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 two 1-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.