Topic outline

  • Experimental methods in Physics

    2022-10-24: Small updates to period II schedule. Introduction-pdf updated, added Schedule-pdf. Essential changes: Assignment 4 DL extended, only exercises on 21.11. (starting 10:15).

    Welcome to Experimental Methods in Physics!

    Classes are on Mondays and Thursdays, 10:15-12:00, in room 161 in Nanotalo, over Period I & II (Sep-Oct-Nov). Each class is divided into a lecture and an exercise session.

    Period I:

    Teacher = Laure Mercier de Lépinay

    Teaching assistant = Weijia Zhu

    Period II:

    Teacher = Mika Sillanpää

    Teaching assistant = Sreeveni Das

    This is not a lab course. Common experimental techniques used in modern labs will be presented and explained, with the aim to prepare students for lab work in a broad range of physical domains. The techniques cover electronics and basic radiofrequency, amplifiers, noise and grounding considerations, basic optics, vacuum environments, cryogenic environments. These techniques are relevant as well in academia as in industry. This will also be an opportunity to discuss a few famous historical experiments.

    Given this broad range of topics, the course is graded through 4 assignments rather than a final exam. You will work on these assignments both at home and during the exercise sessions where you can ask questions and get some help. The assignment schedule is the following:

    • Assignment 1: due 29.09.2022 
    • Assignment 2: due 24.10.2022
    • Assignment 3: due 14.11.2022
    • Assignment 4: due 05.12.2022


    Regular quizzes in class and filling the feedback form will also give points.