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PHY
SCHOOL OF PHYSICS

The School of Physics was one of the three Schools that were set up when the University was established in the year 1969.

The School has grown and evolved since its inception, and now emerge as one of the leading schools in USM, garnering a
national reputation in X-Ray Crystallography and Nano-Optical research, whilst diversifying the thrust through the
establishment of research groups, namely, Condensed Matter Physics and X-Ray Crystallography; Applied and Engineering
Physics; Energy Studies; Geophysics, Astronomy and Atmospheric Science; Theoretical and Computational Physics; and
Medical Physics and Radiation Science.

We currently offer 5 undergraduate academic programmes (Pure Physics, Applied Physics, Geophysics, Engineering Physics
and Medical Physics), 2 MSc by coursework (Medical Physics and Solid State Physics), 2 MSc by mixed modes (Radiation
Science and Applied Geophysics) as well as graduate research both at MSc and PhD levels.

We are focusing on our vision Towards global excellence in transdisciplinary research and education in Physics with the aim
of enhancing the performances of the School, achieving and sustaining excellence, and contributing to the success of a
prestigious research university; in line with the Consolidate for the Universitys Excellence (BUKU)-Manifest Achievements.

Our mission is To provide academic, research, and educational social programmes for development of human capital,
knowledge, and technology for a sustainable nation.
We would like you to join us, to be part of this journey.

Master of Science (Physics) and Doctor of Philosophy

This Programme includes research on various fields. The fields offered are as followed:-

Research Thrust Areas

Condensed Matter Physics and X-ray Crystallography

Materials Fabrication and Characterization for Electronics, Optoelectronics and Biomedicine

Studies of Condensed Matter Materials and Devices
Photonic Materials and Devices
Modelling and Simulation of Condensed Matter Devices
X-ray Structure Determination and Characterization (Organic/Organometallic Compounds, Non-linear Optical Materials,
Natural Products)

Applied and Engineering Physics

Semiconductor Fabrication (Thin Film, Epitaxy and Nano structures)

Sensors and Actuators
Digital Image Processing (Land Cover Mapping, Water and Air Quality Monitoring
Optical and Remote Sensing Technology
Photonic Devices, Systems and Applications
Thermal Processes in Device and Packaging

Energy Studies

Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic

Computer Simulation and Modelling of Solar Energy
Bioenergy
Fuel Cell and Batteries

Geophysics, Astronomy and Atmospheric Science

Exploration Geophysics
Physical Oceanography
Environmental Remote Sensing (Land and Water)
Positional Astronomy
Photometric and Spectroscopic Studies
Ozone Studies
Atmospheric Studies
Meterology
Atmospheric Remote Sensing
Radioastronomy
Astrophysics

Theoretical and Computational Physics

Computational Condensed Matter Physics

Linear and Nonlinear Optics
Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics (Magnetic, Ferroelcectric Materials and Liquid Crystals )
High Energy Physics (Non-Abelian Gauge Theory, Elementary Particles)

Medical Physics and Radiation Science

Radiation Dosimetry, Radiation Protection (Monte Carlo Methods, Non-destructive Testing)

Medical Instrumentation (Lasers, Ultrasound, MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Techniques)
Radiation Physics
Biophysics (Radiation, Cardiovascular, Cellular)
Synopsis

a) Condensed Matter Physics and X-ray Crystallography

Researches in Condensed Matter Physics and X-ray Crystallography group extend from a fundamental aspect of materials
analysis to its potential applications. The researches done within this group are intended to discover and understand the
materials and their properties through various experiment, computation, simulation and theoretical methods. Research
laboratories are equipped with various specialized equipments. These discoveries and understanding of materials that could
also lead to enhancement and control of materials properties will result in new fundamental knowledge, materials or products.

The main research focuses of this group are:

1. Materials Fabrication and Characterization for Electronics, Optoelectronics and Biomedicine

2. Studies of Condensed Matter Materials and Devices
3. Photonic Materials and Devices
4. Modelling and Simulation of Condensed Matter Devices
5. X-ray Structure Determination and Characterization (Organic/Organometallic Compounds, Non-linear Optical Materials,
Natural Products)

For more information, please contact:

Group leader
ASSOC. PROF. ABDUL RAZAK IBRAHIM
E-MAIL: arazaki @usm.my

b) Applied and Engineering Physics

Research in Applied and Engineering Physics

Research in these areas involves the application of fundamental theory of physics to explain and solve problems of applied
physics and engineering physics for the development of new technologies. The main research topics include semiconductor
fabrication, sensors and actuators, thermal processes in device and packaging, digital image processing, optical and remote
sensing technology, and photonic devices, system and applications. Related laboratories are well equipped with sophisticated
and up to date equipments for forefront research. Graduate students are encouraged to present their research work at national
and international conferences and publish in high impact factor journals.

Areas of Emphasis in Graduate Study and Research

Semiconductor Fabrication (Thin Film, Epitaxy and Nanostructures)

The research areas cover fundamental growth and properties of materials up to nanolithography and optoelectronic devices.
Examples of topics of interest are thin semiconductor, insulator and metal films, growth, interface states and characterization;
fabrication, characterization and theoretical simulation studies; fabrication and characterization of quantum well (QW)
structures and novel optoelectronic devices; wide band gap semiconductor materials and devices; theoretical modelling of
nanophotonic devices; fabrication of photonic crystal devices by self-assembly of nanoparticles; and optical characterizations
of novel luminescent materials and photonic crystals. Examples of current research projects are the fabrication and
characterization of wide band gap III-nitride semiconductors and metal oxide nanostructures.

Sensors and Actuators

There are various research topics covered in sensors and actuators such as electric current and potential, environment,
weather, moisture, humidity, position, optical, light, imaging, pressure, force, density, thermal, and etc. In addition, the
objective of this type of research interest is to develop the sensing concepts that take advantage of the small feature sizes
enabled by micro and nanotechnologies. The new sensing concepts either rely on small-scale effects or they allow integration
of miniaturized devices into engineering systems. Graduate students are encouraged to develop and investigate the innovative
valve sensors and actuators. Besides that, electronic circuits can be designed to improve or complement the characteristics of
sensors and actuators devices.
Thermal Processes in Device and Packaging

Research in thermal process covers the large and increasing number of advanced thermal management and packaging
materials, manufacturing processes, applications, cost, and future development. In addition, advanced materials will be
increasingly important for 3D packages as heat loads increase. In future applications, developed and well established advance
technology are needed for the control of thermal processes in device and packaging.

Digital Image Processing

Research project focuses on the development of digital image system such as processors, digitizer, digital computer, storage,
display and scanner. Besides that, research study in digital processing also included the image enhancement, image
representation and description, histogramming, smoothing, sharpening, thresholding, edge detection, spatial mask and linking.
Graduate students are encouraged to explore new technology in industrial vision system, automated visual inspection,
process control and assembly application.

Optical and Remote Sensing Technology

This research area mainly focuses on the development of innovative new optical and remote sensor capable to be applied in
several fields, for instance in the study of water turbidity, air pollution, waste water and thermal distribution. Novel sensing
technology is invented to substitute the conventional technology and plays an important role in improving the development of
current sensing capability.

Photonic Devices, System and Applications

Research in this group involves the development of new technologies for photonic devices and systems and increase of the
level of applied research. For the development of photonics and its applications, it is necessary to analyses the nonlinear
optical processes involved and investigate suitable materials for light generation, guiding and detection. This research area has
true scientific value and potential for applications in the area of information technologies, environmental protection and health
and quality of life improvement. Optical instruments include microscopes, interferometer, radiometer and cameras
spectrometers.

For more information, please contact:

Group leader
PROF. MAT JOHAR ABDULLAH
E-MAIL: matjohar@usm.my (mailto:matjohar@usm.my)

c) Energy Studies

Energy Studies research is directed towards research in solar energy, in particular, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and
bioenergy. Research in solar photovoltaic covers fabrication of solar cells and modules, electrical power system, and computer
modelling. Thermal research includes solar thermal system design, hot water system, drying system, air-conditioning, and
computer modelling. Bioenergy research includes utilization of biomass and wastes, production of solid and liquid biofuels by
fast and slow pyrolysis and characterisation of biochar and biofuels.

In a simple form, below are research interests in energy studies area:

1. Bio-energy
2. Computer simulation and modelling of solar energy
3. Fuel cell and batteries
4. Solar thermal and photovoltaic
5. Thermal processes in device and packaging

For more information, please contact:

Group leader
Dr. ADILAH SHARIFF
E-MAIL: adilah@usm.my (mailto:adilah@usm.my)
d) Geophysics, Astronomy and Atmospheric Science

Research in Geosciences

The Group's philosophy and objective has been to pursue excellence by concentrating its research initiatives in specific areas
of the Geosciences. Graduate students benefit from greater focus and also enjoy close interaction with faculty members. A
distinctive aspect of graduate study in the Geosciences Department is the opportunity for collaborative research, often
involving several faculty members. Graduate studies, either Ph.D. and M.S. thesis-based programmes, are offered with
concentrations in areas including environmental and engineering geophysics, remote sensing applications, nearshore and
coastal oceanography, petroleum geoscience and reservoir sedimentology, and meteorology.
The Geophysics Group occupies a modern, well-equipped building that houses experimental and analytical labs, faculty and
graduate student offices, numerous computers and workstations. The group also owns a complete range of geophysical tools
such as multielectrode resistivity and electromagnetic tools, ground penetrating radar and magnetic measurements meters.

Areas of Emphasis in Graduate Study and Research:

Engineering and Environmental Geophysics

Research within this sub-discipline involves the applications and utilization of the science of geophysics to environmental and
engineering problems. Students will be exposed to the use of various specialized geophysical tools to solve subsurface
problems. The group has extensive experience in applications of geophysical measurements to environmental and engineering
problems. Examples include the investigation of industrial, military and abandoned waste disposal sites or on landfills, building
sites and traffic routes, as well as mapping ground water pollution.
The USM Geophysics Group owns a complete range of geophysical tools such as multielectrode resistivity and
electromagnetic, ground penetrating radar and magnetic measurements.

Remote Sensing Applications

Remote sensing research at the USM Geophysics Group focuses on the theory, concepts, and techniques of science and
engineering as applied to sensing the earth, oceans, atmosphere, and space; and the processing, interpretation, and
dissemination of this information. Projects undertaken are of multi-disciplinary collaborative research, often involving several
faculty members. Examples include the use of satellite images in mapping estuarine coastal plume pattern, coastline changes
and coastal reclamation, haze and air pollution studies.

Petroleum Geoscience: Sedimentary Geology and Reservoir Characteristic

Research projects in sedimentary and reservoir geology focuses on the integration of petrophysical parameters with field
geophysical, sedimentological, and stratigraphic studies. Sedimentologicalfacies and stratigraphic characteristics obtained
from field studies provide information concerning the depositional processes and paleoenvironment of sedimentary bodies,
their relative age, geometry and probable lateral extent, which yield insight to broader issues of relative sea level change,
structural geological history and basin evolution. Shallow geophysical studies of Quaternary successions (coastal and deltaic)
generate images of recent sedimentary successions, revealing their geometry and (sequence) stratigraphic organizations.
Integrating petrophysical data (porosity, permeability, density and rock velocity) into these larger scale stratigraphic
frameworks allow us to visualize fluid behaviour and movements within different types reservoir sedimentary bodies, and
determine the different factors that control the flow. The group main focus is the tertiary reservoir and non-reservoir
succession in Sabah and Sarawak, East Malaysia. Analytical facilities include scanning electron microprobe (SEM), optical
petrography, X-ray diffraction facilities, and a variety of other facilities at the School of Physics.

Nearshore and Coastal Oceanography

Knowledge of processes and patterns in the oceans is fundamental to understanding how the marine environment interacts
with the rest of the planet. This knowledge can only be gathered through long term oceanographic research. We rely on ocean
research to manage living and non-living marine resources in a sustainable and effective way, ensure national security without
compromising ecosystem protections, and minimize the human impacts of natural hazards ranging from hurricanes and
tsunamis to coastal erosion and global climate change.
One key focus of the oceanographic research team is estuary. Estuaries are key environmental and economic resources,
supporting tourism, recreation, fishing, and shipping industries. For the last ten years, the group has been collecting data on
the three major estuaries in Seberang Perai and Kedah, which lies on the northern west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Meteorological and Atmospheric Sciences

The objective of this group is to advance the science of meteorology with particular emphasis on the Malaysian and the
Southeast Asian region, and to advance the national interest through meteorological and oceanographic research.

For more information, please contact:

Group leader
ASSOC. PROF. KHIRUDDIN ABDULLAH
E-MAIL: E-MAIL: khirudd@usm.my (mailto:khirudd@usm.my)

e) Theoretical and Computational Physics

The Group comprises five academic staff and they involve actively in the following fields:

Condensed Matter:

i. Phenomenological theory on: switching and dynamic properties of thin films, multilayer and super lattices in
ferroelectrics; second harmonic generation in ferroelectric thin films; optical bistability of ferroelectric and liquid crystal
films, phase transitions and electric field effect in ferroelectric and antiferroelectric liquid crystals.
ii. Computational Physics on ferroelectrics and other solid state materials.

High Energy Physics and Cosmology:

Physics of neutrino mass, configurations of the monopole solutions of the SU(2) Yang-Mills-Higgs theory particle physics
implications on cosmology.

Members of the group have published in major SCI journals over the years; and some of these articles in theoretical
condensed matter physics, nuclear and high energy physics have been cited by their peers internationally.

For more information, please contact:

Group leader
ASSOC. PROF. ONG LYE HOCK
E-MAIL: onglh@usm.my (mailto:onglh@usm.my)

f) Medical Physics and Radiation Science

Medical Physics and Radiation Science Group through the School of Physics offers research based Master of Science and
Doctor of Philosophy degree programmes. The research graduate students will be supervised by academic staff of the group
or other academic staff affiliated with the school.
Medical physics is a discipline that utilizes ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in medicine primarily in diagnosis and treatment
of disease. Our research interests include medical imaging physics, biophysics, radiation shielding and protection, and
radiation dosimetry. In parallel, our radiation science group focuses research on radiation physics, non-destructive testing and
assessment of NORM and heavy metals.

The research areas include:

Biophysics - Cardiovascular and cellular

Medical imaging X-Ray, Lasers, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine Imaging, and Molecular Imaging
Tissue equivalent materials for anthropomorphic phantom development - linear and mass attenuation coefficients, HU
number, and effective atomic number.
Radiation Physics and Dosimetry Radiation shielding and protection, radiation safety, radiation transport (Monte Carlo
Simulation)
Radiation Science - Non Destructive Technique, environmental contamination by NORM and heavy metals

One of the many attractions of research in Medical Physics is that it involves working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
Graduate students at our school are encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences
and in scientific meetings.
For further information please contact:
The Group Leader
DR. NORLAILI AHMAD KABIR
E-mail: norlailikabir@usm.my (mailto:norlailikabir@usm.my)

Expertise available in the following School:

School of Physics
www.usm.my/phy (http://www.usm.my/phy)

Admission Requirements
Applicants should possess one of the following:

MSc

A Bachelors degree in Physics minimum CGPA 2.75/4 or equivalent.

A Bachelors degree in a related area.
International applicants are required to have a minimum score of 550 (Paper-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language) or a minimum score of 213 (Computer-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a
minimum score of 80 (Internet-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or minimum score of 6.0 in
IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Results must be attached with the application form.

PhD

A Masters or Bachelors (First Class Honours or CGPA >3.67/4) degree in a related area.
International applicants are required to have a minimum score of 550 (Paper-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language) or a minimum score of 213 (Computer-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a
minimum score of 80 (Internet-based) in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or minimum score of 6.0 in
IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Results must be attached with the application form.

Duration

MSc

Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters

Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

PhD

Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters

Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters
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