Welcome to Numerial Physics

Description: In this PhD course, we study various topics in mathematics and physics that require numerical tools. We will discuss problems, solution strategies, programming and solve several practical problems. The topics selected range from quantum physics over nanooptics to electronic device simulations.

Mathematics: We shall deal with various spectral and dynamical aspects of (mostly discrete) Schrodinger operators. Among the topics which will be covered: the Feshbach formula, (almost) invariant subspaces, the adiabatic theorem of quantum mechanics, the limiting absorption principle, asymptotic completeness and the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. Literature: personal notes based on the book "Methods of Modern Mathematical Physics: Analysis of Operators" by  M. Reed and B. Simon.

Quantum physics: We will discuss the optical response of two-dimensional semiconductors. In particular, focus will be on excitons including impurity-bound states. Course material includes “Electric, Optical and magnetic Properties of Nanostructures” 2016 version (found on TGP’s homepage).

Nanooptics/photonics: In nanooptics and photonics the theoretical study of propagation and scattering of light by nanostructures and nanophotonics components requires the solution of Maxwells equations. Several methods for solving Maxwells equations exist, and the most appropriate method to use depends on the geometry and what information that should be extracted. In this part of the Ph. D course we will go in depth with one such method, namely the Finite-Difference-Time-Domain method. This will include both the theory of the method and writing of numerical FDTD programs in matlab. We use as course material the relevant chapters in the book: A. V. Lavrinenko, J. Lægsgaard, N. Gregersen, F. Schmidt, and T. Søndergaard, “Numerical Methods in Photonics”, CRC Press, 2015.

Fracture mechanics: The focus will be on fatigue induced fractures in polycrystalline metals – especially thermo-mechanical induced fatigue. Initially we will discuss the concept of fatigue induced fracture mechanics and the problematics of modelling. This will be followed by a case study of the bond wire lift-off failure mechanism observed in high power modules where we will use standard continuum mechanics models in combination with the Paris-Erdogan model to estimate fracture propagation rate. Literature will be specified closer to the start of the course.

The contents are listed below.

  1. 16/2 The Feshbach formula, limiting absorption principle and the Lippmann-Schwinger formula (Horia Cornean)
  2. 17/2 Slowly time dependent Schrodinger operators and the adiabatic theorem (Horia Cornean)
  3. 22/2  The Feshbach reduction for 1D excitons, Wannier model and 2D hydrogen (Horia Cornean/Thomas G. Pedersen)
  4. 23/2 2D Keldysh model and excitonic optical response (Thomas G. Pedersen)
  5. 24/2 2D model of impurity-bound excitons (Thomas G. Pedersen)
  6. 27/2 FDTD (Thomas Søndergaard)
  7. 28/2 FDTD (Thomas Søndergaard)
  8. 1/3 FDTD (Thomas Søndergaard)
  9. 2/3 Fundamental fracture mechanics, paris-erdogan model, J-integral approach (Kristian Bonderup Pedersen)
  10. 3/3 Case study of bond wire lift-off (Kristian Bonderup Pedersen)

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in math, optics, quantum physics and electromagnetism.

Organizer: Professor  Thomas G. Pedersen, email: tgp@nano.aau.dk

Lecturers: Professor Horia Cornean, Professor Thomas G. Pedersen, Associate Professor Thomas Søndergaard, and Post doc. Kristian B. Pedersen

ECTS: 4

Time: 16-17 + 22-24 + 27-28 February 2017 + 1-3 March 2017

Place: Skjernvej 4

Zip code: 9220

City: Aalborg East

Important information concerning PhD courses We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 5,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately three months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.