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Renuka Rajapakse

faculty

Renuka Rajapakse, PhD

Associate Teaching Professor

Physics

Contact

508-999-8360

Science & Engineering 203E

Education

2011University of ConnecticutPhD
2005University of ConnecticutMS
1999University of Peradeniya, Sri LankaBSc

Teaching

  • Mathematical Methods
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Mechanics
  • Quantum Optics

Courses

Seminar on fundamental topics and new discoveries in physics. Also an introduction to the physics major program and faculty research.

Seminar on fundamental topics and new discoveries in physics. Also an introduction to the physics major program and faculty research.

A calculus-based introduction to the concepts of electricity and magnetism. Study of electric and magnetic fields, electric potential, capacitance and inductance, elementary circuits, and electromagnetic oscillations. Laboratory experiments provide students with a solid understanding of basic DC circuit concepts and an introduction to AC circuits.

A calculus-based introduction to the concepts of electricity and magnetism. Study of electric and magnetic fields, electric potential, capacitance and inductance, elementary circuits, and electromagnetic oscillations. Laboratory experiments provide students with a solid understanding of basic DC circuit concepts and an introduction to AC circuits.

Development of the mathematical tools useful in physics. Vector calculus, linear algebra, matrices, operators, orthogonal functions.

Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area covered in a regular course not currently being offered. Conditions and hours to be arranged.

Individual work under the supervision of a faculty member on an experimental, theoretical, or literature review project in physics. This work may lead to a senior thesis project or may be concluded by a written report at the end of the term. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 6 credits toward degree.

Individual work under the supervision of a faculty member on an experimental, theoretical, or literature review project in physics. This work may lead to a senior thesis project or may be concluded by a written report at the end of the term. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 6 credits toward degree.

Individual work under the supervision of a faculty member on an experimental, theoretical, or literature review project in physics. This work may lead to a senior thesis project or may be concluded by a written report at the end of the term. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 6 credits toward degree.

Supervised research on an experimental or theoretical topic in physics under a faculty advisor. This course is offered only to students indicating strong intention and ability to do thesis work in subsequent semesters. The credits are considered equivalent to Thesis (PHY 690) if thesis work on the same topic is taken up later. Otherwise, a written report is required at the end of the research. Graded A-F, or IP if the work is approved to be continued as PHY 690 Thesis, in which case the grade earned when the thesis is completed will replace the IP.

Online and Continuing Education Courses

An introduction to astronomy that describes the advancement of astronomical knowledge and surveys the contents, properties, and physical processes of the universe. Simple mathematics will be used. Evening observing sessions at the UMass Dartmouth Observatory will be offered. The course is designed for non-science majors.
Register for this course.

Research

Research activities

  • Research Scientist, University of Connecticut

Research awards

  • $ 231,213 awarded by Office of Naval Research for UMassD MUST III: Quantum Computing and Control in Noisy Environments

Research interests

  • Quantum Optics
  • Quantum Computation
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Computational Physics

Select publications

  • J. Javanainen, R. Rajapakse (2019).
    Light propagation in systems involving two-dimensional atomic lattices
    Physical Review A, 100, 013616.
  • J. Javanainen, R. Rajapakse (2015).
    Bayesian inference to characterize Josephson oscillations in a double-well trap
    Physical Review A, 92, 023613.
  • R. Rajapakse, T. Bragdon, A.M. Rey, S.F. Yelin (2009).
    Single photon nonlinearities and optical quantum computing using ensembles of polar molecules
    Physical Review A, 80, 013810.

Additional links

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