NFYB10021U Condensed Matter Physics 2 (CMP2)

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Physics
Content

The course provides an introduction to interesting phenomena in condensed matter physics including electronic structure theory, quantum oscillations, non-equilibrium transport, electronic interactions, magnetism, and superconductivity. 
This course is an introduction to selected topics in condensed matter physics, building on the foundations of condensed matter physics 1 (CMP1).
The course serves as an excellent continuation of CMP1 and/or CMT1 and can be taken equally well on 3rd or 4th year.  

Learning Outcome

Skills
The student should be able to:

  • describe how and why the free-electron band model works/fails.
  • describe how and why electrons interact in solid materials.
  • understand the basics of mean-field theory and apply it to concrete models. 
  • use the rules of semiclassical electron dynamics and the Boltzmann equation to calculate the basic transport properties of solids. 
  • calculate the Fermi surface of materials, and describe its properties based on the Fermi surface characteristics. 
  • describe the different types of magnetically ordered structures.
  • derive the magnetic excitations of ordered moments.
  • describe the principles of photoemission spectroscopy, Fermi surface magnetometry, resonant x-ray scattering.

Knowledge
Starting from the band-theory of electrons in solids we will discuss the importance of the Fermi surface in determining the properties of nearly-free electron materials. We will introduce the concepts from Fermi-liquid theory, and provide the foundations of semiclassical transport including the Boltzmann equation, but also study quantum oscillations and quantum Hall effects. Then the student will be introduced to electronic interactions and we will study how they may alter the above properties and lead to new interesting effects such as magnetism and superconductivity. In this regard, we will discuss phase transitions and the concepts of universality and critical exponents.

During the course the students will also be exposed to timely research aspects of condensed matter including graphene and, topological insulators, non-Fermi-liquids, fractional quantum Hall effect, spin-liquids, and high-temperature superconductors.

Competencies
This course will provide the students with a competent background for further studies within the research field of condensed matter physics, including both theoretical and experimental M.Sc. projects at the local condensed matter groups. The general calculation skills acquired during the course will help the students in following more advanced courses and more readily attack future research projects.

Literature

To be announced

The following courses or equivalent Quantum mechanics 1&2, Statistical physics, Condensed Matter Physics 1.

It is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended that students have taken CMP1 prior to enrolling in this class.
Lectures and exercises
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 2,5
  • Lectures
  • 32
  • Preparation
  • 139,5
  • Theory exercises
  • 32
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
Written examination, 2 hours under invigilation
The examination consists of two parts: A 30 minutes lecture on a given topic, chosen beforehand, and a two-hours written examination. All standard study material is allowed at the written examination (books, notes, pocket calculator). The lecture and the written exam are going to be weighted equally in the total grade
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
More internal examiners
Criteria for exam assesment
The highest mark (12) is given for excellent exam performance that demonstrates full mastering of the above mentioned teaching goals under Skills with no or only small irrelevant gaps. The grade 2 is given to a student who has achieved only minimally the course goals descirbed underSkills.