ECEN5385 – Optical Properties of Materials

Spring 2009

Project

The project forms a major fraction of the course. It can consist of original work, or an in-depth analysis of a subject in the research literature.

• If the work is original, it can be theory, simulation, or experimental (some experimental facilities may be available for the work). You do not have to do the work totally independently. Feel free to ask me for advice and help. If the project is sufficiently large, two students may collaborate on one project (if do, you must make clear who contributed which parts).
• If it is a literature analysis, it must present a thesis, i.e., a proposition supported by an argument, and not simply be a report of facts.
• Do not provide a survey of a topic. Instead delve into a particular topic in enough depth to provide a real understanding.
• Give explanations. Do not simply present a list of facts. The goal is for you to understand, and demonstrate that understanding.

Possible topics can be found at topics.

Due dates are as follows:

• Topic approval by instructor – 27 Jan 09

Submit a short description (a few sentences may be adequate) for approval.

• Presentation to the class – 16 Apr 09 to 30 Apr 09

The report will be presented to the class. Each presentation is allotted 35 minutes, including questions. It can be in the form of a PowerPoint or blackboard presentation. Guidelines are provided here.

• Project paper submission – 5 May 09

Paper format

The paper should be as concise as possible while still covering the topic. Usually 10 pages, double spaced, should be enough, but this is not a hard rule.

The paper should be written in the style of a research paper for journal publication, and include the following sections:

I. Abstract

II. Background and motivation. This should include a short but thorough summary of the relevant literature.

III. Main body

1. Methods

2. Results (if relevant)

3. Analysis of results

IV. Discussion

V. Conclusions (Should summarize the main points that have been learned, both from your reading and your work, and also present what follow-on work should be carried out)

VI. References (full scientific referencing of all cited sources)

VII. Appendices (tabulation of data, computer program, etc.)

If the paper is of sufficient quality and interest, it may be submitted for publication.

In the paper, avoid use of “we” when you mean “I”. Also avoid using the passive construction (it was measured) when the active is more direct (I measured...). See the AIP Style Manual, for general style issued, and in particular pp. 14-15.

Turn in a hard copy (on paper).

Plagiarism

In preparing your project paper, please be very careful to avoid plagiarism. Because there may be cultural differences as to what is considered acceptable, it is important that you are aware of what is considered acceptable here (see this). Any plagiarism will result in an automatic “F” in the course.

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