What Computational Tools Are Used in EE for Solid-State and Laser Research?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the computational tools and methods used in electrical engineering (EE) for research in solid-state physics and laser technology. Participants explore the intersection of computational techniques with theoretical and experimental aspects of these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in computational methods related to quantum mechanics, specifically N-body simulations, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory, while noting a lack of computational focus in EE research.
  • Another participant suggests that EE research is predominantly experimental, with limited computational work, and proposes exploring condensed matter physics or electrochemistry as alternatives.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of numerical modeling in theoretical research areas, such as energy storage devices, but acknowledges the original poster's preference for lasers over devices like capacitors and batteries.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster might consider condensed matter physics, although they express a preference for focusing on lasers specifically.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that computational work in EE is less common, particularly in the context of solid-state and laser research. However, there is no consensus on the specific computational tools or methods that may be applicable, and differing interests in research areas remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of interest in different subfields of EE and physics, which may influence their perspectives on the relevance and application of computational methods. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainty regarding the availability of computational tools in the specific areas of interest.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals considering graduate studies in electrical engineering with a focus on solid-state physics or laser technology, as well as those interested in the computational aspects of these fields.

creepypasta13
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So I have a background in physics and applied math, but am considering graduate studies in EE. I know that some areas in EE, such as signal and image processing, use a lot of applied math, but I'm not that interested in those areas. I'm mostly interested in solid-state, lasers, and optics, but am not too interested in using E&M too much (especially at the level of graduate level theoretical physics E&M). I've looked at some research done by EE professors in those areas, but it seems mostly experimental, with not much computational work. I heard that one area of computational work in EE is computational electromagnetics, which honestly doesn't sound too interesting. I was hoping there were comp. methods used for the quantum mechanics side (other than for quantum computing), since that was my favorite class in physics.

Are N-body simulations, molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and/or other computational tools used in EE, in particular in lasers and solid-state? I really would like to utilize numerical analysis, numerical PDEs, and such for those areas, as I know those are used for other areas of physics, like CFD
 
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so does anyone know? from what I've seen of EE profs, its mostly experimental work, with not many people doing computational work
 
creepypasta13 said:
so does anyone know? from what I've seen of EE profs, its mostly experimental work, with not many people doing computational work

You'll often find that an EE's favorite computational software is solder. It sounds to me like you may want to go into condensed matter physics or perhaps electrochemistry. I think you should research energy storage devices such as super-capacitors, batteries, and even superconductivity. Those are all areas that are more theoretical and the research projects usually begin with a numerical model on a computer.
 
Topher925 said:
You'll often find that an EE's favorite computational software is solder. It sounds to me like you may want to go into condensed matter physics or perhaps electrochemistry. I think you should research energy storage devices such as super-capacitors, batteries, and even superconductivity. Those are all areas that are more theoretical and the research projects usually begin with a numerical model on a computer.

oh, well I'm not all that interested in devices such as capacitors and batteries. I was more interested in devices like lasers. Yeah I guess you're right in that I should just go into condensed matter instead
 

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