Principles of Physics in Information Technology

Aim

The course aims to give a basic orientation in the physical principles and limitations within Information Technology, for current and future technologies. The course contains electromagnetism and its applications to radio waves and optics, as well as an introduction to quantum mechanical phenomena and semiconductor materials, primarily adapted to give a physical understanding for the foundations of Information Technology, communication and security.

After finishing the course, the student should be able to

• model and solve simpler problems in electromagnetism: electrostatics, magnetostatics, induction, resonance
• solve simpler problems related to electromagnetic waves, interference, diffraction, ray optics and waveguides
• solve and visualize more complicated problems within electromagnetic wave motion using computer simulations based on the Finite Element Method
• explain quantum mechanical phenomena and semiconductor materials relevant for digital components, communication and security (including quantum cryptography)
• relate electromagnetic and quantum mechanical theory to applications in Information Technology, and describe physical limitations in an IT system

Content

1. Electromagnetism: Electrical fields, Currents, Mobility, Resistance, Dielectric materials, Capacitance, Resistance, Magnetic fields, Inductance, Circuits, Induction, LCoscillator, Resonance, Electromagnetic waves, Polarization.

2. Optics: Diffraction, Interference, Ray optics, Waveguides, Dispersion.

3. Modern Physics: Quantum states, Atoms and Covalent bonds, Crystals and Band structure, Doping, Electrons and Holes, Transistor Applications, Optical transitions, Photons, LED and laser.

4. Examples of applications relevant for Information Technology will be given during the course, such as wired and wireless communication, modern materials for computer and communication technology (e.g., transistor, memory and laser).