Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems
Module PH2161
Basic Information
PH2161 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in summer semester.
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 h | 110 h | 10 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2161 is Wilhelm Zwerger.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
The module provides an introduction to classic and current topics in many-body physics at the graduate level. The following topics are covered:
I) Fermi Liquid Theory
1) Basics and thermodynamic properties
2) Dynamics and transport
3) Fermi polaron, Anderson’s orthogonality catastrophe
II) Quantum Phase Transitions
1) Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson model
2) Superfluid-Mott-Insulator transition
3) Hertz-Millis theory for itinerant magnetism
III) Quantum Hall Effect
1) Incompressibility, Laughlin wave functions
2) Chern-Simons theory and chiral edge states
3) Abelian and non-abelian quasi-particles, Moore-Read state
IV) Topological Phases
1) Topological insulators
2) Majorana Fermions
3) Spin-Ice and ’magnetic monopoles’
Learning Outcome
Preconditions
It is assumed that students are familiar with Quantum Mechanics I+II, Statistical Physics/Thermodynamics and also the
basic concepts in Solid State Physics.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VU | 6 | Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems | Zwerger, W. |
singular or moved dates |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Media
Literature
- X. G. Wen: Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems, Oxford Graduate Texts, 2007
further special literature will be given during the lecture
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.
In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 90 minutes.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.