Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2017

Physics Master Information
Core Courses
One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics.
For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration (www.phys.ethz.ch/studies/study-administration.html) after having received the credits.
Core Courses: Theoretical Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0871-00LSolid State TheoryW10 credits4V + 1UV. Geshkenbein
AbstractThe course is addressed to students in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and provides a theoretical introduction to a variety of important concepts used in this field.
Learning objectiveThe course provides a theoretical frame for the understanding of basic pinciples in solid state physics. Such a frame includes the topics of symmetries, band structures, many body interactions, Landau Fermi-liquid theory, and specific topics such as transport, superconductivity, or magnetism. The exercises illustrate the various themes in the lecture and help to develop problem-solving skills. The student understands basic concepts in solid state physics and is able to solve simple problems. No diagrammatic tools will be developed.
ContentThe course is addressed to students in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and provides a theoretical introduction to a variety of important concepts used in this field. A selection is made from topics such as: Symmetries and their handling via group theoretical concepts, electronic structure in crystals, insulators-semiconductors-metals, phonons, interaction effects, (un-)screened Fermi-liquids, linear response theory, collective modes, screening, transport in semiconductors and metals, magnetism, Mott-insulators, quantum-Hall effect, superconductivity.
Lecture notesin English
402-0844-00LQuantum Field Theory IIW10 credits3V + 2UN. Beisert
AbstractThe subject of the course is modern applications of quantum field theory with emphasis on the quantization of non-abelian gauge theories.
Learning objective
ContentThe following topics will be covered:
- path integral quantization
- non-abelian gauge theories and their quantization
- systematics of renormalization, including BRST symmetries,
Slavnov-Taylor Identities and the Callan Symanzik equation
- gauge theories with spontaneous symmetry breaking and
their quantization
- renormalization of spontaneously broken gauge theories and
quantum effective actions
LiteratureM.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder,
An introduction to Quantum Field Theory, Perseus (1995).
L.H. Ryder,
Quantum Field Theory, CUP (1996).
S. Weinberg,
The Quantum Theory of Fields (Volume 2), CUP (1996).
M. Srednicki,
Quantum Field Theory, CUP (2006).
402-0394-00LTheoretical Astrophysics and CosmologyW10 credits4V + 2UL. M. Mayer, A. Refregier
AbstractThis is the second of a two course series which starts with "General Relativity" and continues in the spring with "Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology", where the focus will be on applying general relativity to cosmology as well as developing the modern theory of structure formation in a cold dark matter Universe.
Learning objective
ContentThe course will cover the following topics:
- Homogeneous cosmology
- Thermal history of the universe, recombination, baryogenesis and nucleosynthesis
- Dark matter and Dark Energy
- Inflation
- Perturbation theory: Relativistic and Newtonian
- Model of structure formation and initial conditions from Inflation
- Cosmic microwave background anisotropies
- Spherical collapse and galaxy formation
- Large scale structure and cosmological probes
LiteratureSuggested textbooks:
H.Mo, F. Van den Bosch, S. White: Galaxy Formation and Evolution
S. Carroll: Space-Time and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity
S. Dodelson: Modern Cosmology
Secondary textbooks:
S. Weinberg: Gravitation and Cosmology
V. Mukhanov: Physical Foundations of Cosmology
E. W. Kolb and M. S. Turner: The Early Universe
N. Straumann: General relativity with applications to astrophysics
A. Liddle and D. Lyth: Cosmological Inflation and Large Scale Structure
Prerequisites / NoticeKnowledge of General Relativity is recommended.
Core Courses: Experimental Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0448-01LQuantum Information Processing I: Concepts
This theory part QIP I together with the experimental part 402-0448-02L QIP II (both offered in the Spring Semester) combine to the core course in experimental physics "Quantum Information Processing" (totally 10 ECTS credits).
W5 credits2V + 1UJ. Home, A. Wallraff
AbstractThe course will cover the key concepts and ideas of quantum information processing, including descriptions of quantum algorithms which give the quantum computer the power to compute problems outside the reach of any classical supercomputer. Key concepts such as quantum error correction will be described. These ideas provide fundamental insights into the nature of quantum states and measurement.
Learning objectiveWe aim to provide an overview of the central concepts in Quantum Information Processing, including insights into the advantages to be gained from using quantum mechanics and the range of techniques based on quantum error correction which enable the elimination of noise.
ContentThe topics covered in the course will include
1. Entanglement
2. Circuits, circuit elements, universality
3. Efficiency ideas, Gottesmann Knill
4. Teleportation + dense coding
5. Swapping/Gate Teleportation
6. Algorithms: Shor, Grover,
7. Deutsch-Josza, simulations of local systems
8. Cryptography
9. Error correction, basic circuit,
10. ideas of construction, Fault-tolerant design,
Lecture notesWill be made available on the Moodle for the course. More details to follow.
LiteratureQuantum Computation and Quantum Information
Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
Cambridge University Press
402-0448-02LQuantum Information Processing II: Implementations
This experimental part QIP II together with the theory part 402-0448-01L QIP I (both offered in the Spring Semester) combine to the core course in experimental physics "Quantum Information Processing" (totally 10 ECTS credits).
W5 credits2V + 1UA. Wallraff, J. Home
AbstractIntroduction to experimental systems for quantum information processing (QIP). Quantum bits. Coherent Control. Measurement. Decoherence. Microscopic and macroscopic quantum systems. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Photons. Ions and neutral atoms in electromagnetic traps. Charges and spins in quantum dots and NV centers. Charges and flux quanta in superconducting circuits. Novel hybrid systems.
Learning objectiveThroughout the past 20 years the realm of quantum physics has entered the domain of information technology in more and more prominent ways. Enormous progress in the physical sciences and in engineering and technology has allowed us to build novel types of information processors based on the concepts of quantum physics. In these processors information is stored in the quantum state of physical systems forming quantum bits (qubits). The interaction between qubits is controlled and the resulting states are read out on the level of single quanta in order to process information. Realizing such challenging tasks is believed to allow constructing an information processor much more powerful than a classical computer. This task is taken on by academic labs, startups and major industry. The aim of this class is to give a thorough introduction to physical implementations pursued in current research for realizing quantum information processors. The field of quantum information science is one of the fastest growing and most active domains of research in modern physics.
ContentIntroduction to experimental systems for quantum information processing (QIP).
- Quantum bits
- Coherent Control
- Measurement
- Decoherence
QIP with
- Ions
- Superconducting Circuits
- Photons
- NMR
- Rydberg atoms
- NV-centers
- Quantum dots
Lecture notesCourse material be made available at www.qudev.ethz.ch and on the Moodle platform for the course. More details to follow.
LiteratureQuantum Computation and Quantum Information
Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
Cambridge University Press
Prerequisites / NoticeThe class will be taught in English language.

Basic knowledge of concepts of quantum physics and quantum systems, e.g from courses such as Phyiscs III, Quantum Mechanics I and II or courses on topics such as atomic physics, solid state physics, quantum electronics are considered helpful.

More information on this class can be found on the web site www.qudev.ethz.ch
402-0702-00LPhenomenology of Particle Physics IIW10 credits3V + 2US. Pozzorini, A. Rubbia
AbstractIn PPP II the standard model of particle physics will be developed from the point of view of gauge invariance. The example of QED will introduce the essential concepts. Then we will treat both strong and electroweak interactions. Important examples like deep inelastic lepton-hadron scattering, e+e- -> fermion antifermion, and weak particle decays will be calculated in detail.
Learning objective
402-0264-00LAstrophysics IIW10 credits3V + 2UM. Carollo
AbstractThe course examines various topics in astrophysics with an emphasis on physical processes occurring in an expanding Universe, from a time about 1 microsecond after the Big Bang, to the formation of galaxies and supermassive black holes within the next billion years.
Learning objectiveThe course examines various topics in astrophysics with an emphasis on physical processes occurring in an expanding Universe. These include the Robertson-Walker metric, the Friedmann models, the thermal history of the Universe after 1 micro-sec including Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, and introduction to Inflation, and the growth of structure through gravitational instability. The observational determination of cosmological parameters is studied in some detail, including the imprinting of temperature fluctuations on the microwave background. Finally, the key physics of the formation of galaxies is reviewed.
Prerequisites / NoticePrior completion of Astrophysics I is recommended but not required.
402-0265-00LAstrophysics IIIW10 credits3V + 2UH. M. Schmid
AbstractAstrophysics III is a course in Galactic Astrophysics. It introduces the concepts of stellar populations, stellar dynamics, interstellar medium, and star formation for understanding the physics and phenomenology of the different components of the Milky Way galaxy.
Learning objectiveThe course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
ContentAstrophysics III: Galactic Astrophysics

- components of the Milky Way: stars, ISM, dark matter,
- dynamics of the Milky Way and of different subcomponents,
- the physics of the interstellar medium,
- star formation and feedback, and
- the Milky Way origin and evolution.
Lecture notesA lecture script will be distributed.
Prerequisites / NoticePrior completion of Astrophysics I is recommended but not required.
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