They include physical electronics, semiconductor theory, electromagnetics, microwaves, optics, antennas, plasmas, and gaseous electronics. Physical electronics and semiconductor theory provide the theoretical and physical basis for electronic devices used in electronic, telecomunication, control, digital and power systems. Physical electronics, semiconductor theory and electromagnetics prepare the student for courses in optical, microwave and antenna theory and design and for plasma and gaseous electronic theory. Physical phenomena courses are very closely related to almost all of the other emphasis areas. They provide a theoretical background for the devices used in electronic digital, control, power and telecommunication systems and in the fabrication of these devices.
Electromagnetic theory is applied to telecommunication and power devices.
An especially close relation exists between telecommunications systems which include antennas and which may be implemented at microwave or optical frequencies. Gaseous electronics is closely related to switchgear used in the power industry. The information revolution is being partially driven by the development of new devices such as lasers, laser diodes, optical fibers, and very large scale integrated circuits. Such development becomes possible with advances in semiconductor material theory and fabrication. Consumer markets for microwave devices and systems, eg, microwave ovens and satellite communications, have evolved and, in the communication and information areas, have the potential for tremendous growth.