Admission Requirements
Bachelor in Physics and knowledge of basic statistical mechanics.
Description
The course provides an introduction to phase transitions and critical phenomena in equilibrium systems and represents the first part of a two-part introductory courses on emergent phenomena in equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. The second (elective) part of this course is given in Statistical Physics b and is focused on emergent phenomena in non-equilibrium systems (i.e. collective motion in animals and other biological systems etc.)
Topics
Introduction to phase transitions and critical phenomena in statistical mechanics.
The one-dimensional Ising model: exact solution via transfer matrix method.
The two-dimensional Ising model: domain walls and Peierls’ argument.
Mean field theory.
Fluctuations theory and field-theoretical approach to critical phenomena.
Universality, scaling and critical dimensions.
Real-space renormalization group.
Momentum-shell renormalization group and ε-expansion.
Course Objectives
The aim of the course is develop a strong foundation in advanced statistical mechanics with an emphasis on emergent phenomena. Furthermore, the course aims to provide the students with a toolbox of mathematical techniques that can be readily used in theoretical and experimental research projects.
Timetable
Mode of instruction
Lectures and tutorials.
Assessment method
Final exam with open questions and homework assignments for bonus points.
Blackboard
To have access to Blackboard you need a ULCN-account.Blackboard UL
Reading list
Nigel Goldenfeld, Lectures of phase transitions and the renormalization group (Perseus Books, 1992).
Contact
Lecturer: Dr. Luca Giomi