Prof. DeWolfe is interested in string theory, quantum field theory, general relativity, and their connections with quantum information. Hs research focuses on the duality between quantum gravity and quantum field theory (the gauge/gravity or AdS/CFT correspondence) and following this duality in both directions: using gravity to learn about strongly coupled phenomena related to particle, nuclear and condensed matter physics, and using the structure of entanglement and quantum information in quantum systems to learn about quantum gravity.
keywords
string theory and supergravity, their applications to other phenomena via holography, particle physics and quantum field theory, quantum information theory and its relationship to spacetime
PHYS 4230 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2020
Statistical mechanics applied to macroscopic physical systems; statistical thermodynamics, classical thermodynamics systems; applications to simple systems. Examines relationship of statistical to thermodynamic points of view.
PHYS 5770 - Gravitational Theory (Theory of General Relativity)
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Presents Einstein's relativistic theory of gravitation from geometric viewpoint; gives applications to astrophysical problems (gravitational waves, stellar collapse, etc.). Recommended prerequisites: PHYS 3220 and PHYS 3320. Instructor consent required for undergraduates.
PHYS 7230 - Statistical Mechanics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Classical and quantum statistical theory, including study of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems. Topics covered include kinetic theory, degenerate gases, macrocanonical and grand canonical ensembles, and irreversible processes. Department enforced prerequisite: advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics course.
PHYS 7270 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 3
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Radiation theory; relativistic wave equations with simple applications; introduction to field theory and second quantization.
PHYS 7310 - Electromagnetic Theory 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Sophisticated approach to electrostatics, boundary value problems, magnetostatics, applications of Maxwell's equations to electromagnetic wave propagation, wave guides, and resonant cavities and magnetohydrodynamics.
PHYS 7320 - Electromagnetic Theory 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
Continuation of PHYS 7310. Topics include relativistic particle dynamics; radiation by moving charges; multiple fields; radiation damping and self-fields of a particle; collisions between charged particles and energy loss; radiative processes; and classical field theory. Recommended prerequisite: PHYS 7310.
PHYS 7570 - Quantum Information and Computing
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Covers the foundations of quantum information and computing. Includes bits and qubits, entanglement, quantum algorithms, and quantum error correction. More advanced topics selected from: Quantum Shannon theory, quantum communication and networks, quantum-enhanced measurements, and quantum simulation. Department enforced prerequisite: PHYS 5250.
