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Unit outline_

PHYS5121: HDR Advanced Electrodynamics and Photonics

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The electromagnetic force is the only one of the four fundamental forces of nature that is compatible with the four realms of mechanics (classical, quantum, relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics) and therefore, the study of electrodynamics is fundamental to understanding how the laws of physics may be unified, but also to identify gaps in our knowledge. Drawing upon the foundations of classical electromagnetism and optics laid in the undergraduate physics major, this unit provides an advanced-level treatment of topics in electrodynamics and photonics underlying cutting-edge modern research. Starting with the mathematically elegant covariant formalism of the Maxwell equations, from which special relativity derives, the unit covers topics such as the origin of radiation from relativistic particles and from atoms, which are important in astrophysics and particle physics as well as optical and quantum physics. This then introduces the theme of light-matter interactions, which reveals how light can be manipulated and controlled, leading to fascinating phenomena such as optical tweezers, topological insulators and metamaterials. The unique properties and applications of confined electromagnetic waves and their nonlinear interactions are studied in depth, followed by the physics of laser light. The unit is completed with the contemporary research topic of quantum optics. In studying these topics, you will learn advanced theoretical concepts and associated mathematical methods in physics, including tensor calculus, Greens function method, multipole expansion in field theory, and coupled mode theory. Assessment for this unit includes the preparation of a literature review. By doing this unit, you will be able to synthesise your knowledge of physics and gain new insights into how to identify and apply relevant aspects of physics-based concepts and techniques to solve modern research problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
PHYS4121
Assumed knowledge
? 

A major in physics including third-year electromagnetism and third-year optics

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Stefano Palomba, stefano.palomba@sydney.edu.au
Zdenka Kuncic, zdenka.kuncic@sydney.edu.au
Benjamin Eggleton, benjamin.eggleton@sydney.edu.au
Moritz Merklein, moritz.merklein@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Quiz 1
short answer questions
5% Week 01 30-60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Quiz 2
short answer questions
5% Week 03 30-60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Assignment 1
worked problems
25% Week 03 3-4 hours work
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial quiz Quiz 3
short answer questions
5% Week 04 30-60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Quiz 4
short answer questions
5% Week 07 30-60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Assignment 2
worked problems
25% Week 07 3-4 hours work
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Tutorial quiz Quiz 5
short answer questions
5% Week 09 30-60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Quiz 6
short answer questions
5% Week 10 30-60 min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Presentation Literature Review
Oral presentation based on review of the literature
20% Week 12 -
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

  • Quiz 1: This quiz will test your understanding of covariant electrodynamics.
  • Quiz 2: This quiz will test your understanding of light-matter interactions.
  • Quiz 3: This quiz will test your understanding of metamaterials and fibers.
  • Quiz 4: This quiz will test your understanding of laser physics.
  • Quiz 5: This quiz will test your understanding of plasmonics.
  • Quiz 6: This quiz will test your understanding of quantum photonics.
  • Assignment 1: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve worked problems on the field transformations and radiation by relativistic charges..
  • Assignment 2: This assignment will require you to apply information from lectures and your reading to solve worked problems on nonlinear optical processes.
  • Literature Review: You will study papers from the relevant current research literature and prepare a presentation reviewing these papers.

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark range Description
High Distinction 85-100 At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction 75-84 At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit 65-74 At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Pass 50-64 At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail 0-49 At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Covariant electrodynamics Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Radiation by relativistic charges Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Light-matter interactions Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Metamaterials and fibers Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Photonic bandgap Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Nonlinear processes Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Lasers Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Plasmonics Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 Quantum photonics Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Literature review presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Integrate knowledge of electromagnetism and optics from the undergraduate syllabus to develop an advanced level of understanding of physical phenomena in modern research applications of photonics.
  • LO2. Describe the electrodynamic physics underlying light-matter interactions and their applications in photonics research.
  • LO3. Apply physics knowledge and mathematical skills to solve problems in electrodynamics and photonics.
  • LO4. Analyse observed electromagnetic phenomena to elucidate key components of the underlying physical mechanisms and their manifestation into photonics applications.
  • LO5. Review relevant current research literature on a selected topic.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered.

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students and staff who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity.  If you feel you have been treated unfairly, bullied, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Services: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/disability/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.