Advanced Condensed Matter Theory
graduate course

In the 'onderzoekschool' COMOP of the UL, UvA and VU, a course Advanced Condensed Matter Theory will be offered for AIO's/OIO's in condensed matter physics in the fall semester of 1999. This will be the last time that the course will be offered in this format by W. van Saarloos.

Levels and aim:
The course aims at graduate students (AIO's/OIO's) in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics, but is open to anyone interested. In spite of the diverse background and research interests of those who are expected to attend the course, an attempt will be made to make the course attractive to the large majority of the audience. Therefore, participants are encouraged to pose any question regarding the course material or condensed matter physics in general, or bring experimental data that can usefully be discussed, even if they are not immediately related to the subject matter of the course. Audience participation is also stimulated in the periods after the breaks, when general condensed matter problems handed out before the breaks, are discussed.

Subject:
The set-up of the course is essentially like the ones taught in 1995, 1996, and 1998. In the first half of the course, we will discuss Fermi Liquid Theory, following lecture notes provided and the first part ofthe article 'Landau Fermi Liquid Theory and Low Temperature, Properties of Normal Liquid 3He' by G. Baym and C. Pethick which appeared in: The Physics of Liquid and Solid Helium, ed. K.H. Bennemann and J.B. Ketterson (Wiley, part 1 1976, part 2 1978). These articles have recently been reprinted as the book Landau Fermi Liquid Theory, G. Baym and C. Pethick (Wiley, New York, 1991).
In the second half of the course we will discuss elements of the Kondo Problem (introduction to the problem; perturbation theory; scaling arguments; Nozières low temperature Fermi liquid arguments), and phase transitions as examples of symmetry breaking, focussing on magnetic systems (classical and quantum systems) and superconductors/superfluids. The discussion of the latter two subjects will be based on the lecture notes that are provided. Our discussion of the Kondo Problem in the second half of the course can serve as an introduction to the more detailed course "Kondo Problem" taught by K.J. Schoutens at the UvA.

Course material:
Participants are adviced to get a copy of the article (or book) by Baym and Pethick mentioned under 'subject'. In addition, a typed syllabus will be made available at the first meeting on September 13. The 1999 syllabus is identical to the one used in 1996.

Teacher:
The course will be taught by W. van Saarloos, Instituut-Lorentz, UL.
Phone: 071-5275501, e-mail: saarloos@lorentz.LeidenUniv.nl

Language:
The course will be taught in English.

Prerequisite:
It is assumed that participants have followed a basic course in condensed matter or solid state theory, such as 'theorie van de gecondenseerde materie' taught at the Universiteit Leiden, so that they are familiar with general concepts like second quantisation, the Sommerfeld model, etc.

Examination:
In the form of a traditional oral exam ('tentamen'). A summary of the requirements for the exam is given here.

Time, date, place:
The course has been scheduled from 10 sharp - 12.45 on Monday mornings; the location is given in the table below

UL, HL 2281)

UvA, WZI 2862)

VU, S 2033)

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Sept. 20
-
Oct. 44)
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Oct. 18
-
Nov. 1
-
Nov. 15
-
-

Sept. 13
-
-
-
Oct. 11
-
-
-
Nov. 8
-
-
Nov. 29

-
-
Sept. 27
-
-
-
Oct. 255)
-
-
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Nov. 22
-

1) HL 228 = Huygens Laboratory, Niels Bohrweg 2, Leiden.
2) WZI = Van der Waals-Zeeman Instituut, Valckenierstr. 65, Amsterdam.
3) S 203 = VU (2nd floor), De Boelelaan 1081, Amsterdam.
4) As will be discussed with the participants, this meeting may have to be moved because of a conflict with the 3rd October celebrations in Leiden.
5) This meeting is held in room P 046.


Travel expenses:
Travel expenses of participating AIO's/OIO's will be reimbursed by the local institutions.

Secretary:
The coordinating secretary for the course will be Ms. Hannie Andela of the secretariat of the 'Instituut-Lorentz', UL, phone 071-5275505, e-mail: andela@lorentz.leidenuniv.nl

 

[Courses and classes] [Wim van Saarloos] [Instituut-Lorentz]