Courses in Engineering Physics

Design and analysis of analog and digital electrical circuits – component analysis, circuit analysis and theorems, binary numbers, Boolean analysis and digital circuit design. Three lectures, one lab (three hours each); first term Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1E03 and registration in an Engineering program.

More details here: http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/

Design and analysis of analog and digital electrical circuits – component analysis, circuit analysis and theorems, binary numbers, Boolean analysis and digital circuit design. Three lectures, one lab (three hours each); first term Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1E03 and registration in an Engineering program.

More details here: http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/

3 unit(s) This is a survey course on basic principles of light interaction with biological systems and specific biomedical applications of photonics. In the first quarter of the course, basic principles in optics and biology will be briefly covered while emphasis will be on more advanced topics such as lasers and photo detectors, light-tissue interaction, and photobiology. The remaining part of the course will be focused on specific biomedical applications using photonics technology.

Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in a Faculty of Engineering, or Science, or Health Science Program, or the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (IBEHS) Program.

Cross-listed: BIOMED 6I03/ENGPHYS 4I03/ENGPHYS 6I03/MEDPHYS 6I03

3 unit(s) This is a survey course on basic principles of light interaction with biological systems and specific biomedical applications of photonics. In the first quarter of the course, basic principles in optics and biology will be briefly covered while emphasis will be on more advanced topics such as lasers and photo detectors, light-tissue interaction, and photobiology. The remaining part of the course will be focused on specific biomedical applications using photonics technology.

Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in a Faculty of Engineering, or Science, or Health Science Program, or the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (IBEHS) Program.

Cross-listed: BIOMED 6I03/ENGPHYS 4I03/ENGPHYS 6I03/MEDPHYS 6I03

3 unit(s)
Qiyin Fang, Michael S. Patterson, Joseph E. Hayward, and Thomas Farrell
Prerequisite(s): BIOMED 6I03 / Introduction to Biophotonics

To provide an in-depth understanding of the physics behind a selected number of biophotonics applications in life sciences (e.g. fluorescence lifetime imaging, high content screening, etc.) and clinical applications (diffuse optical tomography, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, optical coherent tomography, photoacoustic microscopy, etc.) as well as key tools used these research areas including ImageJ, image processing, and pattern recognition and classification.

Cross-listed: BIOMED 707/ENG PHYS 709

The study of technologically important metals, ceramics, polymers and molecular solids with magnetic, ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, optical, and electronic properties as well as energy storage and conversion functionality.

3 unit(s) An introduction to the theory, physics and operating principles of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) microscopy and attendant diffraction and spectroscopy techniques. The course will have laboratory component allowing students to students to establish core competence in hands-on use of these microscopes.
Cross-listed: MATLS 724 / ENG PHYS 724 / CHEM ENG 724 / MECH ENG 726

3 unit(s) Antirequisite(s): Permission of the instructor required. Introduction to transmission electron microscopy: electron sources, optics, TEM, Scanning-TEM, electron-solid interactions, diffraction, imaging, and spectroscopy. Course will include a practical component with demonstration labs.

Development of electromagnetic theory – fields, Gauss’ law, electric potential, Laplace equation, dielectrics, Ampere’s law, magnetism, Faraday’s law, inductance, development of Maxwell’s equations via vector calculus.
Three lectures, one tutorial, one lab (three hours each) every other week, second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in any Engineering Physics or Mechatronics Engineering Program; PHYSICS 1E03; and credit or registration in ENGPHYS 2E04 and MATH 2ZZ3

Dynamics topics including force, energy, and momentum, linear and angular motion, resonance and coupled oscillators, multi-particle systems, central field problems, non-inertial reference frames, planar mechanisms, generalized coordinates, and Lagrange’s equations. Course topics are explored both analytically and computationally.
Three lectures, one lab (two hours); first term
Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1D03 and credit or registration in MATH 2Z03. Registration in ENGPHYS 2P04 is recommended.
Antirequisite(s): MECHENG 2Q04, 2QA4, PHYSICS 2E03

Mathematical modelling and computational multiphysics for engineering design synthesizing E&M, thermodynamics, statics, dynamics, and quantum mechanics.
Three lectures, one lab (two hours); second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2CD4, 2P04, MATH 2Z03, and credit or registration in ENGPHYS 2A04 and MATH 2ZZ3

Design and analysis of analog and digital electrical circuits – component analysis, circuit analysis and theorems, binary numbers, Boolean analysis and digital circuit design.
Three lectures, one lab (three hours each); first term
Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1E03 and registration in an Engineering program
More details here: http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/

Thermal Systems Design covers the physics, thermodynamics and design of energy conversion systems utilized in many engineering systems. The topics include the first and second law of thermodynamics, irreversibility, the Rankine and Brayton cycles, and common refrigeration cycles.
Three lectures, one tutorial; first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above of an Engineering program
Antirequisite(s): MECHENG 2W04

Classical mechanics topics including static equilibrium, machines and trusses, determinacy, force and bending moment diagrams, elasticity, shear, principal stresses, tensors, Voigt notation, flexure, and torsion. Course topics are explored analytically and computationally using finite element method and computer algebra system software.
Three lectures, one laboratory (two hours each); first term
Prerequisite(s): PHYSICS 1D03; and credit or registration in MATH 2Z03
Antirequisite(s): CIVENG 2P04, ENGINEER 2P04, MECHENG 2P04

Basic foundations of quantum mechanics; wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, Hydrogen atom, Schrodinger Equation, barriers and tunnelling, probability, spin, quantum statistics, selected applications.
Three lectures, one tutorial; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above of an Engineering program
Antirequisite(s): PHYSICS 2C03

P-N junctions, diodes, bipolar junction transistors, field effect transistors, DC and AC modeling, differential amplifiers and operational amplifiers, feedback and oscillators, digital circuits and multivibrators, signal processing.
Two lectures, lab (three hours); first term
Prerequisite(s): One of ENGPHYS 2A03, 2A04, 2E04, PHYSICS 2BB3
Antirequisite(s): PHYSICS 3B06, 3BA3, ENGPHYS 3BA4

Design and synthesis project in electronics, focused on integrating analog electronics with a microcontroller to create a PID-controlled device. Programming and interfacing the microcontroller are taught in weeks 1-6; the device is designed and built in weeks 7-12. Prior knowledge of basic electronics, including op-amps and transistors is required.
Two lectures, lab (three hours); second term
Prerequisite(s): One of ENGPHYS 3BA3, 3BA4 or PHYSICS 3BA3
Antirequisite(s): PHYSICS 3B06, 3BB3, ENGPHYS 3BB4

Please click “Outline” for Technical Elective Information. Contact the department if anything is unclear.

Introduction to fission and fusion energy systems. Energetics of nuclear reactions, interactions of radiation with matter, radioactivity, design and operating principles of fission and fusion reactors.
Three lectures, one lab (three hours each) three times per term; first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above of an Engineering program

Geometrical optics, electromagnetic waves, interference of light, Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, polarized light, Fresnel equations, optical properties of materials, introduction to optical systems and precision optics experiments, selected topics in modern optics.
Three lectures, one tutorial, one lab (three hours) three times per term; first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in any Engineering Program, and one of ISCI 2A18 A/B, MATH 2X03, 2ZZ3; and one of MATH 2C03, 2Z03; and one of PHYSICS 2B03 or ENGPHYS 2A04
Antirequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3E03, PHYSICS 3N03
Cross-list(s): PHYSICS 3N04/ ENGPHYS 3E04

A survey course on energy systems with emphasis on the analytic tools needed to evaluate them in terms of performance, resources and environmental sustainability, costs, and other relevant factors over their life cycles.
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above of an Engineering program
Antirequisites: MECHENG 4O04 and CHEMENG 4A03

A special program of studies to be arranged by mutual consent of a professor and the student, to carry out experiments and/or theoretical investigations. A written report and oral defence are required.
Both terms
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the penultimate year of an Engineering Physics program and a GPA of at least 8. Subject to Department approval, students are permitted to be supervised by faculty members in other Engineering departments. Subject to Department approval, students from other Departments are permitted to take this course if their supervisor is a faculty member of the Department of Engineering Physics.

Introductory statistics for engineering, error analysis of experimental data, data visualization and curve fitting, hypothesis testing and making decisions, ANOVA, sensors for engineering measurements, noise and interference, instrument response and uncertainty, reliability, and selected topics in state-of-the-art technologies.
Three lectures, one lab (three hours each) every other week, one tutorial; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of any Engineering Physics program

Algebraic solutions; Numerical integration and differentiation; Finite difference and finite element methods; Euler method; Runge- Kutta techniques; Partial differential equations; Monte Carlo simulation.
Three lectures, one laboratory (three hours); first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above of an Engineering program
Antirequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2CE4

LIST B: MECHATRONICS Fluid properties and statics are introduced. Basic equations of continuity, energy and momentum for internal and external flows are discussed. Similitude, dimensional analysis, measuring devices, fluid machinery and hydraulic networks. Conduction and convection heat transfer. Three lectures, one lab (three hours each) every other week; one tutorial, second term Prerequisite(s): MATH 2Z03 and credit or registration in MATH 2ZZ3 Antirequisite(s): CIVENG 2O04, MECHENG 3O04, CHEMENG 2O04

This course covers the theory, design and operation of photonic devices, with an emphasis on their application in integrated and fiber optical systems for communications.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3E03, 3E04 or PHYSICS 3N03

Electronic properties of semiconductors: non-equilibrium carrier conditions; steady state and non-steady state; p-n junctions; Schottky diodes; bipolar junction transistors. Detailed coverage of a range of diodes including photodiodes, solar cells, light emitting diodes, zener diodes, and avalanche diodes.
Three lectures, one lab (three hours each); second term
Prerequisite(s): MATLS 3Q03, or credit or registration in ENGPHYS 3F03

An introduction to statistical distributions and their properties, and the statistical basis of thermodynamics at the microscopic level, with applications to problems originating in a modern laboratory or engineering environment.
Lectures (three hours), tutorial (one hour); second term
Prerequisite(s): Credit or registration in ENGPHYS 2NE3, 2QM3 and 3L04
Antirequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2H04, PHYSICS 2H04, PHYSICS 3K03

A survey of topics required for the development of near-Earth missions, including orbital mechanics (with a relativity primer), propulsion and power systems, radio and optical communications, effects of radiation, and observational instrumentation.
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of an Engineering or Honours Physics program
**Not being offered in 2022-23

A systems approach to measurement in which synthesis of topics such as Fourier transforms, signal processing and enhancement, data reduction, modelling and simulation is undertaken.
Three lectures, one lab (two hours each); first term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of any Engineering or Science program
Antirequisite(s): IBEHS 3A03

Design and synthesis projects supervised by a faculty member in the Department of Engineering Physics.
Lectures, tutorials, labs, one capstone project; both terms
Prerequisite(s): Registration in the final level of an Engineering Physics program
https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engphys/4a06-capstone-project-gallery

This course covers the underlying operating principles and defining metrics of biological sensors, and it will discuss the integration of these sensors into systems for diagnostics and health monitoring applications.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in any engineering program or registration in Level IV or above in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (IBEHS) Program
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4B03 / 6B03

This course covers the underlying operating principles and defining metrics of biological sensors, and it will discuss the integration of these sensors into systems for diagnostics and health monitoring applications.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in any engineering program or registration in Level IV or above in the Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences (IBEHS) Program
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4B03 / 6B03

Introduction to nuclear fission and the physics of nuclear reactors; reactor statics for homogeneous reactors; reactor kinetics for simple time-dependent situations; effects of saturating fission products (Xe-135); reactivity coefficients
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3D03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4D04 / ENGPHYS 6D04

Introduction to nuclear fission and the physics of nuclear reactors; reactor statics for homogeneous reactors; reactor kinetics for simple time-dependent situations; effects of saturating fission products (Xe-135); reactivity coefficients
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3D03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4D04 / ENGPHYS 6D04

A special program of studies to be arranged by mutual consent of a professor and the student, to carry out experiments and/or theoretical investigations. A written report and oral defence are required.
Both terms
Prerequisite(s): Registration in final level of an Engineering Physics program and a GPA of at least 8.
Subject to Department approval, students are permitted to be supervised by faculty members in other Engineering departments. Subject to Department approval, students from other Departments are permitted to take this course if their supervisor is a faculty member of the Department of Engineering Physics.

devices (LEDs, high electron mobility transistors), quantum dots, quantum wires, graphene, emerging nanoscale materials and devices.
Nanoscale semiconductor materials and devices including quantum confinement, quantum dots, dipole radiation, quantum radiation physics, molecular and bulk excitons, advanced molecular electronics, tight-binding modelling, emerging nanoscale MOSFETs, 2-dimensional metal dichalcogenides and graphene.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s):Credit or registration in at least one of the following: ENGPHYS 3F03, 3PN4, MATLS 2Q03, 3Q03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4MD3 / ENGPHYS 6MD3

devices (LEDs, high electron mobility transistors), quantum dots, quantum wires, graphene, emerging nanoscale materials and devices.
Nanoscale semiconductor materials and devices including quantum confinement, quantum dots, dipole radiation, quantum radiation physics, molecular and bulk excitons, advanced molecular electronics, tight-binding modelling, emerging nanoscale MOSFETs, 2-dimensional metal dichalcogenides and graphene.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s):Credit or registration in at least one of the following: ENGPHYS 3F03, 3PN4, MATLS 2Q03, 3Q03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4MD3 / ENGPHYS 6MD3

Energy generation and conversion, heat transfer and transport in a nuclear reactor. Characteristics and performance of nuclear fuels. Thermal margins and safety limits. Aging of core structural materials. Structural integrity of components.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3D03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4NE3 / ENGPHYS 6NE3

Energy generation and conversion, heat transfer and transport in a nuclear reactor. Characteristics and performance of nuclear fuels. Thermal margins and safety limits. Aging of core structural materials. Structural integrity of components.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3D03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4NE3 / ENGPHYS 6NE3

Systems and overall unit operations relevant to nuclear power plants; includes all major reactor and process systems; self-study using interactive nuclear power plant.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV or above of any Engineering program (familiarity with ENGPHYS 4D03 or other nuclear course desirable)

Systems and overall unit operations relevant to nuclear power plants; includes all major reactor and process systems; self-study using interactive nuclear power plant.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV or above of any Engineering program (familiarity with ENGPHYS 4D03 or other nuclear course desirable)

An introduction to plasma physics with emphasis on occurrence of plasmas in nature, and applications of plasmas in thermonuclear fusion and other engineering disciplines.
Three lectures; one-time demonstration lab (three hours); first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2A04, or PHYSICS 2B03 and 2BB3, or ELECENG 2FH3
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4PP3 / ENGPHYS 6PP3
**Not be offered in 2022-23

An introduction to plasma physics with emphasis on occurrence of plasmas in nature, and applications of plasmas in thermonuclear fusion and other engineering disciplines.
Three lectures; one-time demonstration lab (three hours); first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2A04, or PHYSICS 2B03 and 2BB3, or ELECENG 2FH3
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4PP3 / ENGPHYS 6PP3
**Not be offered in 2022-23

An introduction to quantum computing including qubits, entanglement, quantum key cryptography, teleportation, quantum circuits and algorithms, spin qubits.
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2QM3 or PHYSICS 2C03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4QC3/ENGPHYS 6QC3

An introduction to quantum computing including qubits, entanglement, quantum key cryptography, teleportation, quantum circuits and algorithms, spin qubits.
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2QM3 or PHYSICS 2C03
Cross-listed: ENGPHYS 4QC3/ENGPHYS 6QC3

An introduction to quantum optics including single photon states, coherent states, standard quantum limit, Heisenberg limit, squeezed light, entanglement, and applications in metrology.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 4QC3

An introduction to quantum optics including single photon states, coherent states, standard quantum limit, Heisenberg limit, squeezed light, entanglement, and applications in metrology.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 4QC3

Basic properties of electromagnetic radiation. Optical modulation and detection. Nonlinear optics. Multiple-beam interference and coherence. Optical resonators. Laser systems.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3E03, PHYSICS 3N03, ELECENG 4EM4, or ELECENG 3FK4

Basic properties of electromagnetic radiation. Optical modulation and detection. Nonlinear optics. Multiple-beam interference and coherence. Optical resonators. Laser systems.
Three lectures; second term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3E03, PHYSICS 3N03, ELECENG 4EM4, or ELECENG 3FK4

The course will explore the design, assembly and test of smart systems based on software, computer, electronic, and photonic components. Students will study the operation of such systems to address real-world problems.
One lab (three hours each); first term
Prerequisite(s): ENGPHYS 2E04
Antirequisite(s): ENGPHYS 3G03, 3G04, 4G03, 4U02, 4U04

A review of photovoltaic devices including solar cell operation, characterization, manufacturing, economics and current and next generation technologies.
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): One of ELECENG 2EI5, MATLS 3Q03 or ENGPHYS 3BA3

A review of photovoltaic devices including solar cell operation, characterization, manufacturing, economics and current and next generation technologies.
Three lectures; first term
Prerequisite(s): One of ELECENG 2EI5, MATLS 3Q03 or ENGPHYS 3BA3

Detailed description of fabrication technologies used in the semiconductor industry; computer modelling of device fabrication; analysis of device performance.
Two classroom-based lectures, one computer cluster-based lecture; first term
Prerequisite(s): Credit or registration in ENGPHYS 3F03 or credit in 3PN4 or MATLS 3Q03; and registration in the Faculty of Engineering

Detailed description of fabrication technologies used in the semiconductor industry; computer modelling of device fabrication; analysis of device performance.
Two classroom-based lectures, one computer cluster-based lecture; first term
Prerequisite(s): Credit or registration in ENGPHYS 3F03 or credit in 3PN4 or MATLS 3Q03; and registration in the Faculty of Engineering

Each student is required to prepare/present a formal seminar, based upon extensive research work and literature surveys, in areas related to their current research. A pass/fail grade will be assessed based on overall performance in the course.

Introduces scientific and engineering aspects of nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management applied to nuclear reactors and the fuel cycle. Includes radiochemistry, separation processes in reprocessing, and waste treatment processes. Addresses management of radioactive wastes, including waste forms, classification, fundamental principles, governing equations for radionuclide transport in the environment, and performance assessment of geological waste disposal systems.

The course covers two-fluid phase modeling of thermal-hydraulic phenomena in the reactor heat transport system including modeling and simulation of postulated accidents, simulation methodology and tools, and development and qualification of selected thermal-hydraulics computer codes, including two-fluid modeling, nodalization schemes and numerical methods, computer code development, CATHENA computer code theory and numerical algorithm. This is a simulation-based course; it includes CATHENA training. Assignments include analytical problems, CATHENA code simulation and analysis, and preparing a CATHENA model and report.

An examination of the theory of operation, manufacture, and application of semiconductor diode lasers. Emphasis will be on InGaAsP diode lasers and the application of these devices in optical communication systems.

Thin film growth and deposition including thermal evaporation, e-beam evaporation, sputtering, chemical vapour deposition and molecular beam epitaxy; thermodynamics and kinetics of film growth.

The student is required to spend four months carrying out an approved project under the supervision of a member of the faculty of Engineering Physics. Assessment of the project is performed by the faculty member after preparation of a written report by the student. The student must attain a grade of B. The project requires full-time attention and as such the student is not expected to take any other courses during the project. It is expected that the project will take place during the summer term. This course is available only to students in the M.Eng. degree program in the department of Engineering Physics.

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in graduate program in Engineering Physics
This course provides a fundamental in-depth knowledge of the theory of operation, modeling, parameter extraction, scaling issues, and higher order effects of active and passive semiconductor devices that are used in mainstream semiconductor technology. There will be a comprehensive review of the latest models for the devices that are valid out to very high frequencies and the use of physical device modeling/CAD tools. A review of the latest device technologies will be presented. The course will be a prerequisite to the other applied courses in microelectronics.
Cross-listed: ENG PHYS 740 / ECE 740

Introduction, Micorfabrication and micromachining. Surface and bulk micromachining, nonconventional machining. Microfluidics, Microchannels, Microsvalves, Micromixers, Micropumps, Droplet actuation, Integrated Systems.
Cross-listed: ENG PHYS 752 / MECH ENG 752

This is a course on in-core fuel management in nuclear reactors. It covers all aspects of the use of nuclear fuel in CANDU reactors, with comparison to fuel management in Light-Water Reactors. A major objective of the course is to allow students to carry out various types of fullcore calculations in realistic CANDU-reactor models.

More info: https://unene.ca/

Current developments and specialized aspects of engineering physics. This course may be taken for repetitive credit.

This course introduces group III-V semiconductor materials, heterostructures and devices including HBTs, HEMTs, laser diodes, photodiodes, and multi-junction solar cells.

Antirequisite(s): This course provides an opportunity to experience the decontamination in the residential area which was contaminated by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. A visit to other nuclear energy industry sites in Japan will give students a chance to consider the responsibility of engineers and scientists in the nuclear field

An introductory course on nanoelectronics, quantum transport and mesoscopic physics including diffusive and ballistic transport in the classical and quantum regimes, quantum Hall effect, Coulomb blockade, quantum structures, superconductors, topological insulators, and quantum computing.

Reactor kinetics: point kinetics model; modal model for space-time kinetics; reactivity feedback mechanisms; reactor transfer functions; the in hour equation; reactor stability; Xenon stability; bulk and spatial power control; load following; control systems for CANDU and LWR reactors.

Degraded fuel heat transfer; fuel failure mechanisms; fission product release and transport from nuclear fuel; leak-before-break and piping fracture mechanics; pipe ruptures; challenges to containment system integrity; severe accident progression and mitigation; off-site release of fission products; applications to CANDU and LWR reactors.

Safety design and analysis of nuclear reactors based on deterministic and probabilistic assessments. Topics include: concepts of risk; probability tools and techniques; safety criteria; design basis accidents; risk assessment; safety analysis; safety system design; and general policy and principles.

Advanced topics of current interest in the area of fission and fusion nuclear reactor primary heat transport system, system safety and the transitional operations.

This course covers the fundamentals of nuclear reactor heat transport system design for key reactor types, with emphasis on the CANDU and Light Water Reactor (PWR and BWR) designs. Theoretical topics and their application include reactor thermodynamics, single-phase and two-phase flow, heat and mass transfer, critical heat, flux, pressure drop prediction, flow stability, design of reactor core, reactor vessel, steam generators and primary heat transport pumps. The course also covers experimental techniques, facilities and results. Course assignments are analytical problems related to these topics.

An introduction to optical gain media, spectroscopy of light-emitting materials, laser cavities, and steady-state theories of optical amplifiers and lasers. Applications of amplifiers and lasers in fiber-optic systems and photonic integrated circuits are covered.

Optoelectronic devices and the physics that governs their operation: the electro-optic, acousto-optic, and photo-elastic effects; optics in semiconductors: free carrier effects, heterojunctions, quantum wells, electro-absorption; guided wave optics; optical modulators; photonic switching and optical interconnects; Fourier optics.

This course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the physics behind nuclear reactors and the techniques to analyse the neutronic behaviour of a reactor. The emphasis will be on CANDU reactors.

Characterization techniques of organic and inorganic thin films, including x-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, chemical analysis, ion beam analysis, and optical and electrical characterization methods.
Cross-listed: ENG PHYS 730/ MECH ENG 730 (Not offered in 2023-2024)

This course gives an introduction to the basic principles of nonlinear optics, which is useful in understanding the nonlinear optical effects involved in many modern photonic components and devices. It mainly includes a project and an oral examination.

Advanced Photovoltaics provides students with a comprehensive overview of the fundamental processes relevant to photovoltaic operation. Specific devices are studied by both numerical simulation and analytic calculation. A connection is made between the material parameters necessary for simulating a device and their independent measurement by a range of characterization techniques. Silicon, III-V, II-VI, organic and nano-based approaches to PV device design are all explored. Students are also introduced to the challenges of integrating different approaches into a solar based electrical generation system.

This course covers power reactor fuel design, performance, and safety aspects, and complements existing courses on reactor core design, thermohydraulics and reactor safety design. It includes fissile and fertile fuels; burn-up effects; fuel production (as well as uranium enrichment and reprocessing of spent fuel); quality assurance and CANDU fuel technical specifications; thermal conductivity; fuel chemistry; fuel restructuring and grain growth; fission product behaviour; fuel defect detection and location; fuel performance in operation; and fuel / fuel channel behaviour in design basis and severe accidents.