Physics: Quantum Physics in Research and Society

<p>What defines a physics experiment and how does one choose an experiment or a measuring technique to study a specific problem in research or in daily life?</p><p><span style="color:#000000">The course aims at answering these questions by means of linking generic physical principles to a wide range of experimental cases - for example, "scattering" is used in macroscopic studies of materials as well as in the microcosmos to derive information on Nature’s fundamental forces. Following a given theory or hypothesis, the experimental investigation is first broken down into certain subprocesses, which are to be checked in the laboratory. Highly sensitive experimental techniques are discussed in view of fundamental concepts. Commonalities of experiments from microcosmos to macrocosmos are stressed. An experimental analysis for physical characterisation of a sample starts by disturbing it by some radiation of suitable wavelength. To observe the effect that this disturbance causes means interaction of radiation with the detector material. Interaction of radiation with matter is thus an important course element. The effect in a detector results in an electrical response from the detector, a response that can be quantified electronically.</span></p> <h2>Language of instruction</h2> <p>The course is taught in English.</p>