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About us Practical matters How to find us G. (George (Georgios)) Palasantzas, Prof

G. (George (Georgios)) Palasantzas, Prof

Full Professor in Physics (Surface interactions and Nanostructures)

MY CONVICTION IN EDUCATION: " Make students feel home when they come in class "

Thermal Physics (Statistical Physics) / Bachelor 2nd year. This is a thermodynamic theory in which account is taken of the microscopic properties of individual atoms or molecules analysed in a statistical fashion. Statistical mechanics allows macroscopic properties to be calculated from the statistical distribution of the microscopic behaviour of individual atoms and molecules.

Electronics for BME students / Bachelor 3rd year.  The course will give to the student knowledge of modern electronics, signal analysis, and system control both on a theoretical and practical level. Therefore, after following this course the students are able to reproduce and apply the knowledge about modern electronics circuits obtained in class not only to solve problems for the exam but also to analyze circuits in research type environment involving computer simulations of circuits with the professional LTSpice software package.

Surface Interactions in Electromechanical Systems (MSc Appl. Phys 1st year)/:  A consequence of the quantum behaviour of electromagnetic fields is that each field mode contains intrinsic zeropoint energy when it is not vibrating. The zero-point energy is not just an arbitrary constant but has real observable consequences. Indeed, two mirrors facing each other in vacuum are mutually attracted to each other by the disturbance ofquantum vacuum fluctuations – a phenomenon first predicted in 1948 by the Dutch theoretical physicist Hendrik Casimir. Nevertheless, the last ten years the Casimir field has attracted significant attention and has focused on one hand on observationsof the Casimir force in complex geometries and novel materials such as phase-change, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liquids,metamaterials etc. with a view to applications, especially in nanomachines. Topics that I  cover include: Introduction to Casimir physics, surface forces, force measurements, Lifshitz theory for Casimir / van der Waals forces between real materials and Thermal effects, Capilary and Electrostatic forces, Influence of optical properties on Casimir-Lifshitz forces: From attraction to repulsion, Influence of geometry-surface morphology on Casimir-Lifshitz forces, Applications to MEMS actuation, stiction, chaotic motion.

Former courses I gave: Mathematical Physics / Bachelor 1st year (2014-2023), Research Practicum (2 year Physics, 2000-2010), Calculus-2 (1 year Physics & Mathematics, 2013), Characterization of Nanomaterials - Scanning Probe Microscopy /Top masters in Nanoscience program (2005-2015)

Basic Qualification Education in RUG/NL ( BKO )

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TEACHING PERFORMANCE:

Last modified:15 October 2024 1.49 p.m.