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Physical Fundamentals of Computer Technologies (FFTI)

Credits Dept.
7.5 (6.0 ECTS) FIS

Instructors

Person in charge:  (-)
Others:(-)

General goals

In this subject, students must first understand the fundamentals of quantum physics, solid-state physics and optics in order to then comprehend the basic functionality of the numerous devices that are used in the world of information and communications technology, such as integrated circuits, laser diodes, photodetectors, memory devices, transmission lines and flat screens.

Specific goals

Knowledges

  1. Analysis of wave phenomena. Wave-particle behaviour of light and matter. The fundamentals of quantum physics and its applications (such as quantum tunnelling). Notions of quantum computing.
  2. Inter-atomic forces explaining the formation of molecules and solids. Types of semi-conductor materials and the design of devices using semi-conductors (e.g. diodes and transistors). Lithography and the outlook for further miniaturisation.
  3. Laser principles and applications. The workings of various photo-electric devices (LEDs, laser diodes, photodiodes, solar cells).
  4. Phenomena associated with electromagnetic waves, such as propagation in material mediums and polarisation. Propagation channels (e.g. optic fibres).
  5. Properties of liquid crystals. Characteristics of flat screens.

Abilities

  1. Understanding the mathematical laws for modelling the physical phenomena studied in the course.
  2. Ability to apply mathematical formalism in solving course-related problems.
  3. Ability to interpret numerical results.
  4. Understand the basic workings of the devices studied.

Competences

  1. Ability to analyze and model the real world.
  2. Comprehension and summary of results.
  3. Written and oral communication.

Contents

Estimated time (hours):

T P L Alt Ext. L Stu A. time
Theory Problems Laboratory Other activities External Laboratory Study Additional time

1. The wave nature of light.
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
5,0 2,0 2,0 0 2,0 7,0 0 18,0
  • Laboratory
    - Lab exercises covering wave phenomena.
  • Additional laboratory activities:
    - Drafting of a brief report assessing the results of the lab work.

2. Quantum Physics.
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
7,0 3,0 0 0 0 10,0 0 20,0

3. Molecules and solids.
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
4,0 1,0 0 0 0 5,0 0 10,0

4. Semiconductors
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
6,0 5,0 0 0 0 12,0 0 23,0
A part exam will occupy two hours of the problem sessions and cover the first four themes dealt with in the course.

5. Lasers.
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
3,0 1,0 0 0 0 4,0 0 8,0

6. Electronic devices and light.
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
4,0 0 2,0 0 2,0 4,0 0 12,0
  • Laboratory
    - Lab exercises analyzing the behaviour of one of the studied devices.
  • Additional laboratory activities:
    - Drafting of a brief report assessing the results of the lab work.

7. Optics
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
6,0 7,0 0 0 7,5 10,0 0 30,5
Three hours of the problem sessions will be earmarked for students' simulation exercises.











  • Additional laboratory activities:
    A simulation exercise (chosen from among those relating to Themes 7 and 8) will be carried out during the session. The simulation will be conducted outside the normal schedule and in the teacher's absence.

8. Signal transmission
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
4,0 4,0 0 0 7,5 6,0 0 21,5
Two hours of the problem sessions will be earmarked for students' simulation exercises.











  • Additional laboratory activities:
    A simulation exercise (chosen from among those relating to Themes 7 and 8) will be carried out during the session. The simulation will be conducted outside the normal schedule and in the teacher's absence.

9. Liquid crystals and flat screens.
T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
3,0 0 0 0 0 3,0 0 6,0


Total per kind T      P      L      Alt    Ext. L Stu    A. time Total 
42,0 23,0 4,0 0 19,0 61,0 0 149,0
Avaluation additional hours 3,0
Total work hours for student 152,0

Docent Methodolgy

The list of exercises to be carried out during practical sessions will be provided by the teacher. Assessment of students will take class participation into account.







Lab work will be carried out during the Department"s normal working hours and will demonstrate the physical phenomena studied in the theory classes.







In addition, students will carry out either a bibliographic project or a simulation exercise. The work will be carried out at home, will be presented orally to the whole group, it is expected that students will spend approximately 15 hours on this activity. The algorithms needed will be analyzed in the classes covering problems.

Evaluation Methodgy

A part exam will be held at the end of the fourth theme. Students passing the exam will gain an exemption in the final exam.



The final exam makes up 65% of the overall course grade or, where applicable, the average of the grades obtained in the two part exams. The remaining 35% will be based on practical work - comprising the bibliographic project or the simulation (15%); evaluation of lab practical sessions; and the solutions to problems (10%).

Basic Bibliography

  • Paul A. Tipler, Gene Mosca Física para la ciencia y la tecnología, Reverté, 2005.
  • Resnick R., Halliday D., Krane K.S. Física , CECSA, 1993.
  • Ben G. Streetman and Sanjay Banerjee Solid state electronic devices, Prentice-Hall, 2000.
  • Frank L. Pedrotti, Leno S. Pedrotti Introduction to optics, Prentice-Hall, 1993.
  • Robert Eisberg y Robert Resnick Física cúantica : átomos, moléculas, sólidos, nucleos y partículas, Limusa, 1978.

Complementary Bibliography

  • Joseph C. Palais Fiber optics communications, Prentice-Hall, 1992.
  • Melissinos A.C. Principles of Modern Technology , Cambridge University Press , 1990.
  • Eugene Hecht Óptica, Addison-Wesley Iberoamericana, 2000.

Web links

  1. http://www.howstuffworks.com


  2. http://plc.cwru.edu/tutorial/enhanced/files/lindex.html


  3. http://wtec.org/loyola/hdmem/


Previous capacities

Knowledge of the basic principles of electromagnetism, and of differential and integral calculus. Basic knowledge of programming.


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