FSI3210 Many Particle Physics 7.5 credits

Part 1.

The first part of the course is devoted to explain basic formalism of the many body theory. It starts from the second quantization representation of quantum mechanical operators acting in the Hilbert space of a system consisting of many identical particles. Based on this technique the Green’s functions are introduced and then their analytical properties are discussed. The perturbation theory and Feynman rules are discussed both for the ground state and equilibrium systems at finite temperatures, fermions and bosons. The linear response theory is introduced.

Part 2

During the second part of the course the general formalism will be applied to several examples of collective phenomena in condensed matter systems. The microscopic physics of superconductivity will be discussed in detail. Superfluidity in a weakly interacting Bose gas will be considered. The basic models of magnetism and spin-dependent collective phenomena like Kondo effect and RKKY interaction between magnetic impurities will be introduced.

After completed course, the PhD student should be able to:

• use second quantization formulation of quantum field theory.
• use Green's function technique.
• use Feynman diagrams.
• master the theories for the electron gas, superconductivity (BCS theory), and for superfluids.
• master the theoretical background for magnetism.

Good knowledge about all compulsory physics courses and statistical mechanics.

Fetter och J. Walecka, Quantum theory of many particle systems, McGraw-Hill 1971.

A. A. Abrikosov, L. P. Gorkov och I. Y. Dzyaloshinskii, Quantum field theoretical methods in statistical physics, Pergamon, 1965.

A. Zagoskin, Quantum theory of many-body systems: techniques and applications, Springer-Verlag, 1998

R. White, Quantum Theory of Magnetism, Springer-Verlag, 2007   

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• TEN1 - Oral exam, 7.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Hand in problems, oral exam.

Egor Babaev

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.