FRS 002V —
Sec. 001 —
(2 units) — CRN 76191 — T/R 1:10 - 2:00 pm — 158 Roessler
Applications of Waves -- From Music to Imaging Atoms
Instructor: Shirley Chiang, Department of Physics, College of Letters
and Science
Description: This course will discuss how wave theory applies
to two very different topics, one classical and one modern: music and quantum
mechanics. Properties of sound waves will be related to musical properties such
as pitch, loudness, and timbre. The construction of different musical
instruments
and how they produce sound of different character will be discussed. Physical
principles will be used to understand the operation of stereo sound systems and
digitized computer music. Finally, modern quantum mechanics and its dependence
on wave theory will be used to explain the operation of the scanning tunneling
microscope, which is used to image individual atoms on a surface. Atomic scale
images are relevant to small structures in integrated circuits which
make possible
new technological advances in computers. The objective of the course
is for students
to see how physical principles can be used to explain the world around them. It
will use physics to study the properties and production of musical
sounds. Students
will also learn how modern quantum mechanics applies to the operation
of the scanning
tunneling microscope (STM), which is used to make atomic resolution images of
surfaces. Students will read and discuss how physics applies to
musical instruments
and the operation of the STM. They will use the scientific method to design and
construct their own musical instrument, which they will present to the class.
High school algebra is required. High school physics is helpful, but
not required.
Format: In addition to the 2-hour weekly meetings,
students will
have a one hour tour to the professor's laboratory to see an STM. Students will
be expected to do weekly reading on the operation of various devices
and to discuss
them in class. A wide variety of musical instruments will be used to
demonstrate
physical properties and stimulate discussion. The discussion of the
STM will involve
not only its principles of operation but how small structures apply
to high technology
devices. Students will also do a project in which they construct a
musical instrument,
present it to the class, and describe the principles of its construction, both
orally and in a final paper. Grading: Students will be
graded on the quality of their participation in class discussion (1/3), on the
quality of the oral presentation of their project (1/6), and on the execution
of the final project and the final paper (1/2).
About the Instructor: Professor Chiang is a condensed matter
physicist who specializes in surface science studies using high
resolution microscopy
techniques. She received her Ph.D. degree from U.C. Berkeley and was a Research
Staff Member at the IBM Almaden Research Center before coming to U.C. Davis in
1994. Her current research interests include imaging small molecules on metal
surfaces and studying thin metallic magnetic and alloy films. She is an amateur
pianist and a beginning violinist.