PHZ7429-4312(29002) - Phase Condens Matter

Instructor: Prof. Yuxuan Wang (Office: 2116 NPB, Email: yuxuan.wang_at_ufl.edu)

Objective: Using statistical mechanics and quantum many-body theory, we will introduce the notion of phases and phase transitions. We will develop quantitative and qualitative descriptions of several important phases in condensed matter systems, including superconductivity, ferromagnetism and topological phases. 

Textbook & Lecture notes:

(1) Handwritten Lecture notes posted on Canvas.

(2) Quantum Field Theory and Condensed Matter, R. Shankar, Cambridge Press

(2) Condensed Matter Field Theory, A. Altland and B. Simons, Cambridge Press

(3) Field Theories of Condensed Matter Physics, E. Fradkin, Cambridge Press

Class Meet at Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Period 7 (1:55pm-2:45pm) at NPB 1011. Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies. Click here to read the university attendance policies.

Office hours: Period 8 MWF (in-person, right after class)

Grading policy: Homework and final exam. See also https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/grades-grading-policies/

GatorEvals: Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals, or via https://ufl.bluera.com/ufl/. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/.

Syllabus: 
1. Phases of the classical and quantum Ising model
2. Basics of quantum many body theory (Green's function method)
3. Fermi liquids and Luttinger's theorem
4. BCS theory of superconductivity
5. Ginzburg-Landau theory and Spontaneous symmetry breaking
6. Renormalization group
7. Wilson-Fisher critical point
8. 2d XY model (Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition)
9. Integer quantum Hall effect
10. Topological insulators and symmetry protected topological phases
11. Toric code 
12. Chern-Simons theory for topological orders

Students with disabilities who experience learning barriers and would like to request academic accommodations should connect with the disability Resource Center. Click here to get started with the Disability Resource Center. It is important for students to share their accommodation letter with their instructor and discuss their access needs, as early as possible in the semester.

On inclusion and diversity: Physics is practiced and advanced by a scientific community of individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities and is open and welcoming to everyone. The instructional team recognizes the value in diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of this course. This includes, but is not limited to differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion and disability. Students may have opportunities to work together in this course. We expect respectful student collaborations such as attentive listening and responding to the contributions of all teammates.  

Physics, like all human endeavors, is something that is learned. Our aim is to foster an atmosphere of learning that is based on inclusion, transparency and respect for all participants.  We acknowledge the different needs and perspectives we bring to our common learning space and strive to provide everyone with equal access. All students meeting the course prerequisites belong here and are well positioned for success. 

 

Last updated: 8/21/2023

Public Domain This course content is offered under a Public Domain license. Content in this course can be considered under this license unless otherwise noted.