PHYS 525 :: Project Instructions

Assignment: Device Technical Review

Goal: Evaluate a device technology, explain how it works, and describe a potential application.

In general, the device should be commercially available and related to the course topics. The list below gives representative examples under each general category. Other comparable technologies may be included later or proposed with instructor approval.

Representative device categories and examples

Superconductivity

Semiconductor Physics

Detection of Ionizing Radiation

Medical Imaging

Lasers

Assignment components

This assignment consists of three components: Part 1 is the topic and device selection, Part 2 is a written technical report, and Part 3 is an oral presentation based on the approved device.

Part 1: Category selection

Please decide on the general category from which you would like to choose the device. You will need to finalize the device choice at the deadline assigned by the instructors.

Part 2: Device Technology Assessment Report

In this assignment, you will prepare a technical brief for the selected device technology. Please follow the format below.

  1. Device Overview & Operating Principle (2–3 pages)
    • What physical effect does the device rely on?
    • Basic equations
    • Conceptual diagrams
  2. Application Scenario (1 page)
    • Describe one realistic application
    • What is being measured or controlled?
    • What performance characteristics matter for this use?
  3. Summary & Limitations (½–1 page)
    • Where this device excels
    • Where it breaks down
    • What physics ultimately limits performance?

Part 3: Device Technology Assessment Presentation

You will give a presentation covering the material in your report (~20 minutes) to a panel consisting of the course instructors. We also plan to have an opportunity for a dry-run presentation to your peers (classmates) before the final presentation.