Atomics and optics

Subject description

In the introduction, we explain the physical basis of electromagnetism and Maxwell's equations. Then we continue with the mathematical description of electrical conduction in metals and electrolytes. After that, we devote ourselves to modeling the dielectric properties of solids and liquids, where we use the methods of statistical thermodynamics.

In the following, we derive Poisson's equation and, as a special example, the Poisson-Boltzmann equation to describe the electric double layer that is formed when a charged surface is in contact with electrolyte solution. In the chapter on the magnetic properties of matter, we explain in details the simple physical models of diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetism.

The chapter on optics begins with a mathematical description of electromagnetic waves and continues with the derivation of the equation for the frequency dependence of the refractive index. We also discuss total reflection and optical fibers and examples of simple devices from geometrical optics.

In the part of lectures on modern physics, we first explain the basics of the theory of special relativity, then the photo effect, black body radiation and finally the origin of X-rays and their applications.

In the final part devoted to the understanding of the properties of the atoms, we first derive the equations of the Bohr model which are then used to explain the emission line spectra of gases. The lectures conclude with an explanation of the experimental foundations, principles, and basic equations of quantum mechanics. Finally some simple models from quantum mechanics are briefly described.

The subject is taught in programs

Objectives and competences

The acquired knowledge will enable the students to understand the electrical and magnetic properties of the materials important in electrical engineering. The students will acquire a general education in technical and natural sciences and gain better understanding of theoretical and experimental methods in natural and technical sciences.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, tutorials, demonstrative experiments during lectures and lectures of visiting professors from abroad.

Expected study results

Basic knowledge of electrical properties of materials which are important in electrical engineering. The application of the acquired knowledge in the fields of optics and atomics in different fields of electrotechnics.

Successful completion of the course will provide the students with:

-education in fundamental atomics and optics, preparing them for a future as problem solvers or researchers in industry and in research institutes
-a good basic education in atomics and optics suitable for a career in high-technology industry.

After completion of the course the students should be also able to/of:

use the basic theoretical tools of atomics and optics that are needed for the more specialised courses in electrical engineering,
application of the basic laws of atomics and optics to solve the general problems in electrical engineering,
solve practical problems in engineering , which prepare the students for independent research and development work in reserach institutes and in the industry ,
solve complex interdisciplinary engineering problems, requiring a knowledge and understanding of atomics and optics, as well as experience with analytical tools from the field of physics.

Basic sources and literature

Raymond A. Serway: Physics (international edition), Sounders Golden Sunburst Series (vsakokratna nova izdaja), PDF knjige lahko študenti dobijo pri učiteljih ali asistentih fizike na FE UL
A. Iglič: Električne lastnosti snovi,  Fakulteta za elektrotehniko, Založba FE in FRI, vsakokratna nova izdaja, spletna izdaja v  Spletni učilnici FE: https://e.fe.uni-lj.si/login/index.php ter na domači strani Laboratorija za fiziko (LF) FE : http://physics.fe.uni-lj.si/students/predavanja/zapiski_iglic_fiz1.html
J. Strnad: Fizika 2. del: Elektrika, optika, DMFA   (najnovejša izdaja)
J. Strnad: Fizika 3. del: Posebna teorija relativnosti, kvantna fizika, atomi  (najnovejša izdaja)
T. Gyergyek, V. Kralj-Iglič, A. Iglič, M. Fošnarič: Vaje iz fizike II, Založba FE in FRI, vsakokratna nova izdaja, spletna izdaja na domači strani LF FE in v Spletni učilnici FE.
A. Iglič: Predloge k predavanjem iz Atomike in optike, vsakokratna nova izdaja, spletna izdaja,   na domači strani LF FE in v Spletni učilnici FE.
Feynman, Leighton, Sands: The Feynman Lectures on Physics, link na dostopen PDF knjige na voljo na  domači strani LF FE ter v  Spletni učilnici FE.
A. Iglič: Demonstracijski praktikum pri Atomiki in optiki. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Založba FE, 2020.
Jeran, Marko, Gyergyek, Tomaž, Iglič, Aleš: Demonstracijski poskusi iz Atomike in optike za študente naravoslovno-tehničnih usmeritev, Ljubljana, 2022, spletni vir (126 videodatotek). [COBISS.SI-ID 92410371]. Na domači strani LF FE in v Spletni učilnici FE.
A. Iglič: posnetki »online« predavanj iz Atomike in optike študentom FE (68 videotek v skupnem trajanju okoli 80 ur), v  Spletni učilnici FE: https://e.fe.uni-lj.si/login/index.php
Rudolf Kladnik, Visokošolska fizika, 2. del., Elektrika in atomika, DZS, Ljubljana.