Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
Quantum Engineering Master
Electives This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.
402-0447-00L	Quantum Science with Superconducting Circuits	W	6 credits	2V + 1U	C. Eichler
Abstract	Superconducting 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.
Objective	Based 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.
Content	Introduction 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 / Notice	All 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.
402-0464-00L	Optical Properties of Semiconductors	W	8 credits	2V + 2U	G. Scalari, T. Chervy
Abstract	This course presents a comprehensive discussion of optical processes in semiconductors.
Objective	The 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.
Content	Electronic states in III-V materials and quantum structures, optical transitions, excitons and polaritons, novel two dimensional semiconductors, spin-orbit interaction and magneto-optics.
Prerequisites / Notice	Prerequisites: Quantum Mechanics I, Introduction to Solid State Physics
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).
402-0535-00L	Introduction to Magnetism	W	6 credits	3G	A. Vindigni
Abstract	Atomic 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
Content	The 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 notes	Learning 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 https://www.video.ethz.ch/lectures/d-phys/2020/autumn/402-0535-00L.html
Prerequisites / Notice	The 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.
402-0595-00L	Semiconductor Nanostructures	W	6 credits	2V + 1U	T. M. Ihn
Abstract	The 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.
Objective	At 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
Content	1. 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 notes	T. Ihn, Semiconductor Nanostructures, Quantum States and Electronic Transport, Oxford University Press, 2010.
Literature	In 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 / Notice	The 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.
402-0469-67L	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.

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