SE 320: Physics of Information Processing
(3-0-0-0-4)

General

The revolution of information technology has brought to fore a range of system, which we encounter in everyday life. These systems include computers, internet, DVD, laser communications etc. The underlying physics of these systems is simple but not covered in current science and engineering curricula. We propose to cover the basic physical principles that are involoved in the area of information and communication technology. This course would be of interest to senior undergraduate and beginning graduate students. Basic understanding for electrodynamics will be asssumed in the course.

• Basic Interactions: Order of magnitude estimates.
• Noise in physical systems.
• Information in physical systems: Shannon's Theory of information; Information and Thermodynamics.
• Basics of Electromagnetic fields and waves.
• Transmission lines. Waveguides and Antennas.
• Optics and Imaging; Inverse problems
• Generation, Detection and Modulation of light.
• Solid state devices; Magnetic storage
• Measurement and Coding; Cryptography.
• Physical limitations of information devices; New technologies.

REFERENCES

Gershenfeld, Neil (2002), The Physics of Information Technology, Cambridge University Press.

Selected topical texts and research articles.

Pre-Requisite: PHY103

Proposers:Professors Mahendra Verma and Harshwardhan Wanare

Other Instructors:Professors Deshdeep Sahdev, Vijay Singh

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