Department of Physics and Astronomy

Physics

College of Natural Sciences
Watanabe 416
2505 Correa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7087
Fax: (808) 956-7107
Email: physics@hawaii.edu
Web: www.phys.hawaii.edu/

Faculty

*V. Bindi, PhD (Chair)—particle astrophysics
*E. B. Szarmes, PhD (Associate Chair)—lasers and optics
N. Bidault, PhD—beam physics, experiment
*T. E. Browder, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
O. Dvornikov, PhD—physics education, particle astrophysics
*D. Farrah, PhD—extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology
*P. Gorham, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
C.E. Junkermeier, PhD—computational materials science
*J. Kumar, PhD—elementary particles, theory
*J. G. Learned, PhD—particle astrophysics
*P. Lewis, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
*S. Li, PhD—accelerator physics, experiment
*Z. Li, PhD—particle astrophysics
*D. Marfatia, PhD—elementary particle (theory)
*J. Maricic, PhD—particle astrophysics
M. A. Nassir, MS—astronomy
*D. Rubin, PhD—observational cosmology
*J. Sakstein, PhD—cosmology
*K. Sattler, PhD—condensed matter, experiment
*S. Still, PhD—theoretical biophysics, physics of informations
*S. Vahsen, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
*C. Vause III, PhD—condensed matter, theory
*P. von Doetinchem, PhD—particle astrophysics
*K. Yoshihara, PhD—elementary particles, experiment

Emeritus Faculty

P. P. Crooker, PhD—condensed matter, experiment
J. R. Gaines, PhD—condensed matter, experiment
F. A. Harris, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
C. F. Hayes, PhD—condensed matter, experiment
P. K. Lam, PhD—condensed matter, theory
S. L. Olsen, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
M. W. Peters, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
X. R. Tata, PhD—elementary particles, theory

Retired Faculty in Residence

M. D. Jones, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
S. Matsuno, PhD—particle astrophysics

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

C. Haggerty, PhD—space and plasma physics
J. Kuhn, PhD—solar astrophysics
R. Milincic, PhD—particle astrophysics
B. Murmann, PhD—electrophysics
J. Ott, PhD—electrophysics
V. Stenger, PhD—neurosciences, particle astrophysics

Affiliate Graduate Faculty

A. Barger, PhD—cosmology, observational
G. Bower, PhD—astrophysics, compact objects, black holes, radio astronomy instrumentation
K. Croker, PhD—astrophysics theory
S. Dye, PhD—particle astrophysics
D. Eder, PhD—hypersonic simulation codes, stellar mergers
K. Flood, PhD—high energy physics
A. McDonald, PhD—particle astrophysics
R. Morse, PhD—particle astrophysics
R. Mussa, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
K. Nishimura, PhD—elementary particles, experiment
E. Price, PhD—accelerator physics
A.F. Romero-Wolf, PhD—astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics
W. Simmons, PhD—elementary particles, theory
R. Sinha, PhD—theoretical and experimental aspects of heavy flavor physics
J. Yepez, PhD—quantum information dynamics studies in quantum computation

* Graduate Faculty

The Academic Program

Physics (PHYS) is the study of matter and energy and how they interact at the most basic levels. Areas include mechanics, optics and lasers, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, quantum theory, atomic and nuclear phenomena, condensed matter, and elementary particles. Physics is widely regarded as the most fundamental of all the sciences. UH Mānoa offers both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in physics. Faculty members who teach physics courses are at the forefront of research in physics both in experiment and in theory. In the field of elementary particles, faculty members currently perform experiments in Hawaiʻi, the mainland U.S., France, Japan, and Antarctica to study neutrinos and highenergy gamma rays coming from the stars. Others are involved in experiments at the BEPC II accelerator in China and at the KEKB accelerator in Japan, studying particle production and decay and the violation of particle/anti-particle symmetry. Faculty members are also involved in the space-based AMS experiment and on the development of techniques for dark matter searches. The particle theory group is involved in the identification of new physics that addresses new questions in particle physics and cosmology that are beyond the scope of the Standard Model, and the development of strategies that distinguish this new physics from the Standard Model phenomena. In condensed-matter physics, they investigate nano-materials and use a scanning tunneling microscope to take pictures of individual atoms. A free electron laser is operating in the physics building. This device allows scientists to carry out forefront research in fundamental and applied physics. Often, undergraduate physics majors work on these projects along with graduate students and the faculty.

Undergraduate Study

Advising

Academic advising is mandatory for all undergraduate physics majors. Contact the department office for assignment to an advisor. Note that in order to complete the program in 4 years, a physics student must begin the study of calculus in either the first or the second semester of the freshman year.

BA in Physics

The BA Physics degree is designed specifically for those students who wish to supplement the core study of physics with courses in interdisciplinary fields. As a fundamental science with applications in many fields, physics strengthens the background of students who have wider interests that lie outside of physics, in fields such as biology, health sciences, environmental studies, oceanography, geology, computer sciences, and social sciences.

BS in Physics

Please see “Programs” section below for more information about this program.

Minor in Physics

Please see “Programs” section below for more information about this program.

Graduate Study

This program offers opportunities for study and research leading to the MS and PhD degrees in physics. The staff and facilities are especially aimed toward experimental and theoretical work in elementary particle physics, astroparticle physics, cosmology, nanophysics, and particle accelerator physics.

It is recommended that intended candidates for the MS or PhD in physics present a minimum of 35 undergraduate credit hours in physics, including atomic and nuclear physics, electromagnetism, mechanics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Courses in general chemistry and differential equations are also recommended. Official scores of the GRE General Test and the subject test in physics must be submitted prior to admission.

At least one year of teaching experience is typically required of MS or PhD candidates; exceptions are subject to department approval. All graduate students are required to attend the weekly colloquium.

Institute for Astronomy

2680 Woodlawn Drive
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7087
Fax: (808) 956-7107
Undergraduate Program:
Email: undergrad@ifa.hawaii.edu
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/astronomy
Graduate Program:
Email: gradchair@ifa.hawaii.edu
Web: gradprog.ifa.hawaii.edu

Faculty

*M. R. Chun, PhD (Associate Director, IfA Hilo)—adaptive optics
*H. Lin, PhD (Associate Director, IfA Maui)—solar physics
*M. Liu, PhD (Graduate Chair)—stellar astronomy, exoplanets
*E. Magnier, PhD (Undergraduate Chair)—star formation, large-scale surveys
*C. Ashall, PhD—transients
*C. Baranec, PhD—exoplanets, adaptive optics
*J. Barnes, PhD—theoretical astronomy
*A. C. A. Boogert, PhD—astrochemistry
*M. Bottom, PhD—adaptive optics, exoplanets
*F. Bresolin, PhD—stellar astronomy
*K. Chambers, PhD—extragalactic astronomy
*M. S. Connelley, PhD—instrumentation, star formation
*A. S. Cowie, PhD—interstellar matter
*L. L. Cowie, PhD—extragalactic astronomy
*F. Dai, PhD—exoplanets
*D. Farrah, PhD—observational astrophysics, galaxy evolution
*R. R. Gal, PhD—extragalactic astronomy, outreach coordinator
*S. R. Habbal, PhD—solar and heliospheric physics
*C. Haggerty, PhD—solar physics
*E. M. Hu, PhD—extragalactic astronomy
*D. Huber, PhD—stellar astronomy, exoplanets
*D. O. Jones, PhD—cosmology, surveys
*J. R. Kuhn, PhD—solar astrophysics
*K. Meech, PhD—planetary astronomy
*R. H. Mendez, PhD—stellar astronomy
N. Raja, PhD—computer support
*J. Rayner, PhD—star formation, instrumentation
*J. Reep, PhD—solar physics
*D. B. Sanders, PhD—infrared and millimeter astronomy
*B. Shappee, PhD—extragalactic astronomy, transients
*X. Sun, PhD—solar physics
*I. Szapudi, PhD—cosmology
*D. Tholen, PhD—planetary science
*J. Tonry, PhD—extragalactic astronomy
*J. van Saders, PhD—stellar and substellar astronomy
*R. Wainscoat, PhD—asteroids
*J. P. Williams, PhD—submillimeter astronomy

Emeritus Faculty

C. Aspin, PhD—stellar astronomy
A. M. Boesgaard, PhD—stellar spectroscopy
C. Ftaclas, PhD—instrumentation
J. P. Henry, PhD—extragalactic astronomy
K. Hodapp, PhD—infrared astronomy
R. Jedicke, PhD—asteroids
R-P. Kudritzki, PhD—stellar astronomy
B. Reipurth, PhD—star formation
A. N. Stockton, PhD—extragalactic spectroscopy
A. T. Tokunaga, PhD—infrared astronomy
R. B. Tully, PhD—galaxies and cosmology
G. Wynn-Williams, PhD—infrared astronomy

* Graduate Faculty

The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) has offices and laboratories in Mānoa, on Maui, and on Hawaiʻi island, and access to all the observatories on the summit of Maunakea and most of those on Haleakalā. Its faculty conduct research into galaxies, cosmology, stars, the solar system, and the sun; develops new technologies for ground-based and space-based observatories; trains new astronomers through its undergraduate and graduate programs; and educates the public through a variety of outreach projects.

The Academic Program

Astronomy (ASTR) is the branch of science that studies the structure and development of the physical universe beyond Earth. It includes the study of planets and other objects of the solar system; the sun and stars and their evolution; the interstellar medium; the nature and dynamics of star clusters, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies; and the study of the nature and history of the universe itself—of the physical cosmos taken in its largest extent in space and time. Astronomy provides humanity with a fundamental understanding of both the universe and our place in it.

The mountains of Hawaiʻi are sources of wonder and inspiration. Astronomers worldwide recognize that summit access is an extraordinary privilege and, all who visit these mountains should do so with respect and reverence. Hawaiian cosmology, navigating across vast oceans using stars as guides, and deeply rooted cultural traditions linked to the night sky exemplify the special nature of learning astronomy in Hawaiʻi. The observatories on Maunakea and Haleakalā, collaboratively established and sponsored by over a dozen nations and the State of Hawaiʻi, are dedicated to the discovery and international dissemination of astronomical knowledge. The academic programs offered by the Institute for Astronomy exist to ensure that students at UH have full and equal access to this knowledge. These programs stand on a foundation of basic research in cosmology, galaxies and large-scale structure, stellar formation and evolution, interstellar material, our own and other planetary systems, astrobiology, solar astronomy, and technologies for adaptive optics, infrared detectors, and submillimeter astronomy. In support of its mission of education and research, the Institute for Astronomy operates dedicated facilities on Maunakea and Haleakalā and has guaranteed access to all major telescopes on these mountains.

Undergraduate Study

The undergraduate astronomy and astrophysics curricula provide students with a strong background in the application of fundamental physics to astronomical phenomena, as well as practice designing and carrying out projects in observational astronomy. This serves to train students in the core practices of science, applicable to careers in research and in astronomy-related fields. The BA in Astronomy provides a flexible program for students interested in astronomy who also have a wider range of career goals. The BS in Astrophysics is a rigorous program for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics and are aiming at a long-term research career.

Advising

Academic advising is mandatory for all undergraduate astronomy and astrophysics majors. Contact undergrad@ifa.hawaii.edu for assignment to an advisor. Note that in order to complete the program in 4 years, astronomy and astrophysics students must begin the study of calculus in either the first or the second semester of the freshman year.

Graduate Study

The astronomy graduate program is designed for students who want to obtain a doctorate in astronomy and go on to careers in academia or research institutions. A master’s in astronomy is also available. For students entering with a bachelor’s degree, the first two years of study cover the same material required for a MS degree, so most students aiming for the PhD receive a MS degree along the way.

Applicants to the Astronomy Graduate Program typically have a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, or a related field. A strong background in physics is essential for successful astronomy students.

Applicants who already hold a master’s degree from another institution are also eligible for admission and may enter our PhD program on an accelerated track. In addition, these students have the option to be based at any of the Institute for Astronomy branches (Mānoa, Maui, or Hilo) immediately upon entering the program. Placement at the IfA-Maui or IfA-Hilo facilities is contingent upon funding for an assistantship and applicants are encouraged to contact potential research advisors during the admissions process.

In selecting applications for entry to the astronomy program, we pay attention to high academic achievement, especially in physics, and to the letters of recommendation. Research experience in any scientific field at the undergraduate level is extremely valuable as preparation for graduate study in astronomy.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Physics, MS

Doctorate

Physics, PhD

Minor