M. Sc. (Physics):Liquid Crystals:Advanced Experimental Techniques

First Semester


Classical Mechanics
Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Mathematical Physics
Physics Lab I
Fundamentals of Computer Science and C Programming


Second Semester

Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Techniques in Physics
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Electrodynamics
Electronics
Physics Lab II


Third Semester

Particle Physics
Nuclear Physics
Semiconductor Physics
Physics Lab III
Seminar


Fourth Semester

Dissertation


Advanced Experimental Techniques

Introduction: Important parameters describing the materials, Need of materials characterisation, available Characterization techniques.

Light / Optical Microscopy: Optical microscope- basic principles & components, different examination modes (Bright field illumination, Oblique illumination, Dark field illumination, Phase contrast, Polarised light, Hot stage, Interference techniques), Stereomicroscopy, Photomicroscopy, Colour metallography, specimen preparation, applications

Quantitative Image Analysis: Basic measurements (Grain size, Particle morphology, Particle size & size distribution), Software for data analysis, Applications

Thermal Analysis: Thermogravimetric analysis, Differential thermal analysis, Differential scanning calorimetry, Thermomechanical analysis and dilatometry

Powder Characterisation: Important properties of powders and measurement techniques

Mechanical Testing: Introduction of important mechanical properties of materials, Tensile testing, Hardness testing, Impact testing, Fatigue testing, Creep testing, Torsion testing.

Non-Destructive Testing: Introduction, visual examination, liquid penetrant testing, Magnetic particle testing, Eddy current testing, Radiography, Ultrasonic testing, Acoustic emission testing, Thermography, Metallography

Laboratory Assignments: Determination of crystal structure and lattice parameters using X-rays diffraction technique. Study of phase diagrams using cooling curves. Determination of crystal structure and lattice parameter from electron diffractions. Study of viscoelastic transition in polymers employing ultrasonic technique. Production of coloured glasses and study of their absorption spectra. Estimation of degree of crystallinity and glass transition temperature of thermoplast. N.D.T. ultrasonic flaw detection. Thermal analysis of alloys. To study the fractured surface of metallic, ceramic and polymeric materials. To study the thermal expansion coefficient of various specimen using dilatometer.