Renuka Rajapakse

faculty

Renuka Rajapakse, PhD

Associate Teaching Professor

Physics

Contact

508-999-8360

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Science & Engineering 203E

Education

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

Teaching

  • Mathematical Methods
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Mechanics
  • Quantum Optics

Teaching

Programs

Teaching

Courses

A laboratory course that accompanies PHY 102. Experiments provide students with a solid understanding of basic DC circuit concepts and an introduction to AC circuits.

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.

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.

The development of the mathematical and computational tools needed for solving more advanced physics problems. Series and complex numbers, complex roots and powers, linearity, special matrices, partial differentiation with change of variables, vector fields and physics of div, grad and curl. Analytical solutions and computer simulations are emphasized.

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

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.

Teaching

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

Research awards

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

Research

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