Graduate training in AMO physics
Overall goal of the graduate program
Berkeley’s AMO Physics group provides a rich and stimulating educational environment for graduate studies. Our overall aim is to prepare our graduate students for a lifetime of independent creative research at the cutting edge of science. We encourage each of our students to think of themselves as the leading scientific contributors of their age, an ambition that propels our students forward in whatever career path they choose.
Over the course of their graduate studies, our students develop and display mastery over all stages of scientific work: They develop broad knowledge across physics and other areas, and also deep knowledge within AMO physics and their research sub-field. They develop scientific judgement to ascertain what are the big questions that need to be answered, what scientific knowledge and technique needs to be developed, and which scientific works, conducted by them or by others, are most important. They identify an important target for scientific investigation, develop an experimental and/or theoretical approach to such investigation, carry out the investigation and interpret its outcome, and communicate their findings through scientific publications, presentations, and other media. Upon mastering all these skills, the student earns their PhD.
Academic preparation
Graduate training in AMO physics is supported by several dedicated courses that all AMO graduate students should consider taking. These include the following three course sequence:
Physics 230: Quantum and Nonlinear Optics. This course is co-listed with the upper-division undergraduate course Physics 130. The two courses share lectures, but the assignments for the graduate course differ from those for the undergraduate course.
Taught in Spring Semester, every other year.Physics 238A: Modern Atomic Physics. This course is course is co-listed with the upper-division undergraduate course Physics 138. The two courses share lectures, but the assignments for the graduate course differ from those for the undergraduate course.
Taught in Spring Semester, every other year.Physics 238B: Advanced Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics. This course is offered only at the graduate level.
Taught in Fall Semester following Physics 238A.
AMO/QI Seminar
Another essential venue for graduate education is the Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics and Quantum Information Science seminar (AMO/QI).
We expect all graduate students to attend the seminar each week.
By attending the AMO/QI seminar regularly, students gain exposure to the full range of research in AMO physics and quantum information science. We encourage students to play an active role in the seminar: Read relevant papers before the seminar. Come with questions. Ask questions and engage actively in discussions. Take time to talk with the speaker, asking them about their work, telling them about yours, and finding areas of common interest. Invite speakers to your laboratory and exchange technical knowledge. Ask the speaker about their interests, motivation, and career path. The rewards for such active participation are immense!
Qualifying examination
Graduate students should plan on passing their qualifying examination during their third year of studies. The examination consists of two parts.
In the first part, the student presents their research progress and plans. They will be asked questions throughout their presentations. These questions pertain not only to the student presentation, but also probe at the depth of understanding of the student in their intended research area. This first part lasts for about one hour. Because much of that time will be spent responding to questions, students should aim for their presentation to be no only about 20 minutes long. Students typically present with the aid of prepared slides, in the style of a scientific talk, but are also encouraged to make use of a blackboard or whiteboard as needed.
In the second part, the student is tested for their general knowledge of graduate-level physics, and for deep knowledge of their research area. Each of the AMO research groups has composed a study guide that clarifies what the student is expected to study and master before the exam. The qualifying examination faculty committee is provided also with that study guide, as well as a list of three subjects — ranging from more general to more specialized — provided by the student.
AMO Qual Club
Graduate students in AMO physics and related areas are encouraged to participate in the AMO Qual Club. In this club, students are encouraged to review and to practice answering live questions on various core topics in AMO physics. Each session is guided by a faculty member, but students should consider the club to be student-led. That is, one of the aims of the graduate program is to advance students from being passive learners, to whom knowledge is delivered in courses and other instructor-led activities, to being active learners, who acquire and also generate knowledge through their own initiative. Ideally, the AMO Qual Club represents the effort of our graduate students to teach themselves all about AMO physics.
The AMO Qual Club is held roughly monthly. Sessions often take the place of the AMO/QI seminar on Wednesdays.