Extreme Conditions Physics
Module PH2243
Module version of WS 2017/8
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS 2021/2 | WS 2020/1 | WS 2018/9 | WS 2017/8 | WS 2016/7 |
Basic Information
PH2243 is a semester module in German or English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 45 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2243 in the version of WS 2017/8 was Elena Hassinger.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
In condensed matter physics, experiments at low temperature, high pressure and high magnetic field are widely used to elucidate the physical properties of a material. In this lecture, starting with He and going to modern unconventional superconductors, we will investigate the phase diagrams of various correlated materials. We will dig into the physics of the appearing groundstates which are induced by changes of temperature, pressure or field, with the aim to draw analogies between different systems. A part of the lecture will also deal with the technical aspects of how extreme conditions are produced in the laboratory.
1) Low temperature
- Properties of quantum liquids
- Fermi liquid
- Superfluidity in 3He and 4He
- Two-fluid model
- Bose Einstein condensation
- Phase transitions
- Unconventional superconductivity
- Low temperature techniques
2) High pressure
- Pressure-induced phase transitions
- Quantum phase transitions
- Phase diagrams of correlated electron systems
- High pressure techniques
3) High magnetic field
- High field techniques
- Quantum oscillations
- Field induced phase transitions
Learning Outcome
After the successful participation at the module, the participants will be able to
-- draw correct phase diagrams of He and correlated electron systems
-- describe apparent phases and their remarkable physical properties
-- name and explain examples of current topics in condensed matter physics that are studied using extreme conditions
-- connect physical properties of a material to the relevant magnetic or electronic interactions
-- draw analogies between superfluidity and superconductivity
-- chose the appropriate techniques to conduct experiments in different extreme conditions having in mind limits, advantages and disadvantages of the technique
Preconditions
Introduction to solid state physics, basic knowledge of superconductivity
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Extreme Conditions Physics | Hassinger, E. |
Mon, 12:00–14:00, PH 2271 |
eLearning |
| UE | 1 | Exercise to Extreme Conditions Physics | Hassinger, E. | dates in groups |
eLearning |
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lecture, beamer presentation, blackboard work, discussions, homework exercises, exercise discussion in groups, self studies, small presentations by participants
Media
blackboard, powerpoint
Literature
"Low temperature physics" by Christian Enss and Siegfried Hunklinger
"Matter and methods at low temperature" by Frank Pobell
"Superconductivity, Superfluids and Condensates" by James Annett
"High pressure physics" by John Loveday
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- Drawing of phase diagram of a correlated electron system and explanation of the appearing phases.
- Explanation of physical properties of unconventional superconductors and list of Erläuterung examples.
- Reasoned choice of the adapted experimental techniques for a given experiment in extreme conditions.
Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.
There will be a bonus (one intermediate stepping of "0,3" to the better grade) on passed module exams (4,3 is not upgraded to 4,0). The bonus is applicable to the exam period directly following the lecture period (not to the exam repetition) and subject to the condition that the student passes the mid-term of active participation in the tutorial with regular presentation of results