Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020
Physics Master  | ||||||
 Electives | ||||||
| Electives: Physics and Mathematics | ||||||
| Selection: Theoretical Physics | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 402-0461-00L | Quantum Information Theory | W | 8 credits | 3V + 1U | J. Renes | |
| Abstract | The 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. | |||||
| Objective | By 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. | |||||
| Content | Mathematical 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 notes | Distributed via moodle. | |||||
| Literature | Nielsen and Chuang, Quantum Information and Computation Preskill, Lecture Notes on Quantum Computation Wilde, Quantum Information Theory Watrous, The Theory of Quantum Information | |||||
| 402-0811-00L | Programming Techniques for Scientific Simulations I | W | 5 credits | 4G | R. Käppeli | |
| Abstract | This 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. | |||||
| Objective | The goal of the course is that students learn basic and advanced programming techniques and scientific software libraries as used and applied for scientific simulations. | |||||
| 402-0809-00L | Introduction to Computational Physics | W | 8 credits | 2V + 2U | A. Adelmann | |
| Abstract | This 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. | |||||
| Objective | Students 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. | |||||
| Content | Introduction 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 notes | Lecture notes and slides are available online and will be distributed if desired. | |||||
| Literature | Literature recommendations and references are included in the lecture notes. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Lecture and exercise lessons in english, exams in German or in English | |||||
| 402-0580-00L | Superconductivity | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | M. Sigrist | |
| Abstract | Superconductivity: 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. | |||||
| Objective | Introduction to the most important concepts of superconductivity both on phenomenological and microscopic level, including experimental and theoretical aspects. | |||||
| Content | This 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 notes | Lecture notes and additional materials are available. | |||||
| Literature | M. 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 / Notice | The 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. | |||||
| 402-0484-00L | Experimental and Theoretical Aspects of Quantum Gases Does not take place this semester. | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | T. Esslinger | |
| Abstract | Quantum 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. | |||||
| Objective | The 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. | |||||
| Content | Cooling 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 notes | notes and material accompanying the lecture will be provided | |||||
| Literature | C. 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). | |||||
| 402-0898-00L | The Physics of Electroweak Symmetry Breaking Does not take place this semester. | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | to be announced | |
| Abstract | The 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. | |||||
| Objective | After 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 / Notice | The 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. --------------------------------------------------- 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 | |||||
| 402-0833-00L | Particle Physics in the Early Universe Does not take place this semester. | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | ||
| Abstract | An introduction to key concepts on the interface of Particle Physics and Early Universe cosmology. Topics include inflation and inflationary models, the ElectroWeak phase transition and vacuum stability, matter-antimatter asymmetry, recombination and the Cosmic Microwave Background, relic abundances and primordial nucleosynthesis, baryogenesis, dark matter and more. | |||||
| Objective | The objectives of this course is to understand the evolution of the Universe at its early stages, as described by the Standard Model of cosmology, and delve into the insights and constraints imposed by cosmological observations on possible new particles beyond those discovered at the LHC. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisites: Particle Physics Phenomenolgy 1 or Quantum Field Theory 1 Recommended: Quantum Field Theory 2, Advanced Field Theory, General Relativity | |||||
| 402-0897-00L | Introduction to String Theory | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | M. Gaberdiel | |
| Abstract | This course is an introduction to string theory. It will mainly concentrate on the bosonic string and its quantisation in flat space. | |||||
| Objective | The objective 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 course is to give a pedagogical introduction to the bosonic string in flat space. | |||||
| Content | I. Introduction II. The classical relativistic string III. Light-cone quantisation IV. Covariant quantisation V. Closed strings and T-duality VI. String interactions | |||||
| Literature | Lecture 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) A First Course in String Theory - B. Zwiebach (CUP, 2009) | |||||
| 402-0469-67L | Parametric Phenomena | W | 6 credits | 3G | O. Zilberberg, A. Eichler | |
| Abstract | There are numerous physical phenomena that rely on time-dependent Hamiltonians (or parametric driving) to amplify, cool, squeeze or couple resonating systems. In this course, we shall introduce parametric phenomena in different fields of physics, ranging from classical engineering ideas to devices proposed for quantum neural networks. | |||||
| Objective | In this course, the students will grasp the ubiquitous nature of parametric phenomena and apply it to both classical and quantum systems. The students will understand both the theoretical foundations leading to the parametric drive as well as the experimental aspect related to the realizations of the effect. Each student will analyze an independent system using the tools acquired in the course and will present his/her insights to the class. | |||||
| Content | This course will provide a general framework for understanding and linking various phenomena, ranging from the child-on-a-swing problem to quantum limited amplifiers, to optical frequency combs, and to optomechanical sensors used in the LIGO experiment. The course will combine theoretical lectures and the study of important experiments through literature. The students will receive an extended lecture summary as well as numerous MATHEMATICA and Python scripts, including QuTiP notebooks. These tools will enable them to apply analytical and numerical methods to a wide range of systems beyond the duration of the course. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The students should be familiar with wave mechanics as well as second quantization. Following the course requires a laptop with Python and MATHEMATICA installed. | |||||
| 402-0869-00L | Qualitative Methods in Physics | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | V. Geshkenbein | |
| Abstract | We will discuss, how qualitative thinking allows to progress in different areas of physics, from classical to quantum mechanics, from phase transitions, to developed turbulence and Anderson localisation. | |||||
| Objective | The solution of most problems in theoretical physics begins with the application of the QUALITATIVE METHODS which constitute the most attractive and beautiful characteristic of this discipline. However, as experience shows, it is just these aspects which are most difficult for beginner. Unfortunately, the methods of theoretical physics are usually presented in a formal, mathematical way, rather than in the constructive form in which they are used in scientific work. The purpose of this lecture course is to make up this deficiency. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes and additional materials are available. | |||||
| 402-0845-80L | Scattering Amplitudes in Quantum Field Theories Special Students UZH must book the module PHY577 directly at UZH. | W | 6 credits | 2V + 1U | V. Del Duca | |
| Abstract | This course provides a pedagogical introduction to an advanced topic in Quantum Field Theories, which has undergone a tremendous progress in the new millennium: scattering amplitudes and on-shell methods. | |||||
| Objective | Students that complete the course will be able to understand the basics of the modern methods to compute scattering amplitudes, to perform simple calculations and to read modern publications on this research field. | |||||
| Content | This course covers the basic concepts of: -- spinor helicity formalism -- colour decompositions -- BCFW on-shell recursion relations -- BCJ colour-kinematics duality -- Feynman integrals: IBPs and differential equations -- analytic and algebraic structure of loop-level amplitudes: * Hopf algebras, symbols and coproducts * multiple polylogarithms (a.k.a. as iterated integrals on the Riemann sphere) * Steinmann relations * coaction principle * elliptic and modular-form integrals (a.k.a. as iterated integrals on the torus) | |||||
| Lecture notes | Will be provided at the Moodle site for the course. | |||||
| Literature | Will be provided at the Moodle site for the course. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | A basic knowledge of Feynman rules in scalar field theories and in Yang-Mills theory is assumed. QFT-I and Introduction to Quantum ChromoDynamics are highly recommended. | |||||
Page
1
of
1
