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SI2600 Condensed Matter Theory 7.5 credits

Kondenserade materiens teori

This course in condensed matter theory treats central principles and computation methods, and covers some of the most recent research problems in the area. The approach is towards reaching important results by direct and intuitive methods, and avoiding unnecessary mathematical complexity. The course focuses on the quantum mechanical treatment of the solid state and covers many problems of current interest such as superconductivity, mesoscopic physics, and the quantum Hall effect. The course discusses methods for computation and making interesting predictions for some of the many complex phenomena that occur in solids and quantum liquids. The course is aimed primarily at advanced undergraduate students and PhD students in physics and related areas. The course is also aiming at scientists working with applications on electrical properties of materials.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

    Physics

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Autumn 12 TNTEM for programme students

Autumn 13 TNTEM for programme students

Learning outcomes

After the course you should be able to:

  • Formulate the many particle problem in second quantized version.
  • Use theoretical methods for the many body problem to solve problems covered in the course.
  • Give an account of the problems in the area that are treated in the course.

Course main content

Second quantization, the electron gas, boson and fermion systems, electron-phonon interactions, superconductivity, transport theory, mesoscopic physics, quantum Hall effect, Kondo effect and heavy fermions.

Eligibility

Recommended prerequisites: Introductory courses in solid state physics (Kittel level), quantum mechanics and statistical physics are required. Quantum mechanics advanced course SI2380 (5A1385) and Statistical physics SI2510 (5A1390) are recommended.

Literature

P. L. Taylor and O. Heinonen, A quantum approach to condensed matter physics, Cambridge University Press 2002.

Examination

  • INL1 - Assigment, 4.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Homework problems (INL1; 4,5 university credits) and oral examination (TEN1; 3 university credits).

Offered by

SCI/Theoretical Undergaduate Physics

Examiner

Mats Wallin, wallin@kth.se, tel. 5537 8475

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 07.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 07.