Temasek

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMBAT SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
(Official Degree Requirements)

A candidate for the degree Master of Science in Combat Systems Technology must complete satisfactorily a program of study that includes a minimum of 32 quarter hours of graduate work in Physics, Mathematics, and Engineering with at least 18 quarter hours at the 4000 level.  Included in these hours must be at least 20 quarter hours of graduate-level physics including 12 quarter hours at the 4000 level.

The program must include two approved sequences of courses related to combat systems technology. Each sequence must consist of at least four graduate level courses with at least two courses at the 4000 level. A list of approved sequences is available from the Chairman of the Department of Physics.

All programs leading to the degree Master of Science in Combat Systems Technology must satisfy the general Postgraduate School requirements for the Master’s degree, must include a thesis advised or co-advised by a member of the Physics Department, and must be approved by the Chairman of the Physics Department.

Recommended Courses for MS CST Elective Sequences

In order to fulfill the degree requirements for the MS in Combat Systems Technology, the following courses are listed as recommendations.  These courses are offered based on instructor availability and sufficient student demand.   Consideration should be given to the individual student's background, interests, future job requirements, and thesis work in the choice of these electives.  This list should not be construed as the complete list of courses which would be considered as satisfactory for the MS CST degree.   Courses offered in other departments or newly developed courses may also be acceptable and preferable.  Courses taught as a regular part of another program have the quarters during which it is offered indicated.

Sensors Courses

SE3200  PHYSICS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSORS AND PHOTONIC DEVICES ( 4 - 1 ).
An introductory survey of the physics of active and passive electromagnetic detection systems, primarily for Combat Systems students who do not elect to follow the Electromagnetic Sensors specialization track. Basic radiometry. Introduction to radar: ranging, pulse rate and range ambiguity, Doppler measurements, radar equation, target cross-sections, antenna beam patterns and phased arrays. Optoelectronic displays: CRTs, LEDs, LCDs, plasma displays. Introduction to lasers: transitions, population inversion, gain, resonators, longitudinal and transverse resonator modes, Q-switching, mode-locking, laser applications. Photodetection basics: noise and its characterization, photovoltaic, photoconductive and photoemissive detectors, image intensifiers, CCDs, night vision systems. Introduction to optical fibers and their applications.  Prerequisites: PH2652, PH3292 and PH3352, or equivalent(s), or by permission of instructor.   (Spring/Fall)

SE3400  SURVEY OF UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS ( 4 - 2 ).
The physics of the generation, propagation, and detection of sound in the ocean. Topics include the acoustic wave equation and its limitations in fluids; plane, cylindrical, and spherical waves; the ray approximation; reflection of planes waves from plane boundaries; radiation of sound from circular piston, continuous line source, and linear array; speed of sound and absorption in the ocean; active and passive sonar equations; transmission-loss and detection-threshold models; normal mode propagation in the ocean; the parabolic equation approximation. Laboratory experiments include surface interference, noise analysis, normal modes, and acoustic waveguides. PREREQUISITES: PH2151 and PH3991.  (Spring/Fall)

PH 3204 PRINCIPLES OF ELECTRO-OPTIC SENSOR SYSTEMS  (3-2)

This course is designed to provide students in the Information Warfare Curriculum with an understanding of the principles and capabilities of military electro-optic and infrared systems.  Topics treated include: Target signatures and backgrounds, laser  radiation characteristics, CCD, CID  and FLIR, IRST Irlinescan and staring sensors;  sensor performance parameters.  Laboratory work provides hands-on familiarity with modern infrared devices.  PREREQUISITES:  PH2203, EC2625,  MA3139 or equivalent.

PH3280  INTRODUCTION TO MEMS DESIGN (3-3).
This is a 4.5 credit hour class introducting the students in the graduate school of engineering and applied sciences (GSEAS) to Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Topics include material considerations for MEMS and microfabrication fundamentals. Surface, bulk and non-silicon micromachining. Forces and transduction; forces in micro-nano-domains and actuation techniques. Case studies of MEMS based microsensor, microactuator and microfluidic devices. The laboratory work includes computer aided design (CAD) of MEMS devices and small group design project. Prerequisites: basic understanding of electrical and mechanical structures: EC2200, or MS2201 or PH1322 or consent of instructor. 

PH3292  APPLIED OPTICS ( 4 - 2 ).
An intermediate-level course in optics.  Review of basic geometric and physical optics concepts. Laws of  reflection and  refraction at interfaces. Imaging systemsand aberrations. Polarization; Jones matrix methods; electro-optical modulation. Matrix methods for paraxial ray tracing and optical systems analysis. Two-beam and multiple-beam interference; Young's double slit experiment, multiple-slit systems and diffraction gratings; Michelson's interferometer; Fabry-Perot interferometer. Huygens-Fresnel principle; Fraunhofer diffraction; Fresnel diffraction.  PREREQUISITES: PH1623 and PH3352, or equivalents.  (Spring/Fall)

PH4209  EO/IR SYSTEMS AND COUNTERMEASURES ( 3 - 2 ).
This unclassified course for students in interdisciplinary curricula treats the military applications of countermeasures to electro-optic systems, including IR and EO seekers and trackers, surveillance and missile and laser warning systems, and laser rangers and designators.  Scanning FLIR  and IRST systems and array applications will be included.  Signature suppression and generic active and  passive countermeasure approached will be discussed including decoys and active IRCM.  Laboratory work will deal with EO/IR devices and possible countermeasure techniques.  PREREQUISITES: PH3204, MA3139, or equivalent.

PH4254  THERMAL IMAGING AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS ( 4 - 0 ).
This course is intended as a capstone course on EO/IR systems for the Combat Systems Science and Technology Curriculum, or the Electronic Warfare Systems Technology curriculum.  It addresses the system analysis and technology of infrared imaging (FLIR) and search/track systems (IRST), including the derivation of system performance measures such s Minimum Detectable Temperature Difference (MDT), and Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD) in terms of the optics, scanner, detectors, display, and human operator characteristics.  Operational Performance Prediction codes and Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs)  will be analyzed for current and developmental Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) Systems, and comparable codes for IRSTs discussed.  Criteria for target detection and transference of contrast will be compared.  Intergrated Focal Plane Array Technology will be explored for application to second/third generation FLIR and Staring Imager development.   PREREQUISITES:   PH4253 or PH4209 or consent of instructor.

PH4271  LASERS, OPTOELECTRONICS AND ELECTRO-OPTICS I ( 4 - 1 ).
The first course in a comprehensive two-course sequence covering the physics of lasers, optoelectronic and electro-optical devices. Review of Atomic and molecular energy levels, time-dependent perturbation theory, radiative transitions, transition rates. Einstein A and B coefficients for spontaneous and stimulated radiative transitions, blackbody radiation. Optical attenuation and amplification, rate equations. Basic laser theory, gain saturation, homogeneous and inhomogeneous effects. Optical resonators, laser modes, coherence. Q-switching, mode locking, pulse compression, laser pumping and tuning mechanisms. Gaussian beams. Introduction to multiple-mode and single mode optical fibers. PREREQUISITES: PH3292, PH3352 and PH3655, or equivalent(s).  (Fall)

PH4272  LASERS, OPTOELECTRONICS AND ELECTRO-OPTICS II ( 4 - 1 ).
The second course in a two-course covering the physics of lasers, optoelectronic and electro-optical devices.  Physics of optoelectronic detection, noise, detector figures-of-merit.  Photovoltaic, photoconductive, bolometric and charge-coupled (CCD) detector families.  1-D and 2-D (focal-pave array) detectors.  Image intensifiers and night vision systems.  Gaussian beams.  Physics of optical fibers and their practical applications.  Optical properties of anisotropic media and their applications, electro-optical effects and modulators.  Introduction to nonlinear optics, optical harmonic generation, parametric amplification ad optical heterodyning.  PREREQUISITES: PH3292, PH3352 and PH3655, or equivalent(s).  (Summer)

PH4273  PHYSICS OF ADVANCED IMAGING SYSTEMS ( 4 - 2 ).
A course in the physical optics of advanced imaging techniques. Introduction to Fourier optics, spatial frequency, sampling, and transfer function concepts. Beam diffraction from the linear systems/Fourier transform perspective: beam patterns, phased arrays, beam forming and beam steering. Wavefront coherence and its characterization. Optical transfer functions, modulation transfer functions and diffraction limited resolution of optical and RF systems. Performance characterization of imaging systems: NEP, NEFD, MDFD, and MDTD. Introduction to optical information processing: spatial light modulators, optical correlation and pattern recognition, optical tracking. Introduction to atmospheric turbulence and its effects on beam propagation. Introduction to adaptive optics. PREREQUISITES: PH3292 or equivalent. PH4272 is recommended as a concurrent course.  (Fall)

PH4274  PHYSICS OF ACTIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC DETECTION AND ENGAGEMENT ( 4 - 1 ).
A course in the physics of radar and high-power RF/microwave systems. Radiometry and the propagation of electromagnetic energy.  Radar equation and its relationship to radiometry. Noise and minimum detection threshold criteria. Range gating, scanning and range ambiguity. Target cross-section and polarization effects. Doppler techniques. Correlation analysis of signals and signal coherence. Synthetic aperture methods. Absorption and scattering of RF/microwave beams by the atmosphere. Modulation and demodulation techniques, pulse compression, chirping and signal recovery. Ultra-wideband and monopulse radars. Tracking and jamming. Propagation of high-power beams and thermal blooming/defocusing in the atmosphere. Introduction to RF/microwave weapons and their effects.  PREREQUISITES:  PH2351 and PH3292.  (Summer)

PH4280  MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS) DESIGN II (2-4)
This is the second course in Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Design. This course will expose students to advanced topics on material considerations for MEMS, microfabrication techniques, forces in the micro- and nano-domains, and circuits and systems issues. Case studies of MEMS based microsensors, microactuators, and microfluidic devices will be discussed. The laboratory work includes computer aided design (CAD) and characterization of existing MEMS devices. The grades will be based on exams, lab projects, and a group design project. Prerequisites: ME/EC/PH3280 or ME3780 or consent of instructor.

Weapons Courses

SE3800  SURVEY OF THE EFFECTS OF WEAPONS ( 4 - 0 ).
Physics of high-velocity impact including the dynamical behavior of ductile and brittle materials and shock waves in solids.  Physics of projectile penetration at high velocities. Shaped charges. Nuclear weapons effects including blast and shock thermal radiation, X-rays, neutron flux, electromagnetic pulse, and radioactive fallout. Biological and chemical weapons effects, deployment, detection and countermeasures. Directed energy weapons and effects.  PREREQUISITE: SE3172 and PH2652.  (Winter/Summer)

PH4171  PHYSICS OF EXPLOSIVES (4-0)
The goals of the course are to provide in-depth and advanced understanding of explosives from theoretical and practical standpoints, to formulate the bases for evaluating competitive and alternative explosive systems, and to provide criteria for crisis management. This course covers advanced topics in explosive physics and chemistry: Molecular energetics of the explosive molecule including molecular orbital and valence bonding and resonance stabilization concepts and practical implications of sensitivity and energy potential, oxygen balance and thermodynamic, reaction rate theory, hot-spot theory, shock physics and detonation theory. Special topics in explosive technology and application as applied to metal driving, mine detection and neutralization, chemical and biological dissemination, and computational modeling are offered per student’s interests. Prerequisite:  SE3172 and PH2652  (Summer)

PH4209  EO/IR SYSTEMS AND COUNTERMEASURES ( 3 - 2 ).
This unclassified course for students in interdisciplinary curricula treats the military applications of countermeasures to electro-optic systems, including IR and EO seekers and trackers, surveillance and missile and laser warning systems, and laser rangers and designators.  Scanning FLIR  and IRST systems and array applications will be included.  Signature suppression and generic active and  passive countermeasure approached will be discussed including decoys and active IRCM.  Laboratory work will deal with EO/IR devices and possible countermeasure techniques.  PREREQUISITES: PH3204, MA3139, or equivalent.

PH4857 PHYSICS OF HIGH VELOCITY IMPACT, WEAPON LETHALITY, AND SURVIVABILITY (4-2)
This course is the first of a two course sequence on the physics and systems engineering concepts underlying weapon systems and weapon systems integration.  Topics include: basics of stress-strain relations in various materials; elastic-plastic waves and shocks in solid materials; explosively driven fragments and materials; physics of fragment and rod-like penetration into solid targets; kill mechanisms; vulnerability, survivability and kill probability considerations; and basics of warhead design.  PREREQUISITES: PH2151, PH3352 (or equivalents), SE3172  (Summer)

PH4858  ELECTRIC SHIP WEAPONS SYSTEMS (4-1)
This is the second of a two course sequence on the physics and systems engineering concepts underlying weapon systems and weapon systems integration.  Topics include: the basic laser range equation and estimate of kill requirements; candidate laser systems for weapons applications; laser propagation effects from absorption, turbulence and blooming; laser target interaction by melting and by impulse; high power microwave principles and applications; and railgun theory and critical issues—power conditioning, barrel design and life, projectile design, cooling.   PREREQUISITE: PH3352  (Fall)

PH4911  SIMULATION OF PHYSICAL AND WEAPON SYSTEMS ( 3 - 2 ).
The role of computation physics in modern weapons development and combat simulations is studied.  The programming language is C within the UNIX, Apple, or Windows operating systems.  Applications emphasize physical principles of weapons development, systems engineering, and the use of graphics.  Subject matter includes random number distributions, projectile and fragment dispersion, missile defense, free electron laser simulation, laser beam propagation in a turbulent atmosphere, thermal blooming, diffraction and numerical integration methods.  Optional topics include molecular dynamics in solids, liquids, and gases, wave propagation in various media, chaos, and quantum mechanical wavefunctions.  PREREQUISITE:   PH2911.  (Winter)

SE4860  ADVANCED WEAPON CONCEPTS ( 4 - 1 ).
This course is a comprehensive overview of the components and underlying technologies of modern missile technologies. The course gives an introduction to missile guidance, missile aerodynamic design considerations, and missile propulsion technologies, followed by an introduction to the physics of modern conventional warhead designs for missile intercept and lethality and survivability considerations. PREREQUISITES: SE3172 and good comprehension of all aspects of mechanics and electromagnetics.  (Spring/Fall)