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Theory of Condensed Matter

Vak
2017-2018

Admission Requirements

Quantum Theory a
Bachelor of Physics with an introduction to solid state physics and (preferably) some knowledge on semiconductors and electron bands

Description

The course gives an introduction into the theory of collective quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems. Fundamental concepts such as long-range order, spontaneous symmetry breaking, elementary and topological excitations are introduced. Their use for the understanding of the physical properties of a system is explained on several examples such as crystalline solid, superfluid, normal metal and superconductor.

Course objectives

  • To provide students with a working knowledge of the mathematical framework of quantum many-body theory, including the second quantisation formalism, quantum statistical mechanics, linear response theory, and the mean-field theory. – To acquaint the students with the key ideas of quantum liquid phenomenology including spontaneous symmetry breaking, long-range order, elementary excitations, hydrodynamics, and the effective low-energy Hamiltonians. – To acquaint the students with basic physical characteristics of important quantum many-body systems and explain how their properties follow from the microscopic theory. – To prepare the students to reading modern professional literature on various aspects of quantum many-body physics.

Timetable

Physics Schedule

Mode of instruction

Lectures and tutorials

Course load

Assessment method

written examination with short questions

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used for the provision of lecture notes, distribution of home assignment worksheets, and announcements.
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL

Reading list A set of lecture notes prepared by the lecturer and

R. Feynman, Statistical Mechanics: A Set of Lectures
C. Kittel, Quantum Theory of Solids
D. Pines, Elementary Excitations in Solids
D.R. Tilley and J Tilley, Superuidity and Superconductivity
P. Nozieres and D. Pines, Theory of Quantum Liquids
M. Tinkham “Introduction to superconductivity”

Contact

Contactdetails Teacher(s):Dr. Vadim Cheianov