will discuss those both from the theoretical and experimental perspective. This we use as a motivation to propose different models to overcome at least some of the problems of the Standard Model. We discuss for example Grand Unification Theories, Dark Matter, Supersymmetry, and mechanisms to generate neutrino masses, and discuss anomalies and aspects of effective field theory. We provide the connection to experimental tests and the current status in the field.\nALGEMENE COMPETENTIES\r\nThe student obtains insight in the diverse theoretical possibilities to expand the Standard Model of elementary particle physics. The student will be able to calculate and make interpretations within the framework of these models. The student will be able to translate these models into phenomenology relevant for experimental testing, and obtain an overview of the state-of-the-art in the experimental verification of various extensions of the standard model." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "General relativity"@en . . "6" . "The first half of the course focuses on the foundations of general relativity, including the underlying mathematical formalism (basic concepts of differential geometry).\n\nThe second half focuses on a selection of important applications (black holes, gravitational waves, cosmology).\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\nCompleting this course should enable students to\r\nexplain main concepts and results in general relativity, Einstein's description of gravity;\r\napply this understanding in practical calculations;\r\nunderstand main aspects of the physics of black holes, gravitational waves;\r\ntake on more advanced topics in general relativity, black hole physics, cosmology." . . "Presential"@en . "TRUE" . . "Hadrons and nuclei from a theoretical perspective"@en . . "6" . "1. Introduction: Overview of energy and length scales in subatomic physics./ Nucleons as point\r\nparticles. Different components of the nuclear force./ Hadronic degrees of freedom: baryons\r\nand mesons./ Quark-gluon structure of baryons and mesons.\r\n2. Mathematical and computational tools: Angular momentum algebra. Spherical tensor\r\noperators and Wigner-Eckart theorem. Permutation symmetry./ Second quantization. meanfield approximation. Overview of \"beyond mean-field\" techniques./ Relativistic mean field.\r\n3. Models for the nucleus: Realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions. Short-range repulsion.\r\nNuclear matter./ The deuteron and \"few-nucleon\" systems./ The shell model for complex nuclei.\r\n/ Collective motion./ Pairing and superfluidity in nuclei.\r\n4. Electroweak interactions with nuclei: Current-current theorie./ Electroweak nucleon currents./\r\nElectroweak quark currents./ Multipole analysis and long-wavelength approximation./ Neutrino\r\ninteractions with nuclei./ Final-state interactions.\r\n5. Electroweak interactions with nucleons: Quark models./ Nucleon spectrum./ Electromagnetic\r\nand weak nucleon formfactors./ Pion formfactors./ Transition formfactors and helicity\r\namplitudes./ Deep inelastic scattering./ Duality.\nFinal competences:\n1 Able to determine the relevant degrees-of-freedom at the various subatomic scales.\r\n2 Skilled in the use of 3j-, 6j- and 9j-symbols.\r\n3 Able to link models for nucleon-nucleon interactions to scattering experiments and the structure of the deuteron.\r\n4 To grasp the limitations and the successes of the nuclear shell model.\r\n5 Able to understand the microscopic foundations of collective motion in nuclei.\r\n6 Familiarity with the theoretical framework for electroweak interactions with nucleons and nuclei.\r\n7 Fully understand why the electromagnetic probe is such a powerful tool to learn about the structure of nuclei and nucleons.\r\n8 Skilled in the use of the multipole expansion of current-current interaction hamiltonians.\r\n9 Explain the link between hadron and quark models." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "High-energy astrophysics"@en . . "6" . "Course Content\r\n1. Introduction to high-energy Universe: astrophysical objects & observational methods\r\n\r\n2. Gas dynamics, accretion flows, Bondi accretion, Roche lobe overflow & accretion discs\r\n\r\n3. Radiation mechanisms: Bremsstrahlung, synchrotron & inverse Compton radiation\r\n\r\n4. Supernova remnants, astrophysical shocks & particle acceleration\r\n\r\nALGEMENE COMPETENTIES\r\n1. Knowlegde of the astrophysical objects and observational methods of the high-energy Universe.\r\n\r\n2. Understanding of gas dynamics, accretion flows and shocks.\r\n\r\n3. Understanding of Bremstrahlung, synchrotron emission and Inverse Compton scattering in an astrophysical context.\r\n\r\n4. Understanding of particle acceleration in astrophysical shocks." . . "Presential"@en . "TRUE" . . "History and philosophy of sciences: physics and astronomy"@en . . "6" . "The second part focusses on specific aspects from the history of\nphysics and astronomy. The genesis of Newton's classical mechanics is discussed. Further\nevolutions within mathematical physics in the period after Newton up till the twentieth century\nare treated. Philosophical questions having to do with the use of mathematical methods in the\nstudy of empirical phenomena are also raised. Next to this, an overview is offered of different\nmethods that have been used throughout history by astronomers to determine astronomical\ndistances, with new estimates having often profound impact on our image of the universe. \nFinal competences\n1 Being able to correctly assess the philosophical and scientific implications of\r\n1 underdetermination of theories by empirical evidence.\r\n2 Being able to correctly assess the philosophical and scientific implications of theory1 ladenness.\r\n3 Being able to explain the impact of underdetermination in historical case studies.\r\n4 Being able to explain the impact of theory-ladenness in historical case studies.\r\n5 Develop a reflective attitude that can be incorporated in one's own scientific practice.\r\n6 Possess knowledge about the historical development of physics and astronomy.\r\n7 Have insight in philosophical questions raised by historical developments within physics &\r\n1 astronomy." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Introduction to the dynamics of atmospheres"@en . . "6" . "1. Forces on air parcels\n2. The dynamical equations\n3. Elementary properties of atmospheric motion (geostrophic wind, potential temperature,\nadiabatic temperature gradient,static stability, gradient wind, thermal wind, barotropic vs.\nbaroclinic atmosphere)\n4. Circulation and vorticity\n5. Quasi geostrophic analysis\n6. Linear perturbation theory\n7. Baroclinic instabilities\n8. The influence of the planetary boundary layer\n9. General circulation\nFinal competences:\n1 Apply continuum mechanics to atmospheres in general.\r\n2 Notion of the problems in atmosheric dynamics.\r\n3 Connect concepts in thermodynamics to meteorology.\r\n4 Give a mathematical formulation for phenomena of dynamcis of fluids.\r\n5 Investigate flows in the atmosphere by apllication of physical laws and principles.\r\n6 Distinguish and explain various types of flows in the atmosphere.\r\n7 Explain and interprete graphs and diagrams related to the dynamics of atmospheres.\r\n8 Understand the importance of mathematical analytical and numerical modeling in the context\r\n1 of meteorology.\r\n9 Identifying and applying the right approach to gain the insight in synoptic-scale disturbances\r\n1 and energy transfers in the general circulation." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Lasers"@en . . "4" . "CHAPTER 1: THE BASICS\r\n\r\nBasic laser physics: Introduction; Absorption; Spontaneous and stimulated emission of light; Amplification; Basic laser setup; Gain, saturation and line broadening\r\nBasic properties of laser light: One direction; One frequency; One phase; Laser light is intense\r\nCHAPTER 2: LASER THEORY\r\n\r\nIntroduction: The need for more than two energy levels; Rate equations for a 4-level laser\r\nContinuous-wave (cw) laser action: Output power in cw regime; Influence of experimental parameters; Transients \r\nPulsed laser action: Introduction; Gain switching; Q-switching; Cavity dumping; Mode-locking; Ultra-short pulses\r\nCHAPTER 3: LASER RESONATORS AND THEIR MODES\r\n\r\nIntroduction\r\nModes in a confocal resonator: Wave fronts; Frequencies; Transverse light distribution\r\nModes in a non-confocal resonator: Stability criteria; Frequencies\r\nModes in a waveguide resonator: Modes in a fiber waveguide resonator; Modes in an on-chip waveguide resonator\r\nModes in a (free-space/waveguide) ring resonator\r\nModes in a real laser: Line broadening; Selection of modes\r\nSaturation and hole-burning effects: Spatial hole burning; Spectral hole burning\r\nCHAPTER 4: LASER BEAMS\r\n\r\nGaussian beams: Basic Formulas; Propagation; Transformation by a lens and focusing; Transmission through a circular aperture\r\nMultimode beams: Introduction; Spot radius W for a multimode beam; Beam Propagation Factor M; A more theoretical approach; Practical use\r\nCHAPTER 5: TYPES OF LASERS\r\n\r\nGeneral introduction\r\nGas lasers: General; Neutral gas (He-Ne); Ionized gas (argon ion); Molecules (CO2); Excimer lasers (ArF)\r\nLiquid lasers (dye laser)\r\nSolid-state lasers: General; Rare-earth-doped lasers (Nd:YAG and Er:fiber); Transition-metal-doped lasers (Ti: Sapphire); Changing the wavelength by optical nonlinear effects\r\nOther lasing mechanisms: Raman lasing\r\nCHAPTER 6: LASER DIODES:OPERATION PRINCIPLES\r\n\r\nGeometry and important characteristics\r\nMaterial aspects: heterostructures, gain and absorption, low dimensional materials,\r\nGain saturation\r\nFabry-Perot laser diodes: cavity resonance\r\nFabry-Perot laser diodes: rate equations and dynamic operation\r\nNoise: power spectrum and phase noise, injection locking\r\nCHAPTER 7: OVERVIEW OF SEMICONDUCTOR LASER TYPES\r\n\r\nDistributed Feedback and Distributed Bragg Reflector laser diodes\r\nVertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser diodes\r\nTunable laser diodes\r\nQuantum cascade lasers\r\nLaser diode packaging\r\nThis course is part of the European Master of Science in Photonics. Chapters 1 to 5 are taught by N. Vermeulen, both at VUB and UGent. Chapters 6-7 are taught by G. Verschaffelt at VUB and by G. Morthier at UGent.\nALGEMENE COMPETENTIES\r\nCONTEXT AND GENERAL AIM:\r\n\r\nSince their invention in 1960, lasers have become the most important light sources in optics and photonics, and are present everywhere in modern society nowadays. For example, worldwide telecommunication is based on the transmission of laser signals through optical fibers, and today’s manufacturing industry heavily relies on the use of high-irradiance laser beams. Other application domains include medicine, art restoration, remote sensing, biological spectroscopy, and many others. It is the general aim of this course that the students will become able to explain and analyse laser properties and laser-related concepts, that they learn to construct and analyse the mathematical description of important concepts, and that they are also able to apply the latter to practical examples on the use of lasers.\r\n\r\nEND COMPETENCES:\r\n\r\nThe targeted end competences can be categorized as follows:\r\n\r\nThe students are able to name, describe and explain laser properties and concepts, including:\r\nspontaneous and stimulated emission, absorption, coherence, heterostructures for efficient light generation, light propagation in a resonator, continuous-wave and pulsed laser action, line broadening, saturation, Gaussian laser beams, operation and applications of different laser types (gas lasers, liquid lasers, solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers), laser dynamics, noise, Bragg gratings, wavelength tuning, laser packaging.\r\n\r\nThe students have the ability to derive from first principles the mathematical description for laser-related concepts, including:\r\nrate equations describing the general operation principle of laser action and formulas for continuous-wave/pulsed laser operation, formulas for the modes in different types of resonators with different stability criteria, equations for propagation and transformation of Gaussian and multimode laser beams in optical systems, laser rate equations for different types of semiconductor lasers, formulas describing the gain and complex refractive index in semiconductor materials, description of the linewidth of lasers, formulas for the dynamic behaviour of lasers.\r\n\r\nThe students know how to explain and analyse the above-enlisted mathematical descriptions for laser-related concepts.\r\nThe students are able to apply the mathematical descriptions to practical examples and to use these descriptions to solve practical problems.\r\nEXAM:\r\n\r\nThe students are evaluated according to the above-enlisted end competences in an oral exam with written preparation (open questions, closed book)." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Luminescence"@en . . "6" . "Theoretical background of luminescence\r\n• Configuration coordinate diagram, selection rules, transition probabilities, energy transfer,\r\n• decay behaviour, thermal behaviour\r\n• Lanthanide based luminescence (europium, cerium, erbium, terbium,...)\r\n• Transition metal based luminescence (manganese, chromium,...)\r\n• Other luminescent ions (lead, bismuth, antimony,...)\r\n• Luminescence in organic compounds\r\n• Synthesis and characterization of phosphors\r\n• Up-conversion and quantum cutting\r\n• Dopant-host interactions\r\n• Quantum confinement and quantum dots\r\n• Colour perception and eye sensitivity\r\nTypes of luminescence\r\n• Photoluminescence (PL)\r\n• Electroluminescence (EL): AC and DX powder electroluminescence, thin film\r\n• electroluminescence, LEDs\r\n• Cathodoluminescence: principle, usage as analytical technique, in combination with electron\r\n• microscopy\r\nCredits 6.0 Study time 180 h\r\nTeaching languages\r\nKeywords\r\nPosition of the course\r\nContents\r\nCourse size (nominal values; actual values may depend on programme)\r\n(Approved) 1\r\nAccess to this course unit via a credit contract is determined after successful competences assessment\r\nThis course unit cannot be taken via an exam contract\r\nend-of-term and continuous assessment\r\nexamination during the second examination period is possible\r\nParticipation, assignment\r\nLecture, seminar, independent work\r\n• Thermoluminescence (TL)\r\n• Persistent luminescence\r\n• Radioluminescence (RL)\r\n• Other forms (mechanoluminescence, triboluminescence, chemiluminescence,\r\n• bioluminescence, sonoluminescence)\r\nApplications of luminescence\r\n• Historic development of luminescent materials\r\n• Phosphors for cathode ray tubes\r\n• LEDs and phosphors for white LEDs\r\n• OLEDs\r\n• Lasers\r\n• Phosphors for medical imaging and storage phosphors\r\n• Scintillator phosphors and phosphors for radiation detectors\r\n• Afterglow phosphors\r\nDefect characterization of semiconductors\nFinal competences:\n1 Have a thorough knowledge and insight in luminescent processes in condensed matter and the newest scientific developments in this context.\r\n2 Identifying and understanding coherence between luminescence and other relevant science domains, such as atomic and molecular physics, group theory and quantum mechanics.\r\n3 Being able to analyze, critically evaluate and structure information available in scientific literature on luminescence.\r\n4 Communicate on new developments and underlying theories of relevant luminescence processes and applications, with experts and non-experts." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Many-body physics"@en . . "6" . "Second quantization for fermions and bosons. Two-paricle states and interactions. Mean-field\r\ntechniques. Perturbation series for the single-particle propagator. Feynman diagrams. Dyson\r\nequation, two-particle propagator and vertex function. Nonperturbative aspects. Hartree-Fock in\r\natoms and molecules. Study of second-order selfenergy: static and dynamic contributions.\r\nQuasiparticles in Landau-Migdal framework. Excited states. Collective motion. Random phase\r\napproximation. Plasmon excitations in the electron gas. Repulsive short-range interactions.\r\nLadder diagrams. Saturation in nuclear matter. Boson systems. Bose-Einstein condensation.\r\nGross-Pitaevskii equation for ultracold atomic gases. Bogoliubov perturbation theory.\r\nHugenholtz-Pines theorem. first-order results for dilute Bose gas. Superfluidity in Helium-4.\r\nPairing in fermion systems. BCS theory and metallic superconductivity. Non-Fermi liquids.\nFinal competences:\n1 Familiarity with a number of basic concepts in quantum many body systems and condensed matter physics.\r\n2 Having an overview about different phases of quantum matter, and the associated phenomenology (gapless edge modes, topological entanglement entropy,…)\r\n3 Ability to read scientific papers about recent developments and to start research in this field." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Medical physics"@en . . "6" . "Interaction of non-ionizing electromagnetic waves with matter and tissues\r\n• physical models\r\n• relaxation processes\r\n• effects of low-frequent ( 100 kHz) and high-frequent (>100 kHz) radiowaves.\r\n• interactions with ultraviolet radiation.\r\nInteraction of ionizing electromagnetic waves with matter and tissues\r\n• fundamental interactions at the atomic level: photoelectric effect, compton scattering,\r\n• pair formation\r\n• attenuation and absorption of X-rays\r\n• effects at cellular level\r\n• dosimetry of ionizing radiation: exposure, kerma, absorbed dose, equivalent dose,\r\n• effective dose\r\nConventional imaging in radiology\r\n• screen-film technology for conventional radiography and mammography\r\n• digital radiology: computed radiography and direct read-out radiography\r\n• analysis of image quality, CAD\r\n• patient dosimetry\r\nComputed Tomography\r\n• CT-technology: spiral CT, multi-slice CT\r\n• 3D-applications, CAD\r\n• image quality analysis\r\n• patient dosimetry\r\nInterventional radiology and cardiology \r\n• physical principles of fluoroscopy and cinegraphy with image intensifiers\r\n• flat-panel systems in interventional radiology/cardiology\r\n• cone-beam CT\r\n• CT-angiography\r.\n• patient dosimetry\r\nUltrasound\r\n• physical models of interaction of sound waves with matter and tissues\r\n• acoustic impedance\r\n• ultrasound: principles and image formation chain\r\nMagnetic resonance imaging\r\n• MR models\r\n• MR relaxation in tissues\r\n• MR signals and diffusion\r\n• field gradients for location in space\r\nNuclear medicine\r\n• overview of radioactive decay modes\r\n• production of radionuclides for medical purposes: cyclotron, reactor\r\n• nuclear medical imaging: gammacamera, SPECT, PET\r\n• therapeutis applications of radionuclides\r\n• patient dosimetry in nuclear medicine\r\nRadiotherapy\r\n• Medical linear accelerator\r\n• Absolute dose determination\r\n• Patient dosimetry: treatment planning.\nFinal competences:\n1 Understand the physical concepts used in medicine.\r\n2 Describe the physical operation of medical imaging instruments.\r\n3 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of medical imaging techniques.\r\n4 Apply the principles of radiation dosimetry in different clinical disciplines.\r\n5 Be aware of the need of a medical physicist in a hospital environment." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Modeling complex systems"@en . . "6" . "General introduction about linear versus nonlinear dynamics.\r\nDynamical systems with one variable.\r\nBifurcations in one variable systems: saddle-node, cusp, transcritical and imperfect bifurcations.\r\nBifurcations on the circle, synchronisation.\r\nLinear dynamics with two variables: classification of the fixed points (saddle, node, center, degenerate).\r\nNonlinear dynamics with two variables: phase space analysis, reversibility, Lyapunov function, theory of the index.\r\nLimit cycles: relaxation oscillations, singular perturbation.\r\nChaos: Lorentz model and analysis.\r\nOne dimensional maps: bifurcations, period doubling and intermittency route to chaos, universality.\r\nFractals: self-similarity, fractal dimension.\r\nStrange attractors: stretching and folding, baker’s map, Henon map.\r\nPattern formation.\nALGEMENE COMPETENTIES\r\nThe overall objective of this course is to be able to analyze dynamical systems using geometrical methods on the phase space. This includes carrying out linear stability, bifurcation and phase plane analyses. We will first focus on one and two dimensional systems. Chaotic phenomena in physical systems will be described with two classical examples: the Lorentz strange attractor and the logistic map. Solving problems and reading literature related to the course material is also foreseen." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Modelling and engineering of nanoscale materials"@en . . "6" . "Engineering applications rely more and more on highly specialized materials exhibiting unique\r\nfunctionalities. In recent years, for example, advanced functional materials such as hybrid\r\nperovskites, metal-organic frameworks, and covalent organic frameworks have proven\r\ninvaluable to overcome many of the challenges associated with the development of highperformance photovoltaics, efficient heat management systems or stimulus-responsive sensor\r\nmaterials. The rational design of such advanced functional materials requires insight at the\r\natomic level. In this respect, molecular modelling is an interdisciplinary field that allows gaining\r\ninformation on the physical phenomena that govern the behaviour of these materials at the\r nanoscale. It has attracted increasing interest due to the systematically growing computer\r\ncapabilities and the continuous optimization of physical models and numerical algorithms. The\r\napplication fields are very diverse, going from chemistry, molecular physics, solid-state physics,\r\nand materials physics to nanophysics.\r\nIn this course, nanoscale modelling techniques are introduced by building upon concepts from\r\nquantum mechanics, statistical physics, and atomic and molecular physics, focusing on the\r\napplicability of these concepts and the rational approximations necessary to model real-life\r\nnanostructured materials with industrial relevance. To model these nanosized functional\r\nmaterials, a variety of simulation techniques are discussed and applied in this course. These\r\nmodelling techniques vary from quantum mechanics based methods, which are ideally suited to\r\nstudy complex nanosystems of limited sizes or at restricted time scales, to classical force field\r\nbased methods, which are able to describe phenomena taking place on the microsecond scale\r\nin systems of several tens of nanometers in size. These techniques are then applied to study\r\nstructural, mechanical, spectroscopic, and thermal properties of molecules and solids. The\r\ncourse focuses on the development of functional materials for engineering applications in the\r\nconversion and storage of energy, the sensing of chemical and physical stimuli, and heat\r\nmanagement on the nanoscale. The student will learn to work with different software packages\r\nwhich are commonly used in scientific research.\nThe most common strategy to model nanoscale systems is to apply the Born-Oppenheimer\r\napproximation, in which the electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom are decoupled. The\r\nenergy of the system then reduces to a parametric function of the position of the atomic nuclei.\r\nThe resulting multidimensional energy hypersurface is referred to as the potential energy\r\nsurface (PES) and governs the structural flexibility of the considered material. This course\r\ndemonstrates how the PES can be constructed from quantum mechanical information\r\n(electronic-structure methods) or more approximate techniques (force fields), and how\r\nadequate sampling of the PES allows recovering macroscopic properties of the material. These\r\nmethods are used to gain insight into materials behaviour at the nanoscale and develop design\r\nstrategies based on atomic information.\r\nThe course consists of the following main parts:\r\n1 Introduction to molecular modelling: typical engineering applications, typical time and length\r\n1 scales, interatomic interactions\r\n2 Sampling techniques to derive macroscopic properties from the potential energy surface:\r\n1 normal-mode analysis, partition functions, molecular dynamics, rare-event sampling\r\n1 schemes, Monte Carlo approaches, vibrational spectroscopy\r\n3 Many-body electronic-structure methods: Hartree-Fock, post-Hartree-Fock, density1 functional theory, electronic spectroscopy\r\n4 Basis sets for the description of electronic states: localized basis sets, plane-wave basis\r\n1 sets, pseudopotentials, projector-augmented wave method\r\n5 Molecular mechanics to model larger systems on longer time scales: force field methods,\r\n1 atom-in-molecule partitioning\r\n6 First-principles materials design to rationally identify materials with outstanding performance\r\n1 in, for instance thermal engineering (thermal conductivity, heat capacity), mechanical\r\n1 engineering (elastic constants, structural flexibility), electronic engineering (band gap, charge\r\n1 carrier mobility, UV/visible/infrared spectrum)\r." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Nanomagnetism"@en . . "6" . "Advanced course in solid state physics. This course aims at giving the students the basic\ningredients to understand the contempory research going on in the field of magnetism and\nmagnetic nanostrures. Emphasis is laid on research related to activities in Gent.1 Introduction: Modern magnetism: what, why and how\n2 Basic concepts of magnetism: magnetic ordering and phase transitions – exchange\ninteraction – magnetic anisotropies - magnetostatics – magnetic microstructure: domains\nand domainwalls – magnetization dynamics: Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation\n3 Experimental and computational techniques: Interaction with Light - X-rays – Neutrons,\nMicromagnetic simulations\n4 Magnetism on the nanoscale: magnetostatics – magnetic inferfaces: exchange bias and\n magnetic multilayers - magnetization dynamics: spin wave modes – spin dependent\n transport (GMR, TMR) - spin transfer torque.\n5 Discussion of research papers\nBasic knowledge of quantum mechanics, material science, solid state physics.\nAcquiring a fundamental knowledge on magnetism and be able to apply it to the field of nanomagnetism.\nUnderstanding the principles of the experimental and computation mehtods used to study magnetic systems.\nHaving an overview of the new concepts and challenges in the contemporary magnetism research." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Nuclear astrophysics"@en . . "6" . "• Relevant aspects of astronomy : observed abundances of elements ; Hertzsprung-Russell\n• diagram; Hubble law; cosmic radiation, telescopes.\n• Elements of nuclear physics: nuclear processes relevant to astrophysics, relevant\n• experiments, neutrinos and oscillations, the MSW effect.\n• Basic principles of stellar structure.\n• Big Bang nucleosynthesis.\n• Nucleosynthesis in stars : principles; stellar reaction rates and their determination;\n• thermonuclear reactions, including H, He, C, Ne, O and Si burning; nucleosynthesis beyond\n• iron: mechanism, s-, r- and p-process ; Stellar evolution. Supernovae: observation and\n• mechanism. Nuclear reactions in the sun: the standard solar model; the problem of the solar\n• neutrinos.\n• Galactic chemical evolution. Nucleocosmochronology.\nFinal competences:\n1 Describe the main mechanisms for nucleosynthesis in the universe.\n2 Show clear understanding of the role of the interplay between nuclear structure and reactions on one hand and stellar structure and evolution on the other, in stellar nucleosynthesis.\r\n3 Interpret and explain the results of numerical nucleosynthesis simulations.\r\n4 Show insight in the principles of galactic chemical evolution and cosmochronology and apply them in problems.\r\n5 Apply basic skills form different subdomains of physics and astronomy to solve nucleosynthesis-related problems." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Nuclear instrumentation"@en . . "6" . "The goal of this course is to obtain fundamental knowledge on the techniques and technology used to produce and detect radiation. The course consists of 2 separate parts: Partim Interaction of radiation with matter and radiation detectors • Radiation interactions: Interaction of heavy charged particles, Interaction of electrons and • positrons, Interaction of photons, Interaction of neutrons • Radiation detectors and their applications: General properties of radiation detectors, Gas- • filled detectors, Scintillaton detectors, Semi conductor detectors, Cherenkov detectors, • Neutron detection, Pulse processing Partim Particle Accelerators • Particle accelerators: Particle optics, Particle optics elements, Electrostatic and induction • accelerators, Linear high frequency accelerators, Circular high frequency accelerators, • Secundary beam production, Applications of accelerators.\nFINAL competences:\n1 Insight in radiation interaction processes.\r\n2 Insight in the operation of several types of radiation detectors and their application\r\n1 possibilities.\r\n3 Insight in methods to obtain physical information from detector output.\r\n4 Insight in methods to accelerate and transport charged particles.\r\n5 Insight in techniques to produce particles and radiation.\r\n6 Insight in design methods for modern particle accelerators and peripheral equipment." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Nuclear methods in material research"@en . . "6" . "• Phenomenological description of an atomic nucleus: radius, spin, parity, electric and\r\n• magnetic multipole moments, coupling of angular momenta, radioactive decay, multipole\r\n• radiation.\r\n• Hyperfine interactions and their relation with various energy scales in atoms.\r\n• Multipole expansion of the charge-charge and current-current interaction between a nucleus\r\n• and an electron distribution.\r\n• Magnetic hyperfine interaction, electric quadrupole interaction, monopole and quadrupole\r\n• shift.\r\n• Experimental methods based on hyperfine interactions: nuclear magnetic resonance, nuclear\r\n• quadrupole resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, laser spectroscopy, low-\r\n• temperature nuclear orientation, NMR on oriented nuclei, Mössbauer spectroscopy,\r\n• perturbed angular correlation, resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation.\r\n• Academic, industrial and analytic applications of these methods.\r\n• Whenever possible and relevant, labs at UGent will be visited where nuclear methods are\r\n• used.\nFinal competences:\n1 Explaining the relations and differences between the major nuclear methods.\r\n2 Explaining the physical background behind the major nuclear methods.\r\n3 Being aware of which properties can and which cannot be measured by nuclear methods.\r\n4 Grasping the relevant information from research papers that report on experiments with nuclear methods.\r\n5 Being able to read and interpret simple experimental spectra obtained by nuclear methods.\r\n6 Being aware of the range of applications of nuclear methods." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Object oriented programming (c++) for physicists"@en . . "6" . "The course will start by quickly translating the programming knowledge students have from other programming languages into C++.\r\n\r\nWe will then move to more specific C++ features like pointers. The object oriented part will introduce classes and its properties and uses, encapsulations, inheritance and polymorphism. We will also look at examples of how to use these tools in different scientific applications.\r\n\r\nSpecial emphasis will also be placed on Object Oriented Analysis and Design.\r\n\r\nThe last part will focus on the STL (standard template library), Graphical User Interface development and network communication.\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\nThe goal of the course is to learn basic object oriented (OO) programming techniques as implemented in C++. Several objectives need to be met\r\n\r\n- The students must be able to use pointers in C++\r\n\r\n- The students must be able to define classes, make objects with these and to use them properly.\r\n\r\n- Students must be able to craft their classes in such a way that it respects the basic OO principles\r\n\r\n- Students must be able to make algorithms using functional and object oriented programming in C++\r\n\r\n- Using these basic skills, students must be able to construct a larger project\r\n\r\n- Students need to be able to apply the basic principles of Object Oriented Analysis and Design in their chosen project." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Observational techniques in astronomy"@en . . "6" . "• Observatories and telescopes\r\n• CCD detectors\r\n• CCD calibration\r\n• Photometry\r\n• Astrometry\r\n• Spectroscopy\r\n• Introduction to radio astronomy\r\n• Interferometry\nFinal competences:\n1 Indicate the specific place of optical and radio astronomy within observational astronomy as a whole.\n2 Explain the most important characteristics and constraints on observatories, telescopes and detectors.\r\n3 Understand the fundaments behind photometry, spectroscopy and astrometry.\r\n4 Given an astrophysical question, select the most suitable observational technique and determine the instrumental requirements to investigate this question.\r\n5 Be familiar with the proposal writing process.\r\n6 Master the basic steps in the reduction of optical data using professional data reduction software." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Optical materials"@en . . "6" . "Position of the course\r\n\r\nIntroducing the microscopic origin of optical phenomena and transferring concepts from microscopic to macroscopic descriptions. Illustrating optical properties like anisotropy, non-linearity and variation by means of electric, elastic, acoustic or magnetic effects in basic components. All lectures are held atVUB with co-lecturer from UGent.\r\n\r\nContent\r\n\r\nIntroduction\r\nProperties of linear isotropic materials: examples, microscopic theory, definitions\r\nLight propagation in anisotropic dielectrics: polarisation, propagation, matrix\r\nFormalism, reflection\r\nProperties of linear anisotropic dielectrics: tensors, types of materials, optical activity\r\nModification of optical properties: microscopic theory, electro- photo- elasto- acousto-\r\nMagneto- optic effects\r\nLiquid crystals: types of ordering, switching behavior Non-linear optical materials:\r\nSecond-order effects, phase-relations, OPO, material examples.\nALGEMENE COMPETENTIES\r\nFinal competences\r\n\r\nUnderstand and explain the microscopic and macroscopic theory of linear (isotropic and anisotropic) optical materials and light propagation.\r\nUnderstand and explain mechanisms for modifying the optical properties of materials: electric, magnetic, elastic and acoustic methods, including liquid crystals.\r\nUnderstand and explain basic non-linear optical effects\r\nSolve exercises that are based on linear (isotropic and anisotropic) optical materials, modification of optical properties and liquid crystals.\r\nCalculate the propagation of light and the change in polarization\r\n Make written and oral reports about optical phenomena and devices\r\nGrading\r\nThe final grade is composed based on the following categories:" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Optical spectroscopy of materials"@en . . "4" . "• UV-VIS-NIR Spectrophotometry: Introduction; Applications: thin film optics\r\n• Spectroscopic ellipsometry\r\n• Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy: Introduction; Vibrational transitions in materials;\r\n• Electronic transitions in materials\r\n• Luminescence Spectroscopy: PL (photoluminescence); CL (cathodoluminescence)\r.\nFinal competences:\n1 Estimate the complex refractive index of an arbitrary material from optical measurements.\r\n2 Understand the concepts optical density, infrared- and Raman-active modes, excitation spectrum, emission spectrum, configuration coördinate diagram.\r\n3 Have insight in the relation between resolution, dynamic range, measurement time and signal to noise ratio in optical measurements. \r\n4 Interpret infrared absorption spectra of solid materials.\r\n5 Understand the origin of different luminescent processes in solids.\n6 Understand the possiblities and limitations of ellipsometric measurements in comparison with\r\nphotometric measurements." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Physics and chemistry of nanostructures"@en . . "6" . "1. Introduction: nanoscience and technology: what, why and how - observation, measurement\r\nand manipulation at the nanoscale.\r\n2. Concepts of bottom-up nanotechnology: syntheses of colloidal nanocrystals - self-assembly\r\nas a construction principle.\r\n3. Physical properties of nanoscale materials: electronic energy levels in nanostructures -\r\nquantum confinement - optical properties of quantum dots.\r\n4. Quantum transport: tunneling - single-electron tunneling and Coulomb-blockade - tunneling\r\nspectroscopy - electron counting - the quantization of conductance.\r\n5. Nanoscale devices: the single-electron transistor.\nFINAL competences:\r\n1 Students can explain the rationale of nanoscience and technology and discuss the main\r\n1 trends in bottom-up nanotechnology.\r\n2 Students understand colloidal nanocrystals in terms of synthesis, stability and processing.\r\n3 Students have insight in self-assembly as a bottom-up approach to nanostructures.\r\n4 Students can explain why material properties may depend on particle size.\r\n5 Students can relate quantum confinement to the physical properties of semiconductor\r\n1 nanocrystals.\r\n6 Students understand quantum transport by tunneling.\r\n7 Students can relate Coulomb-blockade to single electron tunneling and understand the\r\n1 functioning of devices based in this effect.\r\n8 Students can discuss about the quantization of conductance. \r\n9 Understand can read, assess and discuss current scientific literature on colloidal\r\n1 nanocrystals." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Plasma physics"@en . . "6" . "• Basic concepts of plasmas\r\n• Single-particle motion in electric and magnetic fields\r\n• Plasmas as fluids, magnetohydrodynamics\r\n• Waves in plasmas (electrostatic, electromagnetic and acoustic waves)\r\n• Collisions, diffusion and resistivity\r\n• Equilibrium and stability, plasma instabilities\r\n• Plasma kinetic theory\r\n• Nonlinear effects (plasma sheaths, shock waves, solitons)\r\n• Special plasmas (ultracold plasmas, dusty plasmas, atmospheric-pressure plasmas)\r\n• Plasma engineering applications (semiconductor etching, surface treatment, spacecraft\r\n• propulsion, fusion energy).\nFinal competences: \n1. Have a thorough understanding of the important physical theories in the field of plasma physics.\r\n2 Understand the role of plasmas in natural phenomena and technological applications.\r\n3 Select and apply the proper models, methods and techniques to solve plasma physics\r\n1 problems.\r\n4 Conduct and understand simple experiments with plasmas and report on the experimental\r\n1 findings, both orally and in writing." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Plasma technology and fusion technology"@en . . "6" . "The goal of the course is twofold:\r\n• To acquire a thorough level of understanding of low-temperature plasma applications in\r\n• materials technology, environmental technology, biomedical technology and plasma\r\n• medicine.\r\n• To acquire a thorough level of understanding of energy production via nuclear fusion, fusion\r\n• physics, fusion reactor principles, fusion reactor diagnostics and material technology for\r\n• fusion.\r\nFinal competences: \n1 Understand the working principles and engineering challenges of industrial plasma sources\r\n2 Insight in technological applications of plasmas in different fields\r\n3 Being able to process scientific literature and to make a synthesis/review on a certain subject\r\n4 Being able to report and present scientific findings as a team\r\n5 Knowledge of the physical basis of nuclear fusion\r\n6 Knowledge of technological and engineering aspects of nuclear fusion regarding material\r\n1 requirements, plasma diagnostics and reactor development" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Quantitative cell and tissue biology"@en . . "5" . "1) Introduction to Cell Biology\r\n\r\nThis part aims to introduce the students to the main basic principles of Cell Biology. The focus lies on the theoretical knowledge of these fundamental cell biology principles.\r\n\r\nFollowing aspects of cell biology will be discussed:\r\n\r\nUniversal features of eukaryotic cells\r\nThe plasma membrane\r\nThe cytoskeleton\r\nCompartmentalization of the cell: The nucleus, The endoplasmic reticulum, The Golgi apparatus, The mitochondrion\r\n \r\n\r\n2) Important cell biology techniques and their applications\r\n\r\nThis part aims to introduce the students to 3 main cell biology techniques, which are amply used in research (both in academia as in industry). The focus lies on both the theoretical knowledge of these fundamental cell biology techniques and an understanding of their applications.\r\n\r\nFollowing techniques will be discussed:\r\n\r\nManipulating DNA and proteins. This chapter includes: techniques for the fractionation of cell components, techniques for the isolation of proteins, techniques to isolate genes (PCR, reverse transcription, gene cloning, plasmid expression vectors, construction of transgenic mice)\r\nLight microscopy. This chapter includes: light as electromagnetic waves, light refraction, basis of a compound microscope, introduction to bright-field microscopy, introduction to dark-field microscopy, introduction to fluorescence microscopy (basics of fluorescence, filter sets, photodetectors), using fluorescence to visualize cells or cellular structures (functional dyes, immunofluorescence, fluorescent proteins, FRAP, FLIP, FRET), introduction to laser scanning confocal microscopy, introduction to two-photon microscopy.\r\nFlow cytometry and cell sorting. This chapter includes: the flow cytometric set-up, electrostatic cell sorting, compensation\r\n \r\n\r\n3) Mathematical modelling of complex cell biology systems (Enzyme kinetics and biochemical reaction networks)\r\n\r\nThis part aims to introduce the students to mathematical modelling of exemplary biological problems. The focus lies on applicability, rather than theoretical knowledge.\r\n\r\nFollowing aspects will be discussed:\r\n\r\nModelling chemical reaction networks (law of mass action, numerical simulations, separation of time scales and model reduction\r\nModelling biochemical reactions (enzyme kinetics)\r\nModelling gene regulatory networks (modelling gene expression)\r\n \r\n\r\n4) Tissue techniques. This part aims to introduce the students to the principle techniques for studying and manipulating tissue.\r\n\r\nThe following aspects will be discussed:\r\n\r\nCell and tissue culture techniques\r\nHistology and histological techniques\r\nElectron microscopy.\nLEARNING OUTCOMES\r\n1. Understand the working principles of techniques to culture cells and tissues\r\n\r\n2. Understanding of histology and histological techniques and being able to interpret histological coupes\r\n\r\n3. Understand various quantitative techniques for the quantitative analysis of cell morphology, cell properties, structure and function and be able to apply quantitative analysis\r\n\r\n4. Understand the relation between cell composition and cell function as inferred from the above-mentioned techniques" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Quantum black holes and holography"@en . . "6" . "1 The classical laws of black hole physics.\r\n2 Quantum field theory on black hole space-times and Hawking radiation\r\n3 The membrane paradigm\r\n4 Introduction to string theory\r\n5 Holography and the AdS/CFT conjecture.\r\n6 Black hole entropy\r\n7 Tensor network states and holography.\r\n8 Research topics: e.g. firewall problem, thermalisation and black holes, MERA and holography.\nFinal competences: \n1 Working knowledge of the present state of the research at the intersection of quantum\r\n1 mechanics and general relativity.\r\n2 With an emphasis on the physical principles and mathematical techniques, preparing for\r\n1 independent research." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Quantum computing"@en . . "6" . "• Quantum entanglement\r\n• Quantum computing\r\n• Quantum Tensor Networks\r\nFinal competences:\nBasic knowledge about quantum computing and quantum entanglement" . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Quantum electrodynamics"@en . . "6" . "Quantum theory of the free e.m.field: Maxwell equations, global and local gauge symmetries,\r\nquantization of the e.m.field, state vectors of the e.m.field, coherent states. Interaction between\r\nradiation and matter, dipole radiation, photon scattering off electrons, Thompson cross-section,\r\nnatural linewidth. Second quantization: occupation number representation for bosons and\r\nfermions, relation to first quantization, field operators. Interacting quantum fields: FeynmannGoldstone diagrams. Application for nonrelativistic bremsstrahlung: Coulomb interaction,\r\nbremsstrahlung cross-section. Divergences and renormalization in QED: quantumfluctuations,\r\nCasimir effect. Renormalization of the electron mass: nonrelativistic approach, Lamb shift,\r\nmethod of Bethe. Electromagnetic coupling using the Dirac equation: minimal coupling,\r\ncovariant e.m. coupling. Foldy- Wouthuysen transformation: free particle, e.m.field, applicaton\r\nto the H-atom. Compton effect, Klein-Nishinaformula, charge conjugation in Dirac theory,\r\nparticle-antiparticle transformation, hole theory.\nFinal competences: \n1 Calculate autonomously electromagnetic processes in different branches of modern physics.\r\n2 Have a coherent overview of electromagnetic processes in astrophysics, elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics.\r\n3 Evaluate and apply the contents of the specialized literature on these topics.\r\n4 Give a clear presentation on a chosen subject matter related to QED.\r\n5 Analyze and solve complex problems in QED." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Quantum field theory"@en . . "6" . "The combination of quantum mechanics with the laws of special relativity requires the introduction of a new framework: relativistic quantum field theory. This course introduces the concepts and techniques of quantum field theory using a realistic theory: quantum electrodynamics (QED). This is the theory which provides a microscopic description of electrically charged particles interacting through the electro-magnetic force.\r\n\r\nAfter introducing the free Maxwell and Dirac fields, interactions are introduced in a systematic way. The full theory is then treated using time dependent perturbation theory - translated in the form of Feynman diagrams and rules.\r\n\r\nSubsequently we use this to analyze several standard processes in QED: pair production, scattering in an external field, Compton scattering, ...\r\n\r\nNext radiative corrections are studied thereby introducing the concepts of regularization and renormalization. The course ends with a brief introduction to the generalization of QED to the other fundamental interactions.\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\nRelativistic quantum fiel theory is a new conceptual layer in physics relevant when studying natural phenomena at small scales where the laws of quantum mechanics and special relativity apply simultaneously.\r\n\r\nThe course aims at a good understanding of the foundational principles of quantum field theory while simultaneously the student will enlarge his technical and analytical skills such as to be able to analyze complex realistic problems.\r\n\r\nAs quantum field theory is one of the basic topics in theoretical physics, the course provides the foundation for numerous other courses." . . "Presential"@en . "TRUE" . . "Radiative transfer simulations in astrophysics"@en . . "6" . "• Interstellar dust: formation and destruction, shapes, size distribution, optical and calorimetric\r\n• properties.\r\n• The radiative transfer equation: derivation, source and sink terms, line and continuum\r\n• transport, scattering by dust, dust absorption and re-emission in local equilibrium conditions.\r\n• The photon package life cycle: Monte Carlo basics, primary emission, interactions with the\r\n• dust, escape and detection, panchromatic simulations and dust emission.\r\n• Spatial grids: grid traversal, regular Cartesian grids, hierarchical grids, Voronoi grids.\r\n• Sampling from spatial distributions: random number generators, inversion method, rejection\r\n• method, decorating geometries with spiral arms or clumps, importing hydrodynamics\r\n• simulation results.\r\n• Optimization techniques: forced scattering, continuous absorption, peel-off, composite\r\nCredits 6.0 Study time 180 h\r\nTeaching languages\r\nKeywords\r\nPosition of the course\r\nContents\r\nCourse size (nominal values; actual values may depend on programme)\r\n(Approved) 1\r\nAccess to this course unit via a credit contract is determined after successful competences assessment\r\nThis course unit cannot be taken via an exam contract\r\nend-of-term and continuous assessment\r\nexamination during the second examination period is not possible\r\nAssignment\r\nGroup work, lecture, independent work\r\n• biasing.\r\n• Parallelization: shared and distributed memory, redistribution of parallel data between\r\n• simulation phases, performance scaling.\r\n• Inverse radiative transfer: fitting analytical models to observations, searching large parameter\r\n• spaces.\r\n• Extensions to the basic radiative transfer equation: dust heating in nonequilibrium conditions,\r\n• polarization, kinematics, radiation hydrodynamics.\r\n• Other radiative transfer simulation techniques: ray-tracing, moment method, dealing with high\r\n• optical depth, benchmark efforts.\r\nSeveral of these subjects are illustrated with astrophysical science cases, and the\r\naccompanying practical project links directly into many of the theoretical subjects.\nFinal competences:\n1 Derive the radiative transfer equation and understand its components.\r\n2 Describe the Monte Carlo photon package life cycle and related techniques for spatial discretization, sampling from three-dimensiomal distributions, computational optimization, and parallelization.\r\n3 Explain the pros and cons of the various techniques used in radiative transfer simulations.\r\n4 Describe some science cases to which to radiative transfer simulations are applied and\r\n1 explain why they are relevant.\r\n5 Apply a state-of-the-art radiative transfer code to basic science cases.\r\n6 Adjust a scientific code written in C++ to specific research demands.\r\n7 Interpret radiative transfer simulation results in a numerical and astrophysical context.\r\n8 Orally convey the findings of a radiative transfer simulation project to experts." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Radioactivity and radiation dosimetry"@en . . "6" . "Radioactivity: General properties of radioactive decay; specific decay processes;\nartificial radiation sources; applications; radioisotopes; transmutation of radioactive\ndecay.\nRadiation dosimetry: basic quantities; interaction between radiation fields and matter;\ncalculation of radiation doses; metrology.\nFinal competences: \n1 Concepts: to have obtained basic knowledge on the general properties of radioactive\ndecay, specific decay processes and radiation sources, and the interaction betweenradiation fields and matter.\n2 Insights:to have obtained insight in the basic mechanisms of radioactive decay, production of radiation and absorption of radiation.\n3 Skills: to be able to calculate and measure activities and radiation doses.\n4 Attitudes: to be convinced that radioactive substances and other radiation sources have to be handled with care." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Statistical foundations of machine learning"@en . . "6" . "In this course, we Introduce the basics of Machine Learning from a statistical perspective. The focus of this course is on supervised learning, but other learning paradigms are also studied. The following topics will be addressed:\n\n1. The Learning Problem - 2. Is Learning Feasible? - 3. The Linear Model - 4. Error and Noise - 5. Training versus Testing - 6. Theory of Generalization - 7. The Vapnik-Chervonenkis Dimension - 8. Bias-Variance Tradeoff - 9. Neural Networks - 10. Overfitting - 11. Regularization - 12. Validation - 13. Support Vector Machines - 14. Kernel Methods - 15. Bayesian learning - 16. Reinforcement learning.\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\r\nIntroduce the basics of Machine Learning from a statistical perspective. The student has to be able to 1) understand machine learning techniques, 2) formally prove theoretical guarantees about machine learning, 3) implement these techniques in Python, 4) apply these techniques to benchmark and real-world problems, and 5) evaluate the performance of machine learning techniques.\r\n\r\n• Knowledge and insight: After successful completion of the course the student should have insight into which problems can benefit from machine learning techniques and how to apply these techniques to the problem at hand. The student will gain insight in the studied methodologies and be able to reason about model complexities and learning guarantees.\r\n\r\n• Use of knowledge and insight: The student should be able to apply machine learning techniques and to tune the parameters of the chosen algorithm. The use of python will enable the student to write programs to solve problems. The exercise sessions and practical exam project will challenge students to solve research questions that consider both synthetic and real-world data.\r\n\r\n• Judgement ability: The student should be able to judge the qualities of the different machine learning techniques and their results on the problem at hand.\r\n\r\n• Communication: The student should be able to communicate with experts about machine learning problems. The student should also be able to report and to present the results of his or her experiments to both specialists and non-specialists. The practical exam project will challenge students to collaborate with their peers and communicate their results effectively." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Strongly correlated quantum systems"@en . . "6" . "1 Introduction: second quantisation, interacting electrons, the Hubbard model and itsdescendants\n2 Quantum Ising model in transverse magnetic field: exact solution via Jordan Wigner, Fourier and Bogoliubov transform. Quantum phase transitions and criticality. Order an disorder. Duality. Excitations and domain walls. Entanglement entropy: area laws and logarithmic divergence.\n3 Half-integer spin chains: Heisenberg antiferromagnets, Lieb-Schultz-Mattis theorem, order and disorder, Goldstone-bosons, Mermin-Wagner theorem, exact solution via coordinate Bethe ansatz.\n4 Integer spin chains: Haldane’s conjecture, Affleck-Kennedy-Tasaki-Lieb model, introduction to MPS (Matrix Product States) and tensor networks. Gapless edge modes and symmetry protected topological order.\n5 Topological classification of free fermion systems: periodic table of topological insulators and superconductors, Su-Schriefer-Heeger model and Kitaev’s quantum wire: topological.\ndegeneracy and majorana edge modes.\r\n6 Spin models in higher dimensions, spin liquids, gauge theories and Kitaev's toric code\r\n1 model, topological order and anyons\r\nThere will also be a group project, which can be chosen as either a literature review (e.g.\r\nquantum hall effect, Levin-Wen string net models, topological insulators, entanglement\r\nrenormalization for critical systems, entanglement entropy in conformal field theory, …) or\r\n(density matrix renormalization group algorithm, tensor renormalization group, …)." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Structural analysis techniques in solid state physics"@en . . "6" . "• X-ray diffraction for structure determination of crystalline materials: fundamentals, practical\nuse, indexing, phase identification, and pole figure measurements for texture analysis\n• Total scattering of X-rays and analysis of the pair distribution function (PDF) for nanostructured and amorphous materials\n• Small angle scattering (SAXS) for obtaining structure information on the nanoscale\n• EXAFS (Extended X-ray absorption fine structure) for determining the local structure of an atom in crystalline as well as amorphous materials\n• Computed tomography with a focus on X-ray CT: micro-CT, reconstruction, visualization and analysis of 3D images, and applications\n• EPR (Electron paramagnetic resonance) and ENDOR (Electron nuclear double resonance) for the study of defects using magnetic resonance\n• Seminars on selected modern techniques for structural analysis: student seminar on a selected topic.\nFinal competences:\n1 Apply advanced knowledge of theories, models, methods, techniques, processes and\r\napplications in materials research to analyze and solve complex problems.\r\n2 Analyze, evaluate and structurally synthesize information from scientific literature on\r\nexperimental solid state physics.\r\n3 Show a professional attitude which is a sign of openness to new scientific developments and their applications in a broad scientific, economic or social context.\r\n4 Present personal research, ideas, thoughts, views or proposals appropriately orally or in\r\nwriting, both in Dutch and English." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Subatomic physics II"@en . . "6" . "Introduction and reminder of general concepts\nDecay rates and cross sections\nThe Dirac equation\nInteraction by particle exchange\nElectron-positron annihilation\nElectron-proton elastic scattering\nDeep inelastic scattering\nSymmetries and the quark model\nQuantum Chromodynamics (QCD)\nThe weak interaction\nThe weak interactions of leptons\nNeutrinos and neutrino oscillations\nCP violation and the weak hadronic interactions\nElectroweak unification\nTest of the Standard Model\nThe Brout-Englert-Higgs boson.\nGENERAL COMPETENCIES\nThe student masters the phenomenolocial description of particle interactions and can bring these concepts to testable and measurable quantities. The student can interprete modern particle physics experiments into a theoretical framework." . . "Presential"@en . "TRUE" . . "Symmetry groups"@en . . "6" . "• Introduction: Introduction and definitions; Group theoretical notations\n• Representations: Reducible, irreducibele, equivalent representations; Orthogonality\n• relations for matrix elements and characters ; Reduction of representations and\n• character tables; Restricted and induced representations\n• Basis functions and supplements to representations: Transformation of functions and\n• operators; Basis functions and eigenfunctions; Restricted representations and\n• symmetry lowering; Projection operators; Direct product of groups and\n• representations; Selection rules\n• Twodimensional rotation and rotation reflection group: Introduction and\n• twodimensional rotation group; Twodimensional rotation-reflection group\n• Three dimensional rotation group and the group SU(2): Introduction - symmetry and\n• conservation laws; The group SU(2) and SO(3) - SU(2) homomorphism; Reduction of\n• direct product representations - addition of angular momenta; Wigner-Eckart theorem\n• Applications of group theory - capita selecta: Vibrational problems; Inversion\n• symmetry ; Translation symmetry of crystalline solids - space groups - band\n• structure; Time reversal symmetry - Kramers' theorem; Spin and double groups -\n• crystal field theory\nFinal competences: \n1 Being able to recognise symmetry present in physical systems.\r\n2 Being able to make use of the symmetry present in physical systems in a creative\r\nway.\n3 To master the mathematical methods of representation theory and to be able to\r\napply them in practical situations.\r\n4 To understand and to be able to predict the degeneracy of eigenvalues and the\r\nbehaviour under symmetry.\r\n5 To be able to identify the features and properties of physical systems related to\r\nsymmetry.\r\n6 To know and to be able to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of group theory.\r\n7 To have enough understanding with respect to group theoretical information in order\r\nto use and evaluate literature data in a correct way.\r\n8 To be able to apply group theoretical knowledge in other scientific domains as, e.g.,\r\nAtomic and Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, Subatomic Physics, Chemistry,\r\nSpectroscopy, etc." . . "Presential"@en . "FALSE" . . "Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy"@en . . "https://images.communicate.vub.ac.be/Web/VUB/%7Be03fbc44-87f1-488a-badd-e287777c0353%7D_WE_oplBrochure_MB_EN_Physics-Astronomy_8P.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_content=MARCOM%20REKRUTERING%20brochure%20download%20ENG&%3Cutm_campaign= https://www.vub.be/en/studying-vub/all-study-programmes-vub/bachelors-and-masters-programmes-vub/master-in-physics-and-astronomy/program/master/master-physics-and-astronomy-minor-research\n" . "120"^^ . "Presential"@en . "The Master of Science in Physics and Astronomy: Minor Research is composed of 30 ECTS compulsory courses, 30 ECTS master thesis, 10-12 ECTS external mobility courses and 48-50 ECTS minor Research Electives. Our Master is jointly organized with UGent.\n\nPhysics aims at understanding the world around us by observing it from the smallest scales to the scale of the universe itself. From those observations, models are built to allow us to understand, explain and eventually predict the behavior of nature. The Master in Physics and Astronomy provides a comprehensive education in physics covering the particle physics, general relativity, astrophysics and the study of complex systems.\n\nThis master will give you quantitative and analytic skills that are useful to solve many problems arising in many areas beyond physics."@en . . . "2"@en . "TRUE" . . "Master"@en . "Thesis" . "1092.10" . "Euro"@en . "3620.00" . "Recommended" . "As a physicist you will be in high demand on the job market. With a master in Physics and Astronomy from VUB, you will have the knowledge and skills to land a job in one of many diverse sectors.\n\nThere is plenty of work in scientific research at universities and research institutes. In industry, in modelling, statistics and informatics. Alternatively, work on risk analysis and modelling in the banking, finance or pharmaceuticals sectors. You will also be valuable in the field of education. Infinite opportunities, in fact!"@en . "2"^^ . "TRUE" . "Upstream"@en . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .