Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

Doctoral Department of Physics Information
Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Courses
Please note that this is an INCOMPLETE list of courses.
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0317-00LSemiconductor Materials: Fundamentals and FabricationW6 credits2V + 1US. Schön, W. Wegscheider
AbstractThis course gives an introduction into the fundamentals of semiconductor materials. The main focus is on state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization methods. The course will be continued in the spring term with a focus on applications.
Learning objectiveBasic knowledge of semiconductor physics and technology. Application of this knowledge for state-of-the-art semiconductor device processing
Content1. Fundamentals of Solid State Physics
1.1 Semiconductor materials
1.2 Band structures
1.3 Carrier statistics in intrinsic and doped semiconductors
1.4 p-n junctions
1.5 Low-dimensional structures
2. Bulk Material growth of Semiconductors
2.1 Czochalski method
2.2 Floating zone method
2.3 High pressure synthesis
3. Semiconductor Epitaxy
3.1 Fundamentals of Epitaxy
3.2 Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE)
3.3 Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD)
3.4 Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE)
4. In situ characterization
4.1 Pressure and temperature
4.2 Reflectometry
4.3 Ellipsometry and RAS
4.4 LEED, AES, XPS
4.5 STM, AFM
5. The invention of the transistor - Christmas lecture
Lecture noteshttps://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=4865
Prerequisites / NoticeThe "compulsory performance element" of this lecture is a short presentation of a research paper complementing the lecture topics. Several topics and corresponding papers will be offered on the moodle page of this lecture.
402-0526-00LUltrafast Processes in SolidsW6 credits2V + 1UY. M. Acremann, A. Vaterlaus
AbstractUltrafast processes in solids are of fundamental interest as well as relevant for modern technological applications. The dynamics of the lattice, the electron gas as well as the spin system of a solid are discussed. The focus is on time resolved experiments which provide insight into pico- and femtosecond dynamics.
Learning objectiveAfter attending this course you understand the dynamics of essential excitation processes which occur in solids and you have an overview over state of the art experimental techniques used to study fast processes.
Content1. Experimental techniques, an overview

2. Dynamics of the electron gas
2.1 First experiments on electron dynamics and lattice heating
2.2 The finite lifetime of excited states
2.3 Detection of lifetime effects
2.4 Dynamical properties of reactions and adsorbents

3. Dynamics of the lattice
3.1 Phonons
3.2 Non-thermal melting

4. Dynamics of the spin system
4.1 Laser induced ultrafast demagnetization
4.2 Ultrafast spin currents generated by lasers
4.3 Landau-Lifschitz-Dynamics
4.4 Laser induced switching

5. Correlated materials
Lecture noteswill be distributed
Literaturerelevant publications will be cited
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture can also be followed by interested non-physics students as basic concepts will be introduced.
402-0464-00LOptical Properties of SemiconductorsW8 credits2V + 2UA. Imamoglu, G. Scalari
AbstractThis course presents a comprehensive discussion of optical processes in semiconductors.
Learning objectiveThe rich physics of the optical properties of semiconductors, as well as the advanced processing available on these material, enabled numerous applications (lasers, LEDs and solar cells) as well as the realization of new physical concepts. Systems that will be covered include quantum dots, exciton-polaritons, quantum Hall fluids and graphene-like materials.
ContentElectronic states in III-V materials and quantum structures, optical transitions, excitons and polaritons, novel two dimensional semiconductors, spin-orbit interaction and magneto-optics.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Quantum Mechanics I, Introduction to Solid State Physics
402-0465-58LIntersubband OptoelectronicsW6 credits2V + 1UJ. Faist, G. Scalari
AbstractIntersubband transitions in quantum wells are transitions between states created by quantum confinement in ultra-thin layers of semiconductors. Because of its inherent taylorability, this system can be seen as the "ultimate quantum designer's material".
Learning objectiveThe goal of this lecture is to explore both the rich physics as well as the application of these system for sources and detectors. In fact, devices based on intersubband transitions are now unlocking large area of the electromagnetic spectrum.
ContentThe lecture will treat the following chapters:
- Introduction: intersubband optoelectronics as an example of quantum engineering
-Technological aspects
- Electronic states in semiconductor quantum wells
- Intersubband absorption and scattering processes
- Mid-Ir and THz ISB Detectors
-Mid-infrared and THz photonics: waveguides, resonators, metamaterials
- Quantum Cascade lasers:
-Mid-IR QCLs
-THZ QCLs (direct and non-linear generation)
-further electronic confinement: interlevel Qdot transitions and magnetic field effects
-Strong light-matter coupling in Mid-IR and THz range
Lecture notesThe reference book for the lecture is "Quantum Cascade Lasers" by Jerome Faist , published by Oxford University Press.
LiteratureMostly the original articles, other useful reading can be found in:

-E. Rosencher and B. Vinter, Optoelectronics , Cambridge Univ. Press
-G. Bastard, Wave mechanics applied to semiconductor heterostructures, Halsted press
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements: A basic knowledge of solid-state physics and of quantum electronics.
402-0484-00LExperimental and Theoretical Aspects of Quantum Gases Information
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UT. Esslinger
AbstractQuantum Gases are the most precisely controlled many-body systems in physics. This provides a unique interface between theory and experiment, which allows addressing fundamental concepts and long-standing questions. This course lays the foundation for the understanding of current research in this vibrant field.
Learning objectiveThe lecture conveys a basic understanding for the current research on quantum gases. Emphasis will be put on the connection between theory and experimental observation. It will enable students to read and understand publications in this field.
ContentCooling and trapping of neutral atoms

Bose and Fermi gases

Ultracold collisions

The Bose-condensed state

Elementary excitations

Vortices

Superfluidity

Interference and Correlations

Optical lattices
Lecture notesnotes and material accompanying the lecture will be provided
LiteratureC. J. Pethick and H. Smith, Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute Gases,
Cambridge.
Proceedings of the Enrico Fermi International School of Physics, Vol. CXL,
ed. M. Inguscio, S. Stringari, and C.E. Wieman (IOS Press, Amsterdam,
1999).
402-0535-00LIntroduction to MagnetismW6 credits3GA. Vindigni
AbstractAtomic paramagnetism and diamagnetism, intinerant and local-moment magnetism, Ising and Heisenberg models, the mean-field approximation, spin waves, magnetic phase transition, domains and domain walls, magnetization dynamics from picoseconds to human time scales.
Learning objective
ContentThe lecture ''Introduction to Magnetism'' is the regular course on Magnetism for the Master curriculum of the Department of Physics of ETH Zurich. With respect to specialized courses related to Magnetism such as "Quantum Solid State Magnetism" (A. Zheludev and K. Povarov) or "Ferromagnetism: From Thin Films to Spintronics" (R. Allenspach), this lecture focusses on why only few materials are magnetic at finite temperature. We will see that defining what we understand by "being magnetic" in a formal way is essential to address this question properly.
Preliminary contents for the HS18:
- Magnetism in atoms (quantum-mechanical origin of atomic magnetic moments, intra-atomic exchange interaction)
- Magnetism in solids (mechanisms producing inter-atomic exchange interaction in solids, crystal field).
- Magnetic order at finite temperatures (Ising and Heisenberg models, mean-field approximation, low-dimensional magnetism)
- Dipolar interaction in ferromagnets (shape anisotropy, frustration and modulated phases of magnetic domains)
- Spin physics in the time domain (Larmor precession, resonance phenomena, Bloch equation, Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, superparamagnetism)
Lecture notesLecture notes and slides are made available during the course, through the Moodle portal.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe former title of this course unit was "Fundamental Aspects of Magnetism". This lecture insists on the fundamental aspects -- quantum physics and statistical physics of magnetism.
Applications to nanoscale magnetism will be considered from the perspective of basic underlying principles.
402-0595-00LSemiconductor Nanostructures Information W6 credits2V + 1UT. M. Ihn
AbstractThe course covers the foundations of semiconductor nanostructures, e.g., materials, band structures, bandgap engineering and doping, field-effect transistors. The physics of the quantum Hall effect and of common nanostructures based on two-dimensional electron gases will be discussed, i.e., quantum point contacts, Aharonov-Bohm rings and quantum dots.
Learning objectiveAt the end of the lecture the student should understand four key phenomena of electron transport in semiconductor nanostructures:
1. The integer quantum Hall effect
2. Conductance quantization in quantum point contacts
3. the Aharonov-Bohm effect
4. Coulomb blockade in quantum dots
Content1. Introduction and overview
2. Semiconductor crystals: Fabrication and band structures
3. k.p-theory, effective mass
4. Envelope functions and effective mass approximation, heterostructures and band engineering
5. Fabrication of semiconductor nanostructures
6. Elektrostatics and quantum mechanics of semiconductor nanostructures
7. Heterostructures and two-dimensional electron gases
8. Drude Transport
9. Electron transport in quantum point contacts; Landauer-Büttiker description
10. Ballistic transport experiments
11. Interference effects in Aharonov-Bohm rings
12. Electron in a magnetic field, Shubnikov-de Haas effect
13. Integer quantum Hall effect
14. Coulomb blockade and quantum dots
Lecture notesT. Ihn, Semiconductor Nanostructures, Quantum States and Electronic Transport, Oxford University Press, 2010.
LiteratureIn addition to the lecture notes, the following supplementary books can be recommended:
1. J. H. Davies: The Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductors, Cambridge University Press (1998)
2. S. Datta: Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems, Cambridge University Press (1997)
3. D. Ferry: Transport in Nanostructures, Cambridge University Press (1997)
4. T. M. Heinzel: Mesoscopic Electronics in Solid State Nanostructures: an Introduction, Wiley-VCH (2003)
5. Beenakker, van Houten: Quantum Transport in Semiconductor Nanostructures, in: Semiconductor Heterostructures and Nanostructures, Academic Press (1991)
6. Y. Imry: Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics, Oxford University Press (1997)
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture is suitable for all physics students beyond the bachelor of science degree. Basic knowledge of solid state physics is recommended. Very ambitioned students in the third year may be able to follow. The lecture can be chosen as part of the PhD-program. The course is taught in English.
402-0715-00LLow Energy Particle PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UA. S. Antognini, P. A. Schmidt-Wellenburg
AbstractLow energy particle physics provides complementary information to high energy physics with colliders. In this lecture, we will concentrate on flagship experiments which have significantly improved our understanding of particle physics today, concentrating mainly on precision experiments with neutrons, muons and exotic atoms.
Learning objectiveYou will be able to present and discuss:
- the principle of the experiments
- the underlying technique and methods
- the context and the impact of these experiments on particle physics
ContentLow energy particle physics provides complementary information to high energy physics with colliders. At the Large Hadron Collider one directly searches for new particles at energies up to the TeV range. In a complementary way, low energy particle physics indirectly probes the existence of such particles and provides constraints for "new physics", making use of high precision and high intensities.

Besides the sensitivity to effects related with new physics (e.g. lepton flavor violation, symmetry violations, CPT tests, search for electric dipole moments, new low mass exchange bosons etc.), low energy physics provides the best test of QED (electron g-2), the best tests of bound-state QED (atomic physics and exotic atoms), precise determinations of fundamental constants, information about the CKM matrix, precise information on the weak and strong force even in the non-perturbative regime etc.

Starting from a general introduction on high intensity/high precision particle physics and the main characteristics of muons and neutrons and their production, we will then focus on the discussion of fundamental problems and ground-breaking experiments:

- search for rare decays and charged lepton flavor violation
- electric dipole moments and CP violation
- spectroscopy of exotic atoms and symmetries of the standard model
- what atomic physics can do for particle physics and vice versa
- neutron decay and primordial nucleosynthesis
- atomic clock
- Penning traps
- Ramsey spectroscopy
- Spin manipulation
- neutron-matter interaction
- ultra-cold neutron production
- various techniques: detectors, cryogenics, particle beams, laser cooling....
LiteratureGolub, Richardson & Lamoreaux: "Ultra-Cold Neutrons"
Rauch & Werner: "Neutron Interferometry"
Carlile & Willis: "Experimental Neutron Scattering"
Byrne: "Neutrons, Nuclei and Matter"
Klapdor-Kleingrothaus: "Non Accelerator Particle Physics"
Prerequisites / NoticeEinführung in die Kern- und Teilchenphysik / Introduction to Nuclear- and Particle-Physics
402-0767-00LNeutrino Physics Information W6 credits2V + 1UA. Rubbia, C. Regenfus
AbstractTheoretical basis and selected experiments to determine the properties of neutrinos and their interactions (mass, spin, helicity, chirality, oscillations, interactions with leptons and quarks).
Learning objectiveIntroduction to the physics of neutrinos with special consideration of phenomena connected with neutrino masses.
Lecture notesScript
LiteratureB. Kayser, F. Gibrat-Debu and F. Perrier, The Physics of Massive Neutrinos, World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physic, Vol. 25, 1989, and newer publications.

N. Schmitz, Neutrinophysik, Teubner-Studienbücher Physik, 1997.

D.O. Caldwell, Current Aspects of Neutrino Physics, Springer.

C. Giunti & C.W. Kim, Fundamentals of Neutrino Physics and Astrophysics, Oxford.
402-0898-00LThe Physics of Electroweak Symmetry Breaking Information
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1U
AbstractThe aim is to understand the need of physics beyond the Standard Model, the basic techniques of model building in theories BSM and the elements of collider physics required to analyze their phenomenological implications. After an introduction to the SM and alternative theories of electroweak symmetry breaking, we will investigate these issues in the context of models with warped extra dimensions.
Learning objectiveAfter the course the student should have a good knowledge of some of the most relevant theories beyond the Standard Model and have the techniques to understand those theories that have not been surveyed in the course. He or she should be able to compute the constraints on any model of new physics, its successes explaining current experimental data and its main phenomenological implications at colliders.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe former title of this course unit was "The Physics Beyond the Standard Model". If you already got credits for "The Physics Beyond the Standard Model" (402-0898-00L), you cannot get credits for "The Physics of Electroweak Symmetry Breaking" (402-0898-00L).

The knowledge of basic concepts in quantum field theory is assumed.

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Weekly schedule
Tuesdays:
> 13 - 15: Class
> By 18: Hand in exercises (TA: Nicolas Deutschmann)

Thursdays:
> By 13: New exercise series (to be introduced the following day) posted

Fridays
> 12 - 13: Exercise class
402-0899-65LHiggs PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UM. Donegà, M. Grazzini
AbstractThe course introduces the theory and phenomenology of the recently discovered Higgs boson. With this course the students will receive a detailed introduction to the physics of the Higgs boson in the Standard Model. They will acquire the necessary theoretical background and learn about the main experimental methods used for the discovery of the Higgs boson.
Learning objectiveWith this course the students will receive a detailed introduction to the physics of the Higgs boson in the Standard Model. They will acquire the necessary theoretical background to understand the main production and decay channels of the Higgs boson at high-energy colliders, and the corresponding experimental signatures.
ContentTheory part:
- the Standard Model and the mass problem: WW scattering and the no-lose theorem
- the Higgs mechanism and its implementation in the Standard Model
- radiative corrections and the screening theorem
- theoretical constraints on the Higgs mass; the hierarchy problem
- Higgs production in e+e- collisions
- Higgs production at hadron colliders
- Higgs decays to fermions and vector bosons
- Higgs differential distributions, rapidity distribution, pt spectrum and jet vetoes
- Higgs properties and beyond the Standard Model perspective
- Outlook: The Higgs sector in weakly coupled and strongly coupled new physics scenarios.

Experimental part:
Introductory material:
- basics of accelerators and detectors
- reminders of statistics: likelihoods, hypothesis testing
- reminders of multivariate techniques: Boosted Decision Trees and Neural Networks
Main topics:
- pre-history (pre-LEP)
- LEP1: measurements at the Z-pole
- Electroweak constraints
- LEP2: towards the limit mH<114 GeV
- TeVatron searches
- LHC:
-- main channels overview
-- dissect one analysis
-- combine information from all channels
-- differential measurements
-- off-shell measurements
Literature- Higgs Hunter's Guide
(by S.Dawson, J. Gunion, H. Haber and G. Kane)
- A. Djouadi, The Anatomy of electro-weak symmetry breaking. I: The Higgs boson in the standard model, Phys.Rept. 457 (2008) 1.
- PDG review of "Passage of particles through matter" http://pdg.lbl.gov/2014/reviews/rpp2014-rev-passage-particles-matter.pdf
- PDG review of "Accelerators" http://pdg.lbl.gov/2014/reviews/rpp2014-rev-accel-phys-colliders.pdf
- "The searches for Higgs Bosons at LEP" M. Kado and C. Tully, Annu. Rev. Nucl. Part. Sci. 2002. 52:65-113
- "Combination of Tevatron searches for the standard model Higgs boson in the W+W- decay mode" HWW TeVatron combination - http://arxiv.org/abs/1001.4162
- "Evidence for a particle produced in association with weak bosons and decaying to a bottom-antibottom quark pair in Higgs boson searches at the TeVatron" http://arxiv.org/abs/1207.6436
- "Higgs Boson Studies at the Tevatron" http://arxiv.org/abs/1303.6346
- “Asymptotic formulae for likelihood-based tests of new physics” Cowan, Cranmer, Gross, Vitells http://arxiv.org/abs/1007.1727
- "Precise determination of the mass of the Higgs boson and tests of compatibility of its couplings with the standard model predictions using proton collisions at 7 and 8 TeV" https://arxiv.org/abs/1412.8662
- "Measurement of the Higgs boson mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ∗→4ℓ channels with the ATLAS detector using 25 fb−1 of pp collision data" http://arxiv.org/abs/1406.3827
- "Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass in pp Collisions at √s=7 and 8 TeV with the ATLAS and CMS Experiments" http://arxiv.org/abs/1503.07589
- "Measurements of the Higgs boson production and decay rates and constraints on its couplings from a combined ATLAS and CMS analysis of the LHC pp collision data at √s=7 and 8 TeV" https://arxiv.org/abs/1606.02266
- "Projections of Higgs Boson measurements with 30/fb at 8 TeV and 300/fb at 14 TeV" https://twiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/CMSPublic/HigProjectionEsg2012TWiki
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Quantum Field Theory I, Phenomenology of Particle Physics I
402-0897-00LIntroduction to String TheoryW6 credits2V + 1UB. Hoare
AbstractThis course gives an introduction to string theory. The first half of the course will cover the bosonic string and its quantization in flat space, concluding with the introduction of D-branes and T-duality. The second half will cover various advanced topics selected from those listed below.
Learning objectiveThe aim of this course is to motivate the subject of string theory, exploring the important role it has played in the development of modern theoretical and mathematical physics. The goal of the first half of the course is to give a pedagogical introduction to the bosonic string in flat space. Building on this foundation, the goal of the second half of the course is to give a flavour of various more advanced topics.
ContentI. Introduction
II. The relativistic point particle
III. The classical closed string
IV. Quantizing the closed string
V. The open string and D-branes
VI. T-duality in flat space

Possible advanced topics include:
VII. Conformal field theory
VIII. The Polyakov path integral
IX. String interactions
X. Low energy effective actions
XI. Superstring theory
LiteratureLecture notes:

String Theory - D. Tong
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/string.html

Lectures on String Theory - G. Arutyunov
http://stringworld.ru/files/Arutyunov_G._Lectures_on_string_theory.pdf

Books:

Superstring Theory - M. Green, J. Schwarz and E. Witten (two volumes, CUP, 1988)
Volume 1: Introduction
Volume 2: Loop Amplitudes, Anomalies and Phenomenology

String Theory - J. Polchinski (two volumes, CUP, 1998)
Volume 1: An Introduction to the Bosonic String
Volume 2: Superstring Theory and Beyond
Errata: http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/~joep/errata.html

Basic Concepts of String Theory - R. Blumenhagen, D. Lüst and S. Theisen (Springer-Verlag, 2013)
402-0375-63LStatistical Methods in Cosmology and AstrophysicsW6 credits2V + 1UA. Amara
AbstractStatistical methods play a vital role in modern cosmology and astrophysics studies. This course will give an overview of the statistical principles and tools that are used in these fields. Topics covered will include basic probability theory, Bayesian inference, hypothesis testing, sampling and estimators.
Learning objectiveDevelop an understanding of basic probability and statistical theory. Gain practical knowledge of statistical methods commonly used in cosmology and astrophysics.
Prerequisites / NoticeCredit or current enrollment in Astrophysics I is recommended but not required
151-0906-00LFrontiers in Energy Research
Does not take place this semester.
This course is only for doctoral students.
W2 credits2SD. Poulikakos, R. Boes, V. Hoffmann, G. Hug, M. Mazzotti, A. Patt, A. Schlüter
AbstractDoctoral students at ETH Zurich working in the broad area of energy present their research to their colleagues, their advisors and the scientific community. Each week a different student gives a 50-60 min presentation of their research (a full introduction, background & findings) followed by discussion with the audience.
Learning objectiveKnowledge of advanced research in the area of energy.
ContentPhD students at ETH Zurich working in the broad area of energy present their research to their colleagues, to their advisors and to the scientific community. Every week there are two presentations, each structured as follows: 15 min introduction to the research topic, 15 min presentation of the results, 15 min discussion with the audience.
Lecture notesSlides will be distributed.
376-1791-00LIntroductory Course in Neuroscience I (University of Zurich) Information
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
UZH Module Code: SPV0Y005

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application/mobilitaet.html
W2 credits2VW. Knecht, University lecturers
AbstractThe course gives an introduction to human and comparative neuroanatomy, molecular, cellular and systems neuroscience.
Learning objectiveThe course gives an introduction to the development and anatomical structure of nervous systems. Furthermore, it discusses the basics of cellular neurophysiology and neuropharmacology. Finally, the nervous system is described on a system level.
Content1) Human Neuroanatomy I&II
2) Comparative Neuroanatomy
3) Building a central nervous system I,II
4) Synapses I,II
5) Glia and more
6) Excitability
7) Circuits underlying Emotion
8) Visual System
9) Auditory & Vestibular System
10) Somatosensory and Motor Systems
11) Learning in artificial and biological neural networks
Prerequisites / NoticeFor doctoral students of the Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ).
376-1795-00LAdvanced Course in Neurobiology I (Functional Anatomy of the Rodent Brain) (University of Zurich)
No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
UZH Module Code: SPV0Y009

Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:
https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application/mobilitaet.html
W2 credits2VJ.‑M. Fritschy, H. U. Zeilhofer
AbstractThe goal of this Advanced Course in Neurobiology is to provide students with a broader knowledge in several important areas of neurobiology. The course consists of four parts: Part I deals with various topics in developmental neurobiology. Part II is devoted to aspects of signal transduction. Part III focuses on synaptic transmission. Part IV gives deeper insights into systems neuroscience.
Learning objectiveThis credit point course is designed for doctoral students who have successfully completed the Introductory Course in Neuroscience at the Neuroscience Center Zürich. The goal is to provide students with a broader and deeper knowledge in several important areas of neurobiology.
Prerequisites / NoticeFür Doktorierende des Zentrums für Neurowissenschaften Zürich. Nicht für Master-Studierende geeignet.
402-0620-00LCurrent Topics in Accelerator Mass Spectrometry and Its ApplicatonsE-0 credits1SM. Christl, S. Willett
AbstractThe seminar is aimed at all students who, during their studies, are confronted with age determination methods based on long-living radionuclides found in nature. Basic methodology, the latest developments, and special examples from a wide range of applications will be discussed.
Learning objective
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