Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Physics Master Information
Electives
Electives: Physics and Mathematics
Selection: Solid State Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
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.
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.
402-0535-00LIntroduction to MagnetismW6 credits3GA. Vindigni
AbstractAtomic paramagnetism and diamagnetism, intinerant and local-moment interatomic coupling, magnetic order at finite temperature, spin precession, approach to equilibrium through thermal and quantum dynamics, dipolar interaction in solids.
Objective- Apply concepts of quantum-mechanics to estimate the strength of atomic magnetic moments and their interactions
- Identify the mechanisms from which exchange interaction originates in solids (itinerant and local-moment magnetism)
- Evaluate the consequences of the interplay between competing interactions and thermal energy
- Apply general concepts of statistical physics to determine the origin of bistability in realistic magnets
- Discriminate the dynamic responses of a magnet to different external stimuli
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" (K. Povarov and A. Zheludev) 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 HS20:
- 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).
- Spin resonance and relaxation (Larmor precession, resonance phenomena, quantum tunneling, Bloch equation, superparamagnetism)
- Magnetic order at finite temperatures (Ising and Heisenberg models, low-dimensional magnetism)
- Dipolar interaction in ferromagnets (shape anisotropy, frustration and modulated phases of magnetic domains)
Lecture notesLearning material will be made available during the course:
- through the Moodle portal
- through a dedicated RStudio Server

The lecture is meant to be in-person. The automatic lecture hall recordings provided by ID-MMS will be placed on the link
Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThe aim of the lecture is to let students understand the phenomenology of real magnets starting from the principles of quantum and statistical physics. During the course students will get acquainted with the related formalism. Applications to nanoscale magnetism will be considered from the perspective of basic underlying principles.
402-0595-00LSemiconductor NanostructuresW6 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.
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 a prerequisit. 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.
402-0317-00LSemiconductor 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.
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 Czochralski 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 notesLink
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.
402-0447-00LQuantum Science with Superconducting CircuitsW6 credits2V + 1UC. Eichler
AbstractSuperconducting Circuits provide a versatile experimental platform to explore the most intriguing quantum-physical phenomena and constitute one of the prime contenders to build quantum computers. Students will get a thorough introduction to the underlying physical concepts, the experimental setting, and the state-of-the-art of quantum computing in this emerging research field.
ObjectiveBased on today’s most advanced solid state platform for quantum control, the students will learn how to engineer quantum coherent devices and how to use them to process quantum information. The students will acquire both analytical and numerical methods to model the properties and phenomena observed in these systems. The course is positioned at the intersection between quantum physics and engineering.
ContentIntroduction to Quantum information Processing -- Superconducting Qubits -- Quantum Measurements -- Experimental Setup & Noise Mitigation -- Open Quantum Systems -- Multi-Qubit Systems: Entangling gates & Characterization -- Quantum Error Correction -- Near-term Applications of Quantum Computers
Prerequisites / NoticeAll students and researchers with a general interest in quantum information science, quantum optics, and quantum engineering are welcome to this course. Basic knowledge of quantum physics is a plus, but not a strict requirement for the successful participation in this course.
402-0505-00LPhysics in the Smartphone
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits3GM. Sigrist
AbstractPhysics in today's high-tech smartphone. Examples: network topology and scratch proof glass, spin-orbit coupling - brighter displays, GPS and general theory of relativity, electromagnetic response of matter (transparent metals for displays, GPS signal propagation), light-field cameras, CCD and CMOS light sensors, physics stops Moore's law, meta-materials for antennas, MEMS sensor physics, etc.
ObjectiveStudents recognize and appreciate the enormous impact "physics" has on today's high tech world. Abstract concepts, old and recent, encountered in the lectures are implemented and present all around us.

Students are actively involved in the preparation and presentation of the topics, and thus acquire valuable professional skills.
ContentWe explore how traditional and new physics concepts and achievements make their way into today's ubiquitous high-tech gadget : the smartphone.
Examples of topics include:
network topology and scratch proof Gorilla glass,
spin-orbit coupling makes for four times brighter displays,
no GPS without general theory of relativity,
electromagnetic response of matter (transparent metals for displays, GPS signal propagation in the atmosphere),
lightfield cameras replacing CCD and CMOS light sensors,
physical limitations to IC scaling: the end of "Moore's law",
meta-materials for antennas,
physics of the various MEMS sensors,
etc., etc.,
Lecture notesThe presentation material and original literature will be distributed weekly.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic physics lectures and introduction to solid state physics are expected.

This is a "3 hour" course, with two hours set for <tba>, and the third one to be set at the beginning of the semester.

An introductory event is planed in the first week of the term on Wednesday, September 19th - 17:45 in the room HIT K51. In this meeting we will fix the time of the usual lecture and we will distribute the topics for the presentations during the term. The tutors will briefly present each topics.
Selection: Quantum Electronics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0464-00LOptical Properties of SemiconductorsW8 credits2V + 2UG. Scalari, T. Chervy
AbstractThis course presents a comprehensive discussion of optical processes in semiconductors.
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
402-0484-00LExperimental 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.
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).
402-0444-00LAdvanced Quantum Optics
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UA. Imamoglu
AbstractThis course builds up on the material covered in the Quantum Optics course. The emphasis will be on quantum optics in condensed-matter systems.
ObjectiveThe course aims to provide the knowledge necessary for pursuing advanced research in the field of Quantum Optics in condensed matter systems. Fundamental concepts and techniques of Quantum Optics will be linked to experimental research in systems such as quantum dots, exciton-polaritons, quantum Hall fluids and graphene-like materials.
ContentDescription of open quantum systems using master equation and quantum trajectories. Decoherence and quantum measurements. Dicke superradiance. Dissipative phase transitions. Spin photonics. Signatures of electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions in optical response.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be provided
LiteratureC. Cohen-Tannoudji et al., Atom-Photon-Interactions (recommended)
Y. Yamamoto and A. Imamoglu, Mesoscopic Quantum Optics (recommended)
A collection of review articles (will be pointed out during the lecture)
Prerequisites / NoticeMasters level quantum optics knowledge
402-0465-58LIntersubband OptoelectronicsW6 credits2V + 1UG. 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".
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.
Selection: Particle Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
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.
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 PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UA. Rubbia, D. Sgalaberna
AbstractTheoretical basis and selected experiments to determine the properties of neutrinos and their interactions (mass, spin, helicity, chirality, oscillations, interactions with leptons and quarks).
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.
402-0725-00LExperimental Methods and Instruments of Particle Physics Information
Special Students UZH must book the module PHY461 directly at UZH.
W6 credits3V + 1UU. Langenegger, T. Schietinger, University lecturers
AbstractPhysics and design of particle accelerators.
Basics and concepts of particle detectors.
Track- and vertex-detectors, calorimetry, particle identification.
Special applications like Cherenkov detectors, air showers, direct detection of dark matter.
Simulation methods, readout electronics, trigger and data acquisition.
Examples of key experiments.
ObjectiveAcquire an in-depth understanding and overview of the essential elements of experimental methods in particle physics, including accelerators and experiments.
Content1. Examples of modern experiments
2. Basics: Bethe-Bloch, radiation length, nucl. interaction length, fixed-target vs. collider, principles of measurements: energy- and momentum-conservation, etc
3. Physics and layout of accelerators
4. Charged particle tracking and vertexing
5. Calorimetry
6. Particle identification
7. Analysis methods: invariant and missing mass, jet algorithms, b-tagging
8. Special detectors: extended airshower detectors and cryogenic detectors
9. MC simulations (GEANT), trigger, readout, electronics
Lecture notesSlides are handed out regularly, see Link
402-0777-00LParticle Accelerator Physics and Modeling IW6 credits2V + 1UA. Adelmann
AbstractThis is the first of two courses, introducing particle accelerators from a theoretical point of view and covers state-of-the-art modelling techniques.
ObjectiveYou understand the building blocks of particle accelerators. Modern analysis tools allows you to model state-of-the-art particle accelerators. In some of the exercises you will be confronted with next generation machines. We will develop a Python simulation tool
(pyAcceLEGOrator) that reflects the theory from the lecture.
ContentHere is the rough plan of the topics, however the actual pace may vary relative to this plan.

- Recap of Relativistic Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics
- Building Blocks of Particle Accelerators
- Lie Algebraic Structure of Classical Mechanics and Application to Particle Accelerators
- Symplectic Maps & Analysis of Maps
- Symplectic Particle Tracking
- Collective Effects
- Linear & Circular Accelerators
Lecture notesLecture notes
Prerequisites / NoticePhysics, Computational Science (RW) at BSc. Level

This lecture is also suited for PhD. students
402-0851-00LQCD: Theory and Experiment
The lectures will take place during the weeks of Jan 18 and Jan 25, 2021,
each day of the week, Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 12:00.

In addition, each Tuesday and Thursday we plan for afternoon slots, 14:00 - 16:00.
W3 credits3GG. Dissertori, S. Pozzorini
AbstractAn introduction to the theoretical aspects and experimental tests of QCD, with emphasis on perturbative QCD and related experiments at colliders.
ObjectiveKnowledge acquired on basics of perturbative QCD, both of theoretical and experimental nature. Ability to perform simple calculations of perturbative QCD, as well as to understand modern publications on theoretical and experimental aspects of perturbative QCD.
ContentQCD Lagrangian and Feynman Rules
QCD running coupling
Parton model
DGLAP
Basic processes
Experimental tests at lepton and hadron colliders
Measurements of the strong coupling constant
Literature1) G. Dissertori, I. Knowles, M. Schmelling : "Quantum Chromodynamics: High Energy Experiments and Theory" (The International Series of Monographs on Physics, 115, Oxford University Press)
2) R. K. Ellis, W. J. Stirling, B. R. Webber : "QCD and Collider Physics" (Cambridge Monographs on Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics & Cosmology)"
Prerequisites / NoticeWill be given as block course, language: English.
For students of both ETH and University of Zurich.
Selection: Theoretical Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0461-00LQuantum Information TheoryW8 credits3V + 1UJ. Renes
AbstractThe goal of this course is to introduce the concepts and methods of quantum information theory. It starts with an introduction to the mathematical theory of quantum systems and then discusses the basic information-theoretic aspects of quantum mechanics. Further topics include applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum coding theory.
ObjectiveBy the end of the course students are able to explain the basic mathematical formalism (e.g. states, channels) and the tools (e.g. entropy, distinguishability) of quantum information theory. They are able to adapt and apply these concepts and methods to analytically solve quantum information-processing problems primarily related to communication and cryptography.
ContentMathematical formulation of quantum theory: entanglement, density operators, quantum channels and their representations. Basic tools of quantum information theory: distinguishability of states and channels, formulation as semidefinite programs, entropy and its properties.
Applications of the concepts and tools: communication of classical or quantum information over noisy channels, quantitative uncertainty relations, randomness generation, entanglement distillation, security of quantum cryptography.
Lecture notesDistributed via moodle.
LiteratureNielsen and Chuang, Quantum Information and Computation
Preskill, Lecture Notes on Quantum Computation
Wilde, Quantum Information Theory
Watrous, The Theory of Quantum Information
402-0811-00LProgramming Techniques for Scientific Simulations IW5 credits4GR. Käppeli
AbstractThis lecture provides an overview of programming techniques for scientific simulations. The focus is on basic and advanced C++ programming techniques and scientific software libraries. Based on an overview over the hardware components of PCs and supercomputer, optimization methods for scientific simulation codes are explained.
ObjectiveThe goal of the course is that students learn basic and advanced programming techniques and scientific software libraries as used and applied for scientific simulations.
402-0809-00LIntroduction to Computational PhysicsW8 credits2V + 2UA. Adelmann
AbstractThis course offers an introduction to computer simulation methods for physics problems and their implementation on PCs and super computers. The covered topics include classical equations of motion, partial differential equations (wave equation, diffusion equation, Maxwell's equations), Monte Carlo simulations, percolation, phase transitions, and complex networks.
ObjectiveStudents learn to apply the following methods: Random number generators, Determination of percolation critical exponents, numerical solution of problems from classical mechanics and electrodynamics, canonical Monte-Carlo simulations to numerically analyze magnetic systems. Students also learn how to implement their own numerical frameworks and how to use existing libraries to solve physical problems. In addition, students learn to distinguish between different numerical methods to apply them to solve a given physical problem.
ContentIntroduction to computer simulation methods for physics problems. Models from classical mechanics, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics as well as some interdisciplinary applications are used to introduce the most important object-oriented programming methods for numerical simulations (typically in C++). Furthermore, an overview of existing software libraries for numerical simulations is presented.
Lecture notesLecture notes and slides are available online and will be distributed if desired.
LiteratureLiterature recommendations and references are included in the lecture notes.
Prerequisites / NoticeLecture and exercise lessons in english, exams in German or in English
402-0580-00LSuperconductivityW6 credits2V + 1UM. Sigrist
AbstractSuperconductivity: thermodynamics, London and Pippard theory; Ginzburg-Landau theory: spontaneous symmetry breaking, flux quantization, type I and II superconductors; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, quasiparticle spectrum, thermodynamics and response to magnetic fields. Josephson effect: superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) and other applications.
ObjectiveIntroduction to the most important concepts of superconductivity both on phenomenological and microscopic level, including experimental and theoretical aspects.
ContentThis lecture course provides an introduction to superconductivity, covering both experimental as well as theoretical aspects. The following topics are covered:
Basic phenomena of superconductivity: thermodynamics, electrodynamics, London and Pippard theory; Ginzburg-Landau theory: spontaneous symmetry breaking, flux quantization, properties of type I and II superconductors; mixed phase; microscopic BCS theory: electron-phonon mechanism, Cooper pairing, coherent state, quasiparticle spectrum, thermodynamics and response to magnetic fields; Josephson effects, superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID)and other applications.
Lecture notesLecture notes and additional materials are available.
LiteratureM. Tinkham: "Introduction to Superconductivity"
P. G. de Gennes: "Superconductivity Of Metals And Alloys"
W. Buckel and R. Kleiner: "Superconductivity - Fundamentals and Applications"
J.B. Ketterson and S.N. Song: "Superconductivity"
J.R. Schrieffer: "Theory of Superconductivity"
Prerequisites / NoticeThe preceding attendance of the scheduled lecture courses "Introduction to Solid State Physics" and "Quantum Mechanics I" are mandatory. The lectures "Quantum Mechanics II" and "Solid State Theory" provide the most optimal conditions to follow this course.
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.
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).
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