Master Thesis Topic: Fibre/Laser Optics vs Phase Field Models

[Niles]

Hi

I have a BS in Physics, and have to begin my master thesis in 3 months. During the past couple of weeks, I have been talking to various professors at my university, and I have narrowed it down to either

• First option: Fibre/laser optics (experimental)
• Second option: Phase field models (theoretical/computational)

First option During my undergraduate studies I never really liked doing experimental physics.However, I followed basically all optics/laser courses, since I find them particularly interesting and they didn't require much experimental work. What I like about doing this is that PhD/job prospects afterwards will be pretty good according to my professor. Most of his master students have either gone straight to the industry or continued with a PhD.

Second option I have always loved computational physics, and I will have the possibility of doing my thesis with a heavy load of computational methods such as Finite Element Methods and such. My professor told me that I basically decide by myself what the ratio is between theory and numerical work -- this I like very much. What bothers me is that I don't see the same security after the thesis as I do with the first option, and I would hate to end up some place where my MS is essentially useless. Also, the possiblity of a PhD seems lower here than at the first option.



The courses during my MS have basically been divided 50/50 between quantum/laser optics and FEM. Now that I have put my thoughts to paper, I would like to get some feedback. Of course I don't expect anybody to tell me what to pick, but if you have an opinion or any other useful experiences, feel free to let me know.

Best.

 

[micromass]

If the first thing gives you job and PhD prospects, then I'd go with that. There's no use in doing something interesting that turns out useless in the end.

That said, is it really the case that the second subject will not be of much use?? Perhaps it's more applicable then you think, but I'll let the physics people answer this.